Competitiveness Council

We have an extremely important meeting ahead of us, the first under the Polish Presidency. We will discuss three essential areas: the first is the restoration of a strong industry, the second is the strengthening of the single market, especially in the area of services, and the third – to which we attach great importance as the Presidency – is relieving businesses of the straitjacket of excessive burdens, so-called deregulation, because actions taken at the national level must be supported by deregulation efforts at the European level

- Minister Krzysztof Paszyk emphasised during a doorstep statement ahead of the Council session.

During the Competitiveness Council meeting, EU ministers of industry and economy discussed measures to enhance the competitiveness of European industry, particularly focusing on the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal.

Ministers also debated the strategy for the single market, especially the action plan for services. During a working lunch, views were exchanged on the communication concerning a comprehensive EU ‘toolkit’ for secure and sustainable e-commerce.

The Polish Presidency considers that, in order to boost trade in services within the EU and support European entrepreneurs, the Competitiveness Council should contribute to the process of identifying actions that ought to be included in the roadmap for services. This also includes identifying the barriers within the services sector that need to be removed as a priority. The Presidency highlighted issues such as barriers related to the posting of workers, recognition of qualifications, and permits

- emphasised Minister Krzysztof Paszyk.

During the session, ministers also responded to the first two packages providing simplification procedures for entrepreneurs. These are the first in a series of packages promised by the European Commission in the context of the Competitiveness Compass. The goal is to reduce reporting obligations by 25% for businesses in general and by 35% for SMEs.

The next debate is devoted to an issue of great importance for European competitiveness – namely, the reduction of burdens and the simplification of regulations applicable to European enterprises and citizens. This is a fundamental matter for unlocking additional investment potential among our businesses, which are struggling with complex regulations and facing an increasing number of obligations and restrictions

- said the Minister for Economic Development and Technology at the beginning of the next part of the Council meeting.

At the end of the day, ministers discussed industrial policy and the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). This mechanism allows the EU to set a fair charge for carbon emissions generated in the production of high-emission goods imported into the EU.

Media briefing

Europe’s economy today needs strengthening, because only a strong European economy will ensure Europe’s security. And to build a strong economy, we must urgently restore its competitiveness. And it is this competitiveness that today’s discussions were devoted to

- Minister Krzysztof Paszyk stated during a press briefing following the Council meeting. The press conference was also attended by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné.