Main results

Internal market and industry, 28 November

Directive on representative actions

The Council agreed a general approach on the proposed directive. This agreement will enable the Council to begin negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to the swift adoption of the directive at second reading.

The Single Market can only realise its full potential if EU consumers have access to efficient and affordable tools to enforce their rights in all Member States. The text agreed today provides consumers with such tools while also protecting traders against abusive litigation.

Timo Harakka, Finnish minister of employment

Directive amending directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of income tax information

The Council examined the latest presidency compromise proposal on the directive. In the absence of sufficient support for the presidency’s proposal, the presidency announced that it would continue work on this file and that it would reflect on the best way for taking this forward.

External dimension of European competitiveness

On the basis of a presidency note, the Council had an exchange of views on how to ensure that EU businesses compete efficiently and on equal terms with their competitors in the global market. Discussions focused mainly on the transition to a climate neutral economy, digitalisation and new technologies and competition distorting practices by third countries.

Any other business

Under any other business, the Council was informed by the presidency, the Commission and the Austrian and Danish delegations of the latest state of play in a number of projects falling under the remit of the Competitiveness Council. The Council also took note of a presentation by the Croatian delegation of the work programme of the incoming Croatian presidency in the field of internal market and industry.

Research and space, 29 November

Conclusions on “Space solutions for a sustainable Arctic”

The Council adopted conclusions on how to ensure a sustainable Arctic. In its conclusions, the Council stresses that space can act as a true enabler in the Arctic region, especially in combatting climate change and ensuring economically, socially and environmentally sustainable growth in the area.

Fostering a sustainable space economy

On the basis of a presidency note aimed at steering the debate, ministers exchanged views on the actions that are necessary for enhancing the positive leverage of the EU space policy on non-space sectors, such as digital transformation and climate action, as well as for fostering a sustainable space policy in the EU and across the globe.

There was broad agreement on the importance of space-related services for the digital transformation of the EU economy and for the fight against climate change. Ministers also concurred on the need for the EU to promote an agreement in international fora for the sustainable management of space activities.

Euratom programme complementing Horizon Europe

The Council examined the latest presidency compromise proposal on the regulation. It was noted that a small number of delegations could not support that proposal. The presidency announced that it will submit a progress report on the work done so far at a forthcoming Council meeting.

In the meantime, the presidency indicated its intention to issue a progress report on this file.

Horizon Europe package : Regulation on framework programme for research and innovation 2021-2027
a) Recitals
b) Annex IV (synergies)

The Council agreed on a partial general approach on annex IV of the Horizon Europe regulation, which deals with synergies between Horizon Europe and other EU programmes, as well as on those recitals that had not yet been agreed upon. This agreement will enable the Council to begin negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to the swift adoption of the regulation once an agreement is reached on the next multiannual financial framework.

Conclusions on the updated EU bioeconomy strategy

The Council adopted conclusions on the updated bioeconomy strategy for Europe. In its conclusions, the Council expresses its support for the updated bioeconomy strategy set out in the Commission communication. It calls on member states to implement this strategy without delay and on the Commission to facilitate and drive forward its implementation.

Regulation on European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The Council agreed on a partial general approach concerning the proposed regulation on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This agreement will enable the Council to begin negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to the swift adoption of the regulation at first reading once an agreement is reached on the multiannual financial framework.

Decision on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology

On the basis of a presidency note, the Council took stock of progress achieved so far in discussions within the Council’s preparatory bodies on the draft decision.

Any other business: Work programme of the incoming presidency

The Council was informed by the Croatian delegation of the work programme of the incoming Croatian presidency in the field of space, research and innovation.