Competitiveness Council, 28-29/11/2016 - Main results 28 November
Meeting information
Indicative programme - Competitiveness Council of 28 and 29 November
Provisional agenda, Competitiveness Council, 28-29 November 2016
List of A items, legislative deliberations - Competitiveness Council, 28-29 November 2016
List of A items, non-legislative activities - Competitiveness Council, 28-29 November 2016
Geo-blocking: removing barriers to e-commerce
The Council agreed on a general approach to ban unjustified geo-blocking within the internal market.
The draft regulation is aimed at preventing discrimination in cross-border sales of goods and services based on customers' nationality, place of residence or place of establishment.
"Shopping online from another EU country in the same way as locals do is something that many citizens expect nowadays. The new rules to stop unjustified geo-blocking will improve considerably the e-commerce economy and give citizens access to a wider choice of goods and services".
Peter Žiga, Minister of Economy of Slovakia
Geo-blocking: Council agrees to remove barriers to e-commerce
Progress on the single market strategy
Ministers assessed the progress made on the single market strategy one year after its launch. They also identified a number of priority initiatives within the strategy with high potential to create economic growth and employment.
"The Single Market today calls for targeted, well thought through and pragmatic interventions. First and foremost, we need to progress on services as 9 out of 10 jobs are today created in the services sector, although in cross-border situations they account for only 5 %. The Single Market also requires a stable and predictable environment where business and consumer confidence can thrive and investment can boom to serve citizens, consumers and businesses".
Peter Žiga, Minister of Economy of Slovakia
New Skills Agenda for Europe - competitiveness check-up
Ministers discussed the Skills Agenda for Europe in the context of the competitiveness check-up. They concentrated on the skills mismatch and future needs, the close links between acquisition of competences and the world of work, and the growing demands by companies of digital skills.
Unitary patent protection system
Ministers exchanged views on the Unitary patent protection system. They welcomed the confirmation by the United Kingdom delegation to start preparations for the ratification of the agreement for the establishment of the Unitary Patent Court.
The announcement paves the way for the unitary patent protection system to enter into operation as soon as possible in 2017.
Agenda highlights 29 November
New space strategy for Europe
The new space strategy will feature the Council's agenda for discussion.
The combination of space data with digital technologies open up many business opportunities and help to create jobs. Space technologies, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of European citizens: when using mobile phones and car navigation systems, watching satellite TV or withdrawing cash.
Support to young scientists and researchers
The Council is due to commit on measures aimed to help young researchers and to raise the attractiveness of scientific careers.