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When:
30/05/2012 at 09:30 - 31/05/2012
Where:
Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Topic:
Business
|
Science and technology
|
Economy, finance, tax and competition
|
Environment, consumers and health
Organiser:
Council of the EU
On 30 May, the Council will deal with industry and internal market issues.
It will try to agree a general approach on two legal proposals on an out-of-court dispute resolution system for consumers: firstly, a draft directive (17795/11) ensuring that consumers can lodge complaints against traders to entities offering alternative dispute resolution procedures aimed at facilitating an amicable solution; secondly, a draft regulation (17815/11) providing a European online platform for resolution of disputes concerning cross-border online sales.
The Council will seek a partial general approach on a programme for the years 2014 to 2020 designed to improve the competitiveness of enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to encourage an entrepreneurial culture and to promote the creation and growth of SMEs (17489/11). This implies in particular improving access to finance for SMEs and access to markets. The proposed budget of EUR 2.5 bn for the seven years will depend on the discussions on the new multi-annual financial framework.
Ministers will hold a debate on a proposal for modernising public procurement rules (18966/11).
The goal of the proposal is to ensure that public tenders lead to the best possible outcomes in terms of value for money, as well as easy and fair access and transparency. In addition, the new rules should allow to better support the protection of the environment, energy efficiency, innovation and social inclusion.
The Council will also discuss the review of the professional qualifications directive (18899/11), in particular the creation of a European professional card to accelerate the recognition of qualifications, and the conditions for improving access to regulated professions.
Ministers are also expected to address the draft agreement for the creation of a unified patent court, with a view to finalising the "patent protection package" as soon as possible.
Finally, the Council will be invited to adopt conclusions on completing the digital single market for e-commerce and online services and ensuring the proper functioning of the single market through better governance.
Further information
• Single Market Act - Twelve levers to boost growth and strengthen confidence:9283/11.
The presidency will hold a press briefing in the Council press room on 29 May at 10.00.
A press conference will take place at the end of the meeting.
On 31 May, the Council will deal with research issues.
As regards the package of legislative proposals for the future Horizon 2020 framework programme for funding research and innovation projects for the years 2014 to 2020, the Council is expected to agree a partial general approach on the draft regulation laying down the general priorities and the specific objectives as well as the rules for control, monitoring and evaluation. The proposed budget of EUR 80 bn for the seven years will depend on the discussions on the new multi-annual financial framework. In addition, ministers will take note of reports on the progress of the three other parts of the package complementing Horizon 2020, namely: the rules on participation and dissemination; a specific programme for the implementation of Horizon 2020; and the research and training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community.
Ministers for research will also take stock of progress made on two proposals for improving the contribution of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to the objectives of Horizon 2020. The first proposal is a draft decision on the EIT's strategic innovation agenda, outlining the institute's priorities for the period 2014-2020 as well as the modalities for its operation (18091/11). The second proposal is a revision of the regulation establishing the EIT, with the aim to align it with the EIT’s new status as an integral part of the Horizon 2020 framework programme (18090/11).
Moreover, the Council is due to adopt conclusions on the governance of the European Innovation Partnerships, which are initiatives aimed at acelerating innovation in fields dealing with societal challenges, such as improving conditions for active and healthy ageing for European citizens.
Further information
• Horizon 2020 research programme: http://ec.europa.eu/research/horizon2020/index_en.cfm
• European Institute of Innovation and Technology: http://eit.europa.eu/
The presidency will hold a press briefing in the Council press room on 29 May at 10.00.
A press conference will take place after the meeting, at the end of the morning.
Comprehensive information (agenda, background note, etc) will be available closer to the date of the meeting on http://www.consilium.europa.eu/councilmeetings
