EU competitiveness ministers to meet in Brussels on 7–8 December
The EU’s Competitiveness Council will meet in Brussels on 7–8 December 2023. Minister of Employment Arto Satonen will represent Finland in the meeting of ministers responsible for internal market and industry on 7 December. Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman will be Finland’s representative at the meeting of the ministers responsible for research and space on 8 December.
The meeting on internal market and industry issues aims to reach a general approach on the proposed Net-Zero Industry Act. The Act’s objective is to strengthen the EU’s self-sufficiency in key net-zero technologies by streamlining permit processes, for example. It is important to Finland that the EU enables a wide range of technology solutions, leaving room for innovations as well. The Council will also discuss a Union-wide ban on products made with forced labour. Because forced labour causes significant problems across the world, Finland considers EU regulation justified to improve workers’ rights and working conditions globally.
The meeting of ministers responsible for research and space aims to adopt conclusions on the impact of research and innovation in policymaking. Another objective is to adopt the Commission’s proposal for a Council recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.
The policy debate will focus on utilising research as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience. Finland supports measures that promote the opportunities of all operators to benefit from the results of research activities as widely as possible.
As concerns space issues, the Council will adopt conclusions on the current state of space traffic management and discuss the future EU policy on space in a changing world. Finland supports measures that safeguard the availability of space-based services, ensure the safety of space activities and enhance space situational awareness.
Inquiries:
Jukka Sarhimaa, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, +358 295 047 330
Teemu Hartikainen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 50 563 0200
Maija Palmu, Chief Specialist, +358 295 047 020
Amira Attia, Coordinator, +358 295 047 289