Internal market and industry, 27 May 2021
Regulation on a single market for digital services (Digital Services Act) and amending Directive 2000/31/EC
On the basis of a presidency report, the Council was informed of progress achieved so far in the examination of the proposed regulation within the Council’s preparatory bodies.
- Presidency report on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Single Market for Digital Services (Digital Services Act) and amending Directive 2000/31/EC, 12 May 2021
- Commission proposal for a digital services act, 16 December 2020
- The Digital Services Act package (European Commission)
Regulation on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector (Digital Markets Act)
On the basis of a presidency report, the Council was informed of progress achieved so far in the examination of the proposed regulation within the Council’s preparatory bodies.
- Presidency report – Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector (Digital Markets Act), 17 May 2021
- Commission proposal for a digital markets act, 17 December 2020
- The Digital Services Act package (European Commission)
Leveraging the European Union’s competitiveness and global influence through an ambitious digital services package
On the basis of a presidency note, ministers had a first policy debate on the aspects of the digital package (Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act) that they deem necessary to guarantee the strengthening of the digital single market and a safer online space, where fundamental rights are protected and competition is fair and free.
Delegations expressed satisfaction for the considerable progress made so far in the examination of the digital package within the Council. They stressed the need for clear, future-proof and proportionate rules, that guarantee the right mix of legal certainty and flexibility and foster innovation and competition in the EU’s digital single market. Efficient enforcement mechanisms at EU level, with the involvement of relevant national authorities, were mentioned as key to the success of the project.
Work is underway to create in Europe a legal framework that is fit for the data economy and trusted by businesses and consumers alike. A framework that fosters our competitiveness by ensuring a level-playing field and encouraging the participation of all of our creative resources.
Pedro Siza Vieira, Portuguese Minister of State for the Economy and the Digital Transition
- Presidency note – Leveraging European Union’s competitiveness and global influence through an ambitious Digital Services Package, 12 May 2021
- A digital future for Europe (policy page)
Updating the new industrial strategy for Europe – the critical importance of securing access to critical raw materials
On the basis of a presidency note, ministers held a policy debate on the updated new industrial strategy, focusing on the importance of securing access to critical raw materials.
Delegations welcomed the latest Commission communication on an updated EU industrial strategy. They voiced strong support for the suggested measures to deepen the integration and resilience of the internal market to the benefit of all actors, especially SMEs. They shared the need for a more inclusive and diversified network of supply chains for critical raw materials to ensure that the EU industry remains resilient in times of crises, in particular in sectors of strategic importance, such as pharmaceuticals, semi-conductors etc.
The lessons drawn from the COVID-19 crisis point to the need for the EU to strengthen its open strategic autonomy, in order to reinforce Europe’s position as a global player that is resilient, in charge of its own future, and able to promote an agenda of its own. We are in the process of assessing and addressing our vulnerabilities and dependencies on third countries regarding strategic goods, services, technologies and infrastructure, finding appropriate and coherent policy responses, and looking into possibilities for alliances with our partners worldwide to strengthen existing global value chains and to diversify external sources of supply. In this context, securing access to critical raw materials is a fundamental and necessary precondition for a successful transition towards a green and digital economy.
Pedro Siza Vieira, Portuguese Minister of State for the Economy and the Digital Transition
- Presidency note – Updating the new industrial strategy for Europe – the critical importance of securing access to critical raw materials, 17 May 2021
- Commission communication updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy
Conclusions on tourism in Europe for the next decade: sustainable, resilient, digital, global and social
The Council adopted conclusions on the future of European tourism.
Conclusions on data technologies to improve Better Regulation
The Council adopted conclusions on how to promote the use of data technologies in support of data-driven, digital-by-default and high-quality legislation, taking due account of the overall Better Regulation framework.
- Council conclusions on data technologies to improve Better Regulation, 27 May 2021
- Better law-making agreement (policy page)
- Commission communication of April 2021: “Better Regulation: Joining forces to make better EU laws and to prepare for the future”
Other business
Current legislative proposals
- Regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence
The Commission presented to the Council its recent proposal aimed at establishing a legal framework for trustworthy artificial intelligence and a well-functioning internal market for artificial intelligence systems.
- Proposal for a regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, 23 April 2021
- Regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market
On the basis of a note from the Commission, the Council was informed of the main objectives sought by the recently presented proposal for a regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market.
- Note from the Commission – Proposal for a Regulation on distortive foreign subsidies, 18 May 2021
- Proposal for a regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market
- Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy
The Commission presented to the Council its recent communication on the review of EU trade policy.
- Commission communication on the Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy
- EU industry competitiveness and effective harmonised standardisation
On the basis of a joint note, seventeen delegations informed the Council of their views concerning the challenges currently faced by the European standardisation system.
- Essential building blocks for a competition law and state aid framework enabling European competitiveness
On the basis of a note, the Austrian delegation informed the Council of its views on what is necessary in order to update the EU legal framework for competition and state aid.
- Note from the Austrian delegation on Essential building blocks for a competition law and State aid framework enabling European competitiveness, 17 May 2021
- Work programme of the incoming presidency
The Council was informed by the Slovenian delegation of the work programme of the incoming Slovenian presidency in the field of internal market and industry.
Live streaming
28 May 2021
- 08:30 Arrivals
- 12:20 Public session
- 14:15 Press conference (research)
- 17:15 Press conference (space)
Estimated schedule
Agenda highlights, 28 May
Research and innovation
European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking
Research ministers will be invited to adopt a general approach concerning the regulation on establishing the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (HPC) that aims to develop and maintain an integrated world-class supercomputing and data infrastructure in the EU.
Deepening the European Research Area and improving researchers’ careers
The Council is set to adopt conclusions on possible ways to enhance the attractiveness of research careers in the EU. Ministers will also exchange views on how to prepare the roll-out of an ambitious European Research Area for the next ten years.
Other matters
Ministers will be informed by the presidency of progress achieved so far in discussions regarding the EU’s participation in the European Partnership on Metrology, as well as on the regulation establishing the joint undertakings under Horizon Europe. They will also hear reports from the Commission on the membership of the Mission Innovation initiative and on the communication on a global approach to research and innovation.
Space
Ministers in charge of space will be invited to discuss the main building blocks of a future EU position on space traffic management. Furthermore, they will be invited to adopt conclusions on the need for a European approach to new space and the need to unleash the full potential of the EU’s Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS programmes to tackle climate change in coastal areas.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°3797
- Brussels
- 27 May 2021
- 09:30
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, non-legislative, addition 1
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
Syria: Council extends sanctions against the regime for another year- 27 May 2021, 15:56
Tourism in Europe for the Next Decade: Council adopts conclusions – 27 May 2021, 14:30
Petra Hielkema appointed chair of EIOPA – 27 May 2021, 13:51
Visa information system: Council adopts regulation to strengthen checks of visa applicants – 27 May 2021, 13:48
Media advisory – Competitiveness Council of 27 and 28 May 2021 – 25 May 2021, 15:15