Member States agreed that financing conditions can be improved through the initiatives such as the Capital Market Union (CMU), EFSI and COSME programs. Minister of State István Lepsényi underlined that we needed to build a CMU that fits for all: not only for the big capital markets, but for the small ones as well.
Member States held an orientation debate about the Commission’s communication on the collaborative economy. The Commission considers that there is no need to create new legislation at EU level, but the correct implementation of the guidelines will be monitored. Member States agreed that fair competition between traditional and new business models has to be ensured. Representing Hungary Minister of State István Lepsényi emphasised that in order to encourage and implement the objectives of the collaborative economy and to preserve level playing field for traditional services at the same time, we need well-balanced legal environment, keeping in mind not only the interests of the new entrepreneurs but that of the existing companies and consumers as well.
Since the extraordinary Council meeting last November, the state of play of the European steel industry has been closely monitored by the Competitiveness Council. This time, too, Commissioner Bienkowska reported on the most recent measures taken with the aim of easing tensions in the industry. Furthermore, she reminded the Council, once again, on the necessity to come to an agreement on the TDI (trade defence instruments) proposal tabled by the Commission in 2013.
Intervening Member States (including Hungary) agreed with the request put forward by the Belgian delegation – and also formulated in a joint letter co-ordinated by Poland – that the Commission should deal with the development of an ambitious industrial policy as a matter of priority.
Ministers were informed that the Select Committee responsible for the enforcement of the Regulations on the unitary patent protection and the Preparatory Committee working on the establishment of the Unified Patent Court have completed their work, with the exception of some minor technical details, therefore, the launch of the unitary patent system is only dependent on the ratification by two Member States.
On the request of the Hungarian delegation, Commissioner Bienkowska informed the ministers that an impact assessment has already been completed regarding the review of the Regulation on Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) aiming at the possible introduction of an SPC manufacturing waiver, and two other studies, analysing the legal and economic impacts, are in the phase of preparation. The launch of the public consultation is foreseen in 2017, and the evaluation of the Commission and the legislative proposal can be expected at the end of next year.
