The Council reached a general approach on a proposal for proportionality test for the regulation of professions and for the improved services notification procedure. State Secretary Krisztián Kecsmár emphasized that Hungary cannot support the notification proposal especially the introduction of the three month standstill period.
Ministers agreed on a common position for reforming the European car approval rules, in order to prevent a repeat of the Dieselgate emissions scandal. The aim of the proposal to achieve an adequate level of safety and environmental performance of motor vehicles and to address the main shortcomings identified in the existing type-approval system. Member States agreed to increase the competence of the European Commission to carry out tests and inspections of vehicles to ensure they comply with the rules.
In the Council Conclusions the Ministers adopted during the meeting they called on the Commission to provide a holistic EU industrial policy strategy by early next year. They also discussed what priorities they would like the Commission focus on in this strategy. State Secretary Krisztián Kecsmár expressed Hungary’s Hungary supports a new, comprehensive medium-term European industrial strategy and action plan. In addition, he pointed out that it was important to carry out a comprehensive impact assessment with an economic point of view before adopting any legal proposal with environmental, climate or energy aspects.
Ministers had a further exchange of views about the progress on implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy and Single Market Strategy. Commissioner Bieńkowska highlighted the importance of the prompt implementation of the strategies. State Secretary Krisztián Kecsmár confirmed that Hungary supports the creation of the European digital single market and the increased use of digital technologies in all sectors of the economy. Creating a strong cooperation in cyber security related questions between the EU Member States is one of our most important goals. We completely agree with the Commission and Member States that we can only enjoy the full benefits of the Single Market if we set ambitious goals. However, it is of utmost importance that legislative proposals have to respect the role of national parliaments as well as the limits set by the European Treaties.
Under the permanent competitiveness “check-up” agenda item ministers discussed the Single Market’s performance from a value chain perspective. State Secretary István Lepsényi highlighted our dependence on global markets and FDI, thus the need for improving investment environment in the EU. He agreed with a number of other ministers that the participation of SMEs in global chains had to be encouraged.
The Commission presented the results of the Fitness Check on EU Consumer and Marketing legislation published on 23 May. Supported by the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria, State Secretary Krisztián Kecsmár emphasized that the issue of dual quality of foodstuffs should be addressed and kept on the agenda as was confirmed by the European Council in March as well. He expressed his hope that the Commission will find an appropriate solution to this problem in future legislative proposals planned to be prepared based on the result of the Fitness Check. On behalf of the Commission, Vera Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender equality, committed herself to examine the problem thoroughly and to explore the possible solutions.
