EU competitiveness ministers to discuss the internal market’s competitiveness with the aim of adopting two general approaches

The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will discuss the internal market and ways to improve the Union’s competitiveness. Ministers will seek to adopt general approaches on a proposed directive concerning distance marketing of financial services and on a proposed regulation on short-term accommodation rental services.

The Competitiveness Council will discuss issues related to internal market and industry in Brussels on Thursday 2 March 2023. Finland will be represented by Ville Kopra, State Secretary to Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen. 

“We must work persistently to ensure Europe’s competitiveness where a well-functioning internal market plays a key role,” Kopra says.

The Council will debate the future of the EU internal market, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The topic is linked to broader discussion on the single market’s competitiveness and possible measures to support the EU economy. The European Council will also continue the discussion on the matter in March 2023. 

More transparency on short-term accommodation rental services

The Council is expected to adopt a general approach (a political agreement between the EU Member States) on the Commission’s proposed regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services. In practice, this means Airbnb-type accommodation. The proposal’s objective is to harmonise the regulation of short-term accommodation rental services in the EU, increase transparency and improve the sharing of data between different bodies. 

Finland considers the compromise proposal fair and balanced and is prepared to accept it. 

More rights to consumers

The Council also plans to adopt a general approach on the Commission’s proposed directive on financial services contracts concluded at a distance. The proposal aims to promote the provision of financial services in the internal market and to strengthen the rights and protection of consumers. 

Finland is prepared to accept the compromise proposal. However, in the trilogue negotiations with Parliament and the Commission, steps should be taken to ensure that expanding the right of consumers to withdraw from a contract does not impose unreasonable costs or administrative burdens on companies.  

Inquiries:  

Taru Löyttymäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 177