Competitiveness ministers to discuss the recovery of the EU economy

EU ministers responsible for industry and internal market will meet via video conference on Friday 15 May 2020 to discuss plans for the EU’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen will represent Finland at the meeting.

“The coronavirus has had a very severe impact on our economy and businesses. We need cooperation at EU level to survive this crisis. Special effort should be made in the EU to build a bridge to recovery from the coronavirus crisis,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.

“The EU’s internal market has functioned well during the crisis; this is important for economic recovery. A fair and just transition into a green and digital economy as well as investment in young people will strengthen the EU single market and employment. It is important to pay special attention to young people. We cannot afford to lose an entire generation due to the coronavirus crisis,” Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen emphasises.

Single market, green transition and digital transformation on the agenda

The purpose of the meeting is to give the ministers responsible for competitiveness an opportunity to express their views on the priorities of the EU’s recovery plan and on the actions it contains. The ministers will discuss the industries that have been hit hardest, and the European Green Deal growth strategy. In particular, the Ministers will discuss the following:

• A fully functioning single market
• Industrial policy, the recovery of European industry, and sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus
• The role of the EU growth strategy and digital transformation in the economic recovery

A discussion paper prepared by the Croatian Presidency will serve as the basis for discussion. No formal decisions will be made at the meeting.

Inquiries:

Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7171
Jenni Karjalainen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7224
Pauliina Porkka, Adviser to the Minister of Employment (EU Affairs), tel. +358 29 504 8278
Venja Henningsen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7195