EU competitiveness ministers to discuss the Chips Act and resilience of industry and space programme
The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will meet in Luxembourg on 9–10 June 2022. On the first day, the ministers will discuss topics related to the single market and industrial policy, followed by research, innovation and space on the second day.
Ann-Mari Kemell, State Secretary to Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, will represent Finland at the meetings. On the first day of the Council meeting, the participants will discuss a proposed EU regulation on chips that aims to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
It is important for Finland that the instruments and funding already in existence are used as effectively as possible to develop the semiconductor sector in Europe. Moreover, the effects that the regulation could have on distorting competition and hindering the functioning of the internal market need to be minimised.
Strengthening the resilience of the European industrial ecosystem is also on the agenda on the second day. Finland stresses the need to develop international partnerships in order to diversify the supply chains of raw materials and to improve the security of supply. In addition, the Council will adopt a general approach to the Consumer Credit Directive.
Council to adopt conclusions on values and principles for R&I cooperation
On the second day, the Council will discuss research, innovation and space matters. The Council will adopt conclusions on European missions, principles and values for international cooperation in research and innovation, assessment of research, and open science. The ministers will also hold a policy debate on supporting young researchers in times of crisis.
With regard to space, the Council will adopt conclusions on the development of the Copernicus programme until 2035 and the EU’s view on space traffic management. The Council will also discuss the resilience and competitiveness of the EU space programme. Finland considers it important that the European space policy is used to renew industry and thereby ensure that the EU remains a leader in international competition.
Inquiries:
Taru Löyttymäki, Senior Specialist and coordinator for competitiveness issues, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 177