Competitiveness ministers discuss internal market development and innovation funding

The EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will meet in Prague on 19-22 July 2022. The first two days of the meeting will focus on internal market and industrial policy issues, followed by research and innovation.

Ann-Mari Kemell, State Secretary to Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, will represent Finland at the meetings. In informal meetings, ministers discuss current issues, but no decisions are taken.

The Prague meeting will discuss increasing the added value of the EU industry, with particular focus on regions that are lagging behind in terms of innovation development. Other topics on the agenda will include the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the internal market.

Finland wants to promote cooperation in industrial policy, internal market development and research and innovation activities. The aim is a sustainable and globally competitive renewal of the economy. Finland is in favour of investing in digitalisation and new technologies in the economic reform.

The ministers for research and innovation will discuss more efficient ways of utilising different funding programmes for research and innovation. Making use of the Horizon Europe programme and other funding opportunities is an important factor in European competitiveness. 

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