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Press Release
Jeannot Krecké: "An internal market for services is of vital importance"

Date of release : 07-03-2005

Policy area : Competitiveness (Internal market, Industry and Research) Competitiveness (Internal market, Industry and Research)

Event : Competitiveness Council


Jeannot Krecké, Minister for the Economy and Foreign Trade, in the presence of François Biltgen, Minister for Culture, Higher Education and Research, chaired the meeting of the "Competitiveness" Council (internal market, industry and research) on 7 March 2005 in Brussels. Among the items on the agenda, the European ministers for Economy and Research reviewed the European Commission’s report entitled "Working Together for Growth and Jobs" and adopted the contribution of the "Competitiveness" Council in preparation of the European Council spring meeting (22 and 23 March 2005).

At the end of the meeting, Minister Krecké remarked on the directive on the liberalisation of services, that "an internal market for services is of vital importance" for the Lisbon objectives. While pointing out "that the right balances must be struck," the Minister added that "the directive in its current form will not be implemented," assuring that "a different text will come out of the institutional process." Chairman Krecké emphasised "that we must ensure that the text does not lead to social dumping."

After the debate on the mid-term revision of the economic and social reform process known as the "Lisbon Strategy," the ministers welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to concentrate efforts on growth and jobs. On this subject, they noted that the three pillars of this strategy - economic, social and environmental - are of equal importance and that the way synergies are created among the three must be strengthened. The ministers also underscored the importance attached to national action plans to implement the Lisbon Strategy.

Regarding the Council’s contribution to the spring meeting of the European Council, to be held 22 and 23 March 2005, Minister Krecké welcomed "the adoption of the contribution" by the Member States and noted that, although "there are still differences of opinion, the ministers were able to reach an agreement on the version the Presidency proposed" and that "the remarks of the Member States will be taken into consideration at the European Council meeting."

Regarding the internal market, the Council hoped that the necessary efforts will be made to create an attractive climate for investments within the European Union and to facilitate job creation through the internal market, for services in particular, as well as the improvement of both Community and national regulation, the guarantee of open and competitive markets, the strengthening of the European industrial base and the promotion of infrastructure development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The improvement of the regulation and the simplification of the legislation have been recognised as key components of the Lisbon Strategy, and the Council confirmed its intention to remain actively involved in this area and to cooperate with the Commission to ensure concrete results for European economic operators.

The ministers then exchanged views on the European Charter for Small Enterprises based on a questionnaire introduced by the Presidency, and they also examined the extent to which this charter could contribute towards achieving the objectives of the Lisbon Process.


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