EU Council Presidency priorities in the field of competitiveness

During the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in the field of competitiveness Lithuania was seeking for economic growth in the EU and strengthening of the EU competitiveness policy. In order to enhance international competitiveness, economic growth and job creation in Europe the priority of the presidency was placed placed on the deepening of the EU Single Market, better environment for industry and small and medium-sized business, based on better regulation principles and public administration modernization.

Lithuania devoted adequate attention to completing the Single Market Act I and advancing on the Single Market Act II priority initiatives. Lithuania continued efforts on the improved implementation of the Services Directive. The presidency discussed the results of the peer review of regulations within the EU Member States, in order to eliminate disproportional restrictions applicable to legal form and shareholder requirements. The presidency also coordinated activities regarding improvement of the quality and scope of the services provided by the points of Single Contact.

Within the Council, Lithuania initiated discussions on the implementation of the European retail action plan and the electronic public procurement strategy. Lithuania also seeked to improve the governance of the Single Market, setting guidelines for further work in this field. Under the Lithuanian Presidency Council conclusions reviewing these aspects of the implementation of Single Market policy and drawing further directions were adopted.

The presidency aimed to achieve substantial progress within the Council regarding the Common Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package in order to update common product safety requirements, simplify market surveillance procedures, and provide for measures for the more efficient coordination and cooperation of market surveillance authorities.

The presidency progressed in implementing the EU industrial policy measures and agreed on short to mid-term priorities. Council conclusions on competitive European industry were adopted.

Lithuania focussed on the significant document dedicated to growth and sustainability of SMEs, i.e. the Small Business Act (SBA). Marking the 5 year anniversary of endorsement of the SBA, Lithuania initiated political discussions on the progress made and measures still needed to implement the principles of SBA.