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22/05/2023 00:00 | Event Competitiveness Council On 22-23 May, EU competitiveness ministers will meet in Brussels for the second formal Competitiveness Council meeting during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. On 22 May, EU industry ministers will discuss the internal market and industry issues, and on 23 May EU research ministers will discuss research and space issues. Competitiveness Council Council of the EU 22 - 23 May 2023 Competitiveness Council Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch and Minister for Education Mats Persson.© Kristian Pohl/Government Offices Practical information Date 22 - 23 May 2023 Location Brussels, Belgium Organiser Council of the European Union External Link Council of the European Union On 22-23 May, EU competitiveness ministers will meet in Brussels for the second formal Competitiveness Council meeting during the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. On 22 May, EU industry ministers will discuss the internal market and industry issues, and on 23 May EU research ministers will discuss research and space issues. “I look forward to meeting my EU colleagues to discuss a series of issues that are important for strengthening EU competitiveness. This is fully in line with the priorities of the Swedish Presidency,” says Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, who will chair the meeting on 22 May. “I look forward to meeting my European colleagues to discuss such issues as open science and how to achieve a fair use of space. These issues are important not only for the EU but also for the world as a whole,” says Minister for Education Mats Persson, who will chair the meeting on 23 May. Day 1 Single market and industry Ecodesign Ministers are expected to adopt a general approach for the regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. The aim is to make it possible to regulate the sustainability of products throughout their lifecycle and promote the single market through harmonised EU rules.Regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products The EU’s long-term competitiveness Ministers will discuss the Commission communication of 20 March on the long-term competitiveness of the EU. The Council meeting will discuss a structured Council process to follow up and measure competitiveness in various sectors on an annual basis.Long-term competitiveness of the EU: looking beyond 2030 The single market at 30 and beyond Ministers will discuss the communication ‘Single Market at 30,’ presented by the Commission on 16 March.Single market at 30 Critical Raw Materials Act The Council meeting will also hold a policy debate on the Commission communication on the Critical Raw Materials Act, whose aim is to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials to implement the green and digital transitions.A secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in support of the twin transition Other agenda itemsInformation on the Unitary Patent Court System and the Single Market at 30, followed by a ceremony to celebrate the entry into force of the Unitary Patent System Information on the review of EU legislation on design protection Presentation by the incoming Spanish Presidency of its work programme Information on the Net Zero Industry Act Day 2 Research and space issues Open science and scholarly publishing Agenda items include the adoption of Council Conclusions on high-quality, open, transparent, trustworthy and equitable scholarly publishing. The Council Conclusions aim to accelerate the transition to open science, with a focus on improving the quality, effectiveness and impact of research. Knowledge security Ministers will hold a policy debate on knowledge security and responsible internationalisation. Knowledge security is about analysing how open research environments can be protected from all forms of malicious activity. This has become increasingly important due to the geopolitical situation and challenges. Responsible internationalisation refers to the process of fostering global cooperation in a way that promotes the sharing of knowledge and expertise while safeguarding EU interests and values. During the informal lunch, EU research ministers will discuss science denial and knowledge resistance. Fair and sustainable use of space The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on ‘Fair and sustainable use of space’ due to rapid technological developments, which have resulted in space quickly becoming more congested with satellites and space debris. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly dependent on space infrastructure to carry out vital societal functions. The Conclusions will state that the EU considers space a Global common, which must therefore be protected so it can also be used in future for the benefit of people and society. The Conclusions will include recommendations and proposals for the Commission and EU Member States on how they can cooperate and carry out activities to ensure a sustainable use of space. Space traffic management is cited as a necessary tool for maintaining a long-term sustainable space domain. EU space policy in a new geopolitical landscape Ministers will hold a policy debate on how the new geopolitical situation and the recently published communication on ‘European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence’ could affect current space programmes. A stated ambition of this strategy is for the EU to have dual-use (civilian and defence) space-based systems and services aimed at increasing the independence of the EU and its Member States. This will be done while maintaining the civilian nature of space programmes, but without hindering the possibilities presented by New Space. This must also be considered from the perspective that society and citizens are increasingly dependent on space-based services. The overall policy objectives of EU space programmes have been to meet public sector need for space data such as positioning, navigation and timing, and earth observation data. Other important policy objectives have been to strengthen the European space sector, innovation and economic growth. Ministers will also discuss how to achieve synergies while maintaining space programme policy objectives. Finally, the incoming Spanish Presidency will present its work programme to the ministers. Other agenda itemsInformation from the Commission on the Seal of Excellence Information from the Commission on Conferences on the Future of Science Presentation by the incoming Spanish Presidency of its work programme More information about the agenda and the outcome of this meeting is available on the website of the Council of the European Union.

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 13:30 | Press release | Moldova: EU launches civilian mission to strengthen the resilience of the security sector in the areas of crisis management and countering hybrid threats   The Council is launching today the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the resilience of the security sector in the country. The aim of the mission, formally established on 24 April 2023 at the request of Moldova’s authorities, is to contribute to the strengthening of Moldova’s crisis management structures and to enhance its resilience to hybrid threats, including cybersecurity, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). To this end, the mission will provide advice at strategic level and identify the needs for capacity building. The Head of Mission will be Cosmin Dinescu. The Civilian Operation Commander will be Stefano Tomat, EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC). The efforts to destabilise the Republic of Moldova have noticeably increased since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the external borders of the EU.

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 10:13 | Press release | Council confirms 6 to 9 June 2024 as dates for next European Parliament elections   The Council today confirmed that the next elections to the European Parliament will take place from 6 to 9 June 2024. These are the dates applicable under the EU Electoral Act, which determines that the European parliamentary elections take place every five years, from Thursday to Sunday, normally in the first full week of June. The dates were confirmed after exchanges within the Council preparatory bodies. Next steps Member states will now determine, according to their respective legal and constitutional frameworks, the date or dates in the period from 6 to 9 June 2024 when they will be holding the vote in their country. Council statement on the date of elections to the European Parliament in 2024 1976 Electoral Act

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 10:08 | Press release | New rules for machinery: Council gives its final approval   The Council has today adopted the new regulation on machinery. The proposed legislation updates the 2006 machinery directive and transforms it into a regulation. The new text harmonises the essential health and safety requirements for machinery in the EU, promotes the free movement of machinery and ensures a high level of safety for workers and citizens. "The updated rules will allow European industry to operate under a new and improved legal framework. They will ensure a high level of protection for our workers and our citizens, while increasing the competitiveness and reputation of machinery made in the EU." Paulina Brandberg, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Conformity and documentation requirements The regulation adopted today makes mandatory a third-party conformity assessment for six categories of ‘high risk’ machinery. Safety information will have to be provided with every product, but in line with the digital transition, the regulation establishes that digital instructions will be the default option. Paper instructions will remain an option for customers who request them.

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 11:01 | Press release | Council conclusions on addressing the humanitarian funding gap   The Council approved conclusions underlining the urgent need to address the increasing gap between humanitarian needs and resources. The Council reiterates the essential role of the EU and its Member States in supporting humanitarian action worldwide and suggests addressing the gap through increased and broader resource base for humanitarian action, enhanced effectiveness and efficiency of the humanitarian system, and reducing humanitarian needs. Furthermore, the Council encourages the Member States to continue their efforts in this regard by contributing at a level commensurate with their financial means, and ensuring that an appropriate share of their Official development assistance (ODA) is devoted to humanitarian action, on the basis of existing humanitarian needs. Council conclusions on addressing the humanitarian funding gap

 

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 11:12 | Press release | Ecodesign regulation: Council adopts position   The Council has adopted its position (‘general approach’) on the proposed regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. The new regulation will replace the existing 2009 directive and enlarge the scope to set environmental sustainability requirements for almost all kind of goods placed on the EU market. It establishes a Digital Product Passport and sets out rules regarding transparency about and prohibition of the destruction of unsold consumer goods. The Council position improves the framework for the Commission empowerment on the setting of ecodesign requirements and reinforces the ambition of this regulation through a direct ban on the destruction of unsold textiles (with an exemption for micro and small enterprises and a transition period for medium sized companies). It excludes motor vehicles from the scope of the directive and gives companies a minimum time to adapt to new requirements coming from the Commission. "If we want really sustainable European products on the market, we need to address the issue from the starting point: their design. The Ecodesign regulation will make sure that products sold in the EU market are fit and ready for the green transition." Ebba Busch, Swedish Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Eco-requirements and digital passport The ecodesign regulation will be applicable to almost all categories of products. It establishes a harmonised framework for setting requirements for specific product groups to make them both energy- and resource-efficient (as was the case in the existing 2009 directive) but more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, recyclable and easier to maintain. The Commission can propose new requirements through delegated acts when new kinds of products or technologies require it. The regulation also aims to facilitate the movement of such products in the Single Market. A new "Digital Product Passport" will provide information about products' environmental sustainability. It will help consumers and businesses make informed choices when purchasing products and help public authorities to better perform checks and controls. The proposal also establishes provisions on transparency and prevention of destruction of unsold consumer products and green public procurement. The Council’s position The Council position clarifies how member state experts, but also other stakeholders such as industry, should be involved when the future ecodesign requirements are developed. It also clarifies the criteria and aspects that should be considered before ecodesign requirements are developed. The general approach introduces a direct-ban on the destruction of textiles, footwear and apparel, with a 4-year exemption for medium-sized companies, and a general exemption for small and micro companies. The ban tries to reduce the environmental impact of clothes or accessories that are produced but never used, particularly since the rapid growth of online sales. This amounts to a loss of valuable economic resources as goods are produced, transported, and afterwards destroyed without ever being used for their intended purpose. The Council position excludes motor vehicles from the groups of goods covered by this directive, since specific laws address the environmental impact of automobiles. Finally, the general approach of the Council provides a minimum transition period of 18 months after the entry into force of the delegated act setting out ecodesign requirements before it starts applying, thus giving economic operators time to adapt to the new requirements. Member states are also given 2 years to adapt and adopt the necessary national measures, including those relating to market surveillance and fines.

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 12:02 | Press release | Capital markets union: Council agrees its position on the instant payments proposal   The Council agreed its position on the instant payments proposal which aims to improve the availability of instant payment options in euro to everyone who owns a bank account in the EU and in EEA countries. Instant payments allow people to transfer money within ten seconds, also outside business hours, not only within the same country but also to another EU member state. Under the proposed rules, payment service providers such as banks which provide standard credit transfers in euro will be required to also offer the service of sending and receiving instant payments in euro. The charges they apply (if any) must not be higher than the charges they apply for standard credit transfers. "Today we agreed our position on revised rules which will boost the speed of money transfers in Europe. This will increase the choice of payment options for consumers in Europe." Elisabeth Svantesson, Minister for Finance of Sweden In addition, the new rules will improve the strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector as they will help to reduce any excessive reliance on third-country financial institutions and infrastructures. In its position, the Council specifies that the implementation of the new rules will happen faster in member states which are within the euro area. For payment service providers located in member states outside the euro area, there will be a phased implementation time. In the first phase, they will be obliged to carry out instant payments only during business hours. In a second step the same rules as for euro area payment service providers will apply. This is to address concerns that payment service providers outside the euro area could face challenges in access to euro liquidity outside regular business hours. The sending of instant payments in euro from non-euro accounts will be only mandatory during business hours for those payment service providers who also provide standard transfers in euro. Member states want to keep an eye on the evolution of charges for national and cross-border credit transfers and instant credit transfers in national currencies of member states and in euro. Therefore, the Council includes a review clause with a requirement for the Commission to present a report which shall contain an evaluation of the development of these charges over time. Now that the Council has set its position on the proposal, it is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament in order to agree on a final version of the text. Background This initiative comes in the context of the completion of the Capital Markets Union. In March 2021 and April 2022 the Council adopted conclusions in which it highlighted the widespread use of instant payments and recalled the objective of developing competitive EU-wide market-based payment solutions. On 26 October 2022 the Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation on instant credit transfers in euro. It amends and modernises the single euro payments area (SEPA) regulation of 2012 on standard credit transfers in euro by adding to it specific provisions for instant credit transfers in euro. The aim of the draft regulation is to increase the uptake of euro instant credit transfers and to facilitate the access to such services for consumers and businesses in the Union. There will be the following requirements regarding euro instant payments: making instant euro payments universally available, with an obligation on EU payment service providers that already offer credit transfers in euro to offer also their instant version making instant euro payments affordable, with an obligation on payment service providers to ensure that the price charged for instant payments in euro does not exceed the price charged for traditional, non-instant credit transfers in euro increasing trust in instant payments, with an obligation on providers to verify the match between the bank account number (IBAN) and the name of the beneficiary provided by the payer in order to alert the payer of a possible mistake or fraud before the payment is made removing friction in the processing of instant euro payments while preserving the effectiveness of screening of persons that are subject to EU sanctions, through a procedure whereby payment service providers will verify at least daily their clients against EU sanctions lists, instead of screening all transactions one by one Position of the Council ahead of negotiations with the Parliament Commission proposal Council adopts conclusions on strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector (press release, 5 April 2022) Retail payments: Council supports action to promote instant payments and EU-wide payment solutions (press release, 22 March 2021) Digital finance (background information) Capital Markets Union (background information)

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● European Council   22/05/2023 12:13 | Press release | Joint Statement European Union - Republic of Korea Summit 2023   President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, met in Seoul on 22 May for the 10th Summit between the European Union and the Republic of Korea and issued the following statement. Joint statement

Press material Monday 22 May 2023

● Council of the EU   22/05/2023 12:37 | Press release | Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP): EU strengthens its civilian missions to better respond to crises around the world   Today the Council and its member states have agreed on a new Civilian CSDP Compact, a key deliverable from the Strategic Compass approved in March 2022. "More than 2 200 women and men work in 13 civilian missions across three continents. They react to a variety of situations from monitoring crises, strengthening partner countries' capacities, to supporting the work of the police or the judiciary. Their role is crucial. With the new Compact, we will make our missions more effective by acting faster, securing against new and emerging threats, investing in more and better civilian capabilities, and cooperating more with our partners." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The Compact aims to strengthen the civilian side of the Common Security and Defence Policy and enhance the civilian missions’ effectiveness, impact, flexibility, and robustness. This will enable them to tackle more efficiently current, emerging, and future security challenges. The Compact will also allow the EU to face more effectively the current geopolitical environment marked by the return of war to Europe with Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU is committed to raising the political visibility of civilian CSDP, including through annual discussions at ministerial level, as well as the understanding of its contribution to the security of European citizens, local communities, and EU’s partners. The EU also plans to be ready to deploy 200 civilian experts within 30 days, when needed, including in complex environments. The new Compact includes concrete commitments to have strengthened headquarters for civilian missions, strengthen the resilience of host states and related missions, enhance synergies with other EU instruments under the Integrated Approach to Conflicts and Crises and promote coordination and cooperation with justice and home affairs (JHA) and other relevant EU actors and partners. It also aims at investing further in the necessary capabilities aiming to increase the number of seconded experts across all missions and all levels aiming to reach at least 40% women’s participation and 100% seconded staff in operational positions. A civilian capability development process will be set-up to assess the capability needs, develop requirements, conduct a gap analysis and review periodically the progress made in line with the new Civilian CSDP Compact. Background The new Civilian CSDP Compact builds on the first Compact adopted in November 2018. Through the first Compact the EU has strengthened its capacity to deploy and sustain civilian crisis management missions. These missions aim to reinforce the police, rule of law and civil administration in fragile and conflict settings. The EU currently runs 13 civilian missions on 3 continents: the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) the European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah crossing point (EUBAM Rafah) the European Union Police and Rule of Law Mission for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS) the European Union Advisory Mission in Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Sahel Somalia) the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), the EU Mission in Armenia (EUM Armenia), and the recently established EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) Conclusions on the establishment of a Civilian CSDP Compact Civilian CSDP Compact factsheet (EEAS website) Civilian Compact Report (EEAS website) A Strategic Compass for a stronger EU security and defence in the next decade (press release, 21 March 2022) Civilian CSDP Compact: Council conclusions commend progress (press release, 13 December 2021) EU missions and operations (EEAS website)