Competitiveness Council

from 25 November 2010 to 26 November 2010
09:00 - 15:00

The Competitiveness Council is composed of the Economic Affairs, Industry and/or Research Ministers of the EU Member States. The Council typically meets formally four times a year and deals with issues such as internal market issues, industry and scientific research. It also deals with matters ranging from tourism to better regulation and certain aspects of consumer affairs and competition.

Agenda

Background note

INVITATION

Belgian Presidency of the European Union

Press Conference 26 November 2010
Competitiveness/Research Council

Minister Benoît Cerexhe, who presides over the Research section of the Competitiveness Council, has the pleasure of inviting you to the press conference which he will give on 26 November at 1 pm at « Justus Lipsius » after the Competitiveness/Research Council of 25 and 26 November 2010.

This encounter with the press will take place with the participation of European Commissioner for Research, madam Maire Geoghegan-Quinn.

The main issues addressed will be the adoption by the Council of conclusions as regards innovation (in reponse to the Commission's communication « Innovation Union ») and joint research programming in Europe.

To get out of the crisis in a sustainable way while preserving its social model, Europe must opt for a new type of growth of which the engines will be knowledge and innovation and ever less the exploitation of depletable natural resources. The Belgian Presidency has adapted itself to this perspective during these 6 months and has targeted the promotion of the building of bridges between research, industry, innovation and higher education, in order to develop even more our European research potential and to better transform it into economic results and employment.

Practical information for the media
Adress for this day: Justus Lipsius 175 Rue de la Loi
Please present your press card to be able to assist to this press conference.

Press attaché of Minister BENOIT CEREXHE:
Kathrine Jacobs 0474.62.40.43 kjacobs@cerexhe.irisnet.be

Print | Download as a PDF file |

Councils: Competitiveness

Where

Justus Lipsius, Rue de la Loi 175, 1048 Brussels

Javascript is required to view this map.

Decision-making process

Council of the EU:
The Council decides

The Council decides on legislative proposals. This takes place in accordance with normal legislative procedure, in consultation with the European Parliament. The Council meets in various configurations. There have been ten council configurations since the Treaty of Lisbon came into effect. Each council configuration deals with a number of fixed areas and is comprised of the authorised national ministers. Every minister in the Council is authorised to enter into agreements on behalf of their government. Each council configuration – except for the Foreign Affairs Council, which is chaired by the High Representative – is chaired by the member state currently presiding over the rotating six month role.
European Parliament:
The European Parliament decides

The European Parliament has various commissions. They prepare the contents of the recommendations for the legislative proposals. The European Parliament, together with the Council, accepts legislative proposals from the European Commission. Since the Treaty of Lisbon came into effect, the procedure whereby both institutions decide on the vast majority of the areas on an equal footing (normal legislative procedure) has been applicable. In this normal legislative procedure, both institutions must approve the legislative proposal in question. The European Parliament can accept, reject or change the content of legislative proposals.
Council working groups and the COREPER:
The council working groups and the COREPER prepare

The council working groups and the Permanent Representatives Committee prepare the Council activities. They attempt to prepare the ground as much as possible for a compromise. There is therefore a long and intensive preparation before every Council meeting. The member state chairing the Council presides over the Coreper and the bulk of the council working groups.
European Commission:
The European Commission draws up new legislative proposals

The European Commission draws up legislative proposals that it presents to the Parliament and the Council. These proposals must protect the interests of the EU as a whole. The Commission is comprised of 27 members. Each member state therefore nominates one member. The College of Commissioners meets every week on Wednesday mornings in Brussels. In these meetings they discuss each point on the agenda and then make a collective decision. Each member of the Commission can request a vote. The European Commission decides by normal majority.

Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Search