Highlights - Presentation of priorities of Lithuanian Presidency by Minister of Economy - Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Mr Evaldas Gustas commenced by expressing Presidency's commitment to strive for a productive, constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with all the institutions and Member States and underlined that the Presidency is determined to be an honest and impartial broker. The Presidency, in the framework of the Competitiveness Council, will focus on the three priority areas: single market policy, modernisation of public administration and consumer-related matters.

 

The improvement of the single market governance and implementation of single market rules, along with progress on the Single Market Act I and II packages tops the list of Presidency's priorities. In particular, the Presidency will seek to assess the progress achieved and further improvement needed in the implementation of the Services Directive and of the European Retail Action Plan. The Presidency will concentrate its efforts on preparation for the implementation of the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications as well as it will encourage progress on implementing the European Digital Agenda. Secondly, the modernisation of public administration will contribute to improving business environment and encourage economic growth. As electronic procurement is an important factor in developing more efficient public administration, the Presidency will seek agreement on the Directive on e-invoicing in public procurement. Furthermore, Presidency will discuss the improvement of the activities of the Points of Single Contact in implementing the Services Directive and seek efficient employment of smart regulation tools aiming at favourable environment for business, particularly SMEs. Thirdly with regard to consumer related matters the priority will be given to Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package. The Minister is committed to make every effort to achieve progress on both Regulations in order to start trilogue negotiations in November 2013 and adopt the package by the spring of 2014. The Presidency also hopes to conclude negotiations on the Regulation on the Consumer Programme 2014-2020.