On 22 January, Mr Kostis Hatzidakis (Minister for Development and Competitiveness) presented the priorities of the Greek Presidency. He stressed that competitiveness is the key in order to overcome the economic crisis and unemployment. The Presidency will focus on reclaiming the competitiveness of the European Single Market, on the financing of SME's and on promoting research, development and innovation. As a result, their main legislative priorities concern dossiers, such as: the Technical Harmonization, the Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package, the Package Travel and Assisted Travel Arrangements and the e-invoicing in Public Procurement.
Regarding the above dossiers, Mr Hatzidakis expressed his satisfaction for several matters like: the provisional agreement reached between the Council and the European Parliament (EP) on the Radio equipment Directive and the compromise proposal for the Pressure Equipment. He also expressed the Council's willingness to work with the EP towards an agreement on the transfer of vehicles registration. Additionally, he expressed support for the start of negotiations on the eCall dossier and also pointed out that the Package Travel and Assisted Travel Arrangements Directive is really important for the Greek Presidency and that he would like to see that particular file closed. Furthermore, he highlighted that the e-invoicing Directive is an action with high economic importance and cost saving potential. He concluded by regretting the absence of positive developments regarding the Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package, especially because of the problematic Article 7, regarding the "made in" country of origin and pledged to continue work towards a compromise in the Council.
Source : © European Union, 2014 - EP