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EU competitiveness ministers to discuss industry as the driver of growth, green transition and boosting digitalisation

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Publication date 22.10.2020 12.29
Press release
Lähikuvassa työhanskat, joiden päällä tummat suojalasit.

On 23 October 2020, the EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will hold a video conference to discuss the EU’s competitiveness in the future. Finland will be represented by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Ville Kopra, State Secretary to Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen.

The competitiveness ministers will meet to discuss the European industrial strategy. The topics of the informal video conference are the EU industry as the driver of economic growth and recovery, promoting the green and digital transition, and ways to achieve a level playing field.

“Digitalisation is the most important driver of the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the EU’s industry. Low-carbon roadmaps for industry and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology are among the key issues in enabling the green and digital transition,” Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Mika Lintilä says.

Finland considers it important that the different EU funding programmes support European research and innovation aimed to improve the competitiveness of the industrial sector.

Well-functioning single market in a key position

The coronavirus pandemic has had enormous impacts on European industry. The disease situation has disrupted production chains, restricted people’s movement and reduced the demand for products. European industry will recover through efficient and innovative SMEs. For economic growth and recovery it is an absolute necessity that European markets remain open and competitive.

“We must make sure that the companies have a level playing field for doing business, both in the single market and globally. A well-functioning single market and clear rules and decisions on competition and State aid policies are in a key position to attract investments,” State Secretary Ville Kopra says.

The initiative to this informal meeting, held as a video conference, came from the German Presidency.

Inquiries:
Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7171
Isabella Paju, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 504 7015