The council, which started its working sessions on Monday, and continued yesterday, is being convened in Brussels and is discussing various topics ranging from industrial to competition policies better regulation, consumer protection and their sustainability. Particular focus is being given to the internal market, industry and research.
Mr Galea is attending the formal council meeting for the first time in his capacity as minister, with full rights as a member state of the EU, including voting on pertinent issues.
The European Union has
underlined the challenges of competitiveness as fundamental to the wellbeing of business and industry, and the items for discussion on the meeting’s agenda were aimed at the further development of the single internal market.
This will result especially in the provision of services in a more competitive Europe backed by a better operating environment for business that will help to stimulate and encourage economic activity leading to economic growth, enabling European firms to become global players, creating jobs and the prosperity of its citizens.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Galea said that research and development in industry is essential in providing the sector with the innovative measures necessary to ensure a socio-economic growth. “Research and development has to be focused on areas which translate into competitiveness. In the case of Malta, this ultimate target can be better achieved through the creativity and adaptability of its labour force,” said the Minister. “It is also to be mentioned that Malta is making efforts at enhancing its R&D potential through the launch of a National Research and Technology Development Initiative aimed mainly at strategic sectors including bio-medical, information and communication technologies and marine activities.”
Within this context Minister Censu Galea underlined the fact that the EU should not only focus within its educational institutions to develop such concepts but also attract students and researchers beyond its borders, to sustain the desired expansion of its internal research structures.
In a separate intervention, with regards to the REACH proposal (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) the Minister said that, “Malta also supports the view which covers the essential elements underlying duty of care.
“It is up to the manufacturers and importers to ensure that chemical substances that are used in various products do not adversely damage human health or the environment. Over regulations would make it more difficult for SMEs with limited legal and technical expertise to comply, therefore, with standards and specifications, so limiting the desired boost that SMEs contribute to the overall European competitiveness,” concluded the Minister.
Also present for the Council meeting were EU Commissioners responsible for the policies discussed, namely Mr Philippe Busquin, Mr Mario Monti and Mr Erkki Liikanen.