I attended the recent Informal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council in Stockholm which took place on 7 February.
The main topic for discussion at the Council meeting was Competitiveness in the context of the green transition and a strong Single Market. Ministers discussed how short term measures, such as those taken in response to the energy crisis, can strengthen EU Competitiveness in the long run.
Ireland views a competitive enhanced Single Market as essential to strengthening competitiveness and fostering world class enterprises that can scale up and compete on the global markets and a level playing field is a key support to competitiveness and productivity.
The Council generally supported the need for a joined-up approach to address short-term and long-term goals ensuring long term EU competitiveness but based on preserving the Single Market and the level playing field.