A common patent system can be viewed as the single most important factor to improve the climate for innovation in the EU.
The issue is on the ministers’ agenda when they meet in the Competitiveness Council on 3–4 December. The overall theme of the meeting is the EU’s strategy for growth and jobs after 2010. The research ministers will create a platform to revitalise European research policy.Consumer rights and the establishment of a new form of company – the European Private Company – are also on the agenda. The meeting will be chaired by Sweden’s Minister for Higher Education and Research Tobias Krantz, Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson. On Thursday the focus will be on research and consumer affairs, while Friday will be devoted to industry and internal market issues.
Common patent system for better climate for innovation in the EU
On Friday, the ministers will try to reach agreement on a general approach on the Community Patent Regulation. They will also agree conclusions on the European Patent Court and certain issues regarding the Community patent. Attempts to create a common patent system and a European Patent Court have been going on for a long time. The current European patent system has many flaws and there is currently no uniform patent protection that applies throughout the EU. A better patent system is key for European innovation and competitiveness.
New lease of life for European research policy
The ministers are expected to discuss and adopt conclusions on future priorities for European research and research-based innovation. This forms part of the work on the future EU strategy for growth and jobs after 2010. The conclusions address the EU Framework Programme for Research and how to facilitate participation in the Framework Programme. In this connection, the ministers are expected to discuss how the Member States can make things easier for the Commission with regard to the application of the rules.
Further, the Council will agree on how to improve the management of the European Research Area (ERA). This includes how the Member States can increase their influence over the development of the ERA and how the ERA can be more clearly defined as a foundation for, for example, the creation of an internal market for research.
The ministers are also expected to adopt conclusions based on three communications from the Commission on IT research and IT infrastructure. In the conclusions, Europe’s significant potential in the area is stressed, both in terms of industry and science. At the same time, the conclusions underline the importance of collaboration between projects at regional, national and EU level, as well as between education, research and innovation.
Consumer rights directive up for debate
Also on the agenda is a guideline debate on the proposal for a directive on consumer rights. The proposal involves the revision and consolidation of the current directives on distance contracts (contracts via the Internet, telephone, etc.), doorstep sales, consumer sales and unfair contract terms. After intensive discussion between the Member States, the proposal will now be debated for the first time at ministerial level. The idea is that the discussion will provide guidance for the ongoing negotiations. The questions that will form the basis for the discussion concern both specific issues relating to distance and doorstep sales, and more general questions on other parts of the proposal.
Council to agree on new company form – European Private Company
The ministers will discuss the establishment of a new form of company – the European Private Company. The proposal aims to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises by facilitating establishment on the market. Another aim is to reduce the costs incurred owing to differences in the rules on setting up and running a company between the Member States. It is hoped that the Council will be able to reach a political agreement at the meeting.
Competitiveness Council priorities for growth and jobs after 2010
Finally, the ministers for research, trade and enterprise are expected to adopt conclusions on priorities within their respective areas ahead of the work on the future EU strategy for growth and jobs after 2010. The conclusions will then be passed on to the heads of state and government at the European Council on 10–11 December.