The informal meeting of Ministers for Competitiveness, who are responsible for the economy and research, will be held on 20 and 21 July 2015 in Luxembourg at the European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL).
Meeting of Ministers responsible for the Economy on 20 July 2015
Under the title "Trading beyond borders. Competing globally. What the EU can do for you", the meeting of Ministers responsible for the Economy will be held on 20 July 2015, and will focus on the potential benefits of well thought out and coherent rules for European companies. Ultimately, it involves addressing "the cost of non-Europe", the costs triggered by transborder business, European companies having to comply with 28 countries' different national legislations that apply both to the digital and "offline" sectors.
In advance of the informal meeting next Monday chaired by Étienne Schneider, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs, stated: "On 20 July we will address in a concrete manner how "good" European rules could help companies be more competitive, including on the global level. In order to encourage a discussion that is both open and constructive, I have invited several influential speakers who will share their own experiences and perspectives with us Ministers and with Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska." Participants include the former European Commissioner and President of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal Lamy, the Luxembourg businessman Gérard Lopez and the Chairman and CEO of SES, Karim Michel Sabbagh.
Meeting of Ministers responsible for research on Tuesday 21 July 2015
Chaired by Marc Hansen, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research, the informal meeting of the Ministers responsible for research will be held on Tuesday 21 July. During the first working session, the ministers will discuss the integrity of research. The Luxembourg Presidency will work to underline the need for adopting a responsible course of conduct in research aimed at promoting a true culture of integrity of research, with particular emphasis on the training of researchers at all career levels.
During the luncheon, the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, will present his vision of European policies for research and innovation which will have to be adapted to an increasingly open world that is digital and global and which will pave the way towards a new European Research Area (ERA) of innovation.
Equal opportunities in research will be the focus during the second working session. The Presidency will attach particular importance to plans for gender equality aimed at real changes at the institutional level while promoting open recruitment. The goal is to make real progress in attaining a better male-female balance, especially in positions of responsibility and management.
Communicated by the Ministry of the Economy / Ministry of Higher Education and Research