Press release
Minister Calleary joins EU ministers in Stockholm
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary, attended a meeting of European ministers responsible for competitiveness matters this week to discuss possible measures to address the energy crisis as well as strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses.
The informal Competitiveness Council was hosted in Stockholm by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU with a specific focus on competitiveness in the context of the green transition and a strong single market. Issues discussed include state aid and maintaining a level playing field for business, supporting the green transition, and reducing the regulatory burden.
Speaking after the two-day meeting, Minister Calleary said:
"The Single Market is essential to Europe’s continued prosperity and competitiveness on the global stage. This year we mark 30 years since its establishment, our membership of which has been transformative for Ireland and Irish businesses. Its future resilience is in everyone’s interest and the discussions with other Member States has been constructive, particularly as we look to collectively navigate both the green and digital transitions.
“A properly functioning Single Market is essential for Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage, and to facilitate Europe performing effectively at the highest point of global value chains. The COVID-19 pandemic and the current Ukraine crisis has demonstrated that it is very difficult to anticipate and react to trade shocks. What can demand our attention now can change rapidly and for that reason, a continued focus on the openness and resilience of global value chains is essential.
“A key focus for me in ensuring the future resilience of the single market is the continued support for the development and growth of SMEs; ensuring that future developments in the single market do not over burden businesses nor make the EU a less attractive place to do business. I look forward to continued engagement with my European colleagues on growing and strengthening the single market."