Government Communications Department
23.10.2013

October European Council to discuss digital economy, innovation and regulatory fitness

The European Council will meet in Brussels on 24 October. The main themes of the meeting include the Digital Single Market, services and innovation. The EU Heads of State or Government will also be briefed on the development of EMU and the Banking Union. The meeting will also discuss measures to improve the EU's regulatory fitness.

"The digital economy, innovation and a lighter regulatory framework are important to strenghten Europe's competitiveness and create new jobs. It is excellent that steps are taken to advance the Digital Single Market, an issue long advocated by Finland. Efforts should continue, however, to develop electronic commerce, public electronic services and the copyright regime. With respect to innovation, Europe has a lot of potential especially in the fields of clean technology and bio-based economy. Biofuel is a good example. As far as EU's competitiveness and jobs are concerned, we must not forget that EU legislation needs to better support the attainment of these goals. The impacts of legislative measures on employment need to be considered more carefully in future", Prime Minister Katainen said in Helsinki.

 

Inquiries: Pasi Rajala, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 259 or +358 400 464 393 and Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Prime Minister's Office.