Ministers start debate on FP7 and national plans for growth

The Competitiveness Council of 18 April had a first exchange of views on several recent policy initiatives related to the EU’s revived agenda for growth and employment

EU ministers at the Competitiveness Council had a first discussion on the integrated guidelines package presented by the Commission on 12 April. The package – a merger of the former Broad Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPGs) and the Employment Guidelines (EGs) – will guide member states when preparing their national action plans for growth and employment (see EURACTIV 13 April 2005).

They were also given a first presentation of the Commission’s proposals for the 7th framework programme for research and technological development (see EURACTIV 8 April) and the new framework programme for competitiveness and innovation (CIP) (see EURACTIV 18 April).

The next Competitiveness Council on 10 May will hold a more in-depth debate on the integrated guidelines package on 10 May. The 7th framework programme for research will be the topic of an in-depth debate in June.

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