site.btaBulgaria's Deputy Economy Minister Participates in EU Competitiveness Council Meeting

Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Nikolai Pavlov took part in the regular meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry) held on March 12, in Brussels, the Economy Ministry reports on Thursday.

The discussions focused on improving the business environment in Europe, ensuring equal access to the single market through more effective enforcement of legislation, reducing administrative burdens and bureaucracy, boosting trade in services, and addressing challenges in e-commerce.

During the debates, Pavlov supported the focus of the EU's Action Plan for Services, which is part of the European Commission's upcoming Single Market Strategy, emphasizing the need for clear goals that support entrepreneurs in the services sector.

According to Pavlov, creating a more open and dynamic services market in the EU requires identifying and removing unjustified or disproportionate regulatory and administrative barriers to cross-border service provision that hinder market access and create legal uncertainty for service providers.

The Council also discussed the Clean Industrial Deal, which should support the transition of energy-intensive industries facing the greatest challenges. For all businesses, whether small or large, implementing the Action Plan for Affordable Energy is crucial. Most member states and EU institutions focused on improving the competitiveness of the European Commission's policies and simplifying the legal framework to compensate for Europe's lag.

Pavlov expressed hope that Bulgaria would have more funding opportunities to stimulate projects in clean technologies and attract private investments. He highlighted the important role of nuclear energy and the significance of natural gas as a transitional fuel towards a low-carbon economy.

Ministers from member states also discussed the key priority for the current EU institutional cycle - simplifying the regulatory framework. Pavlov emphasized three key aspects: "developing high-quality legislation, simplifying existing rules, and ensuring their correct and consistent application by all." Member states agreed on the urgent need to implement targeted measures to significantly improve the regulatory environment in the EU to retain production, generate employment, and foster growth.