The electric vehicle, the European patent system and national R+D investment will be the key issues that European ministers will discuss in Brussels this Tuesday and Wednesday at the final Competitiveness Council.

In April, the European Commission launched its strategy for encouraging the development and eventual widespread use of clean and energy efficient vehicles, which aims to help the European car industry to strengthen its leading role globally basing its production on clean and energy-efficient technologies.

It is envisaged that the Council will adopt conclusions on the EU strategy for the promotion of clean and efficient cars from the energy point of view, including hybrids and fully electric vehicles. The strategy contains an action plan that spans initiatives from fields such as approval systems for different types of vehicles, environmental efficiency, research and development technology, consumer information, employment, and international business co-operation. 

The ministers will ask the Commission to submit specific legislative proposals aimed at strengthening Europe's leadership in clean automotive technologies and leading to job creation in the sector, with the forthcoming introduction of these vehicles in the market and their increasing acceptance among consumers,

During the internal market session it is also expected that the ministers set policy guidelines for the revision of the European patent system and intellectual property and take stock of the implementation of the services directive. In adition the ministers will also address the marketing of construction products in order to establish harmonised conditions and review measures aimed at strengthening consumer rights. 

On Wednesday, under the chairmanship of the Spanish Minister of Science and Innovation, Cristina Garmendia, the ministers will exchange views on the establishment of national targets for investment in research, as envisaged in the 2020 European strategy for growth and job creation, and as Heads of State and Government should formally adopt in June, at the end of the Spanish Presidency.

The Research ministers will also discuss the development of the European Research Area, and it is expected that they will adopt conclusions thereon, and on the fostering of innovation in Europe and the simplification of European research programmes.