Report of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the Oireachtas - Under Section 2 (5) of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002 for ...
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Report of the
Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Employment to the Oireachtas
Under Section 2 (5) of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act
2002
for the period from January to June 2021
July 2021
www.enterprise.gov.ie
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
Part I – Developments in the EU ............................................................................................ 3
1. Competitiveness Council ................................................................................................. 3
1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) ........ 3
1.1.1 Formal Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video
Conference, 25 February 2021 ........................................................................................ 3
1.1.2 Informal Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 22 March 2021...... 4
1.1.3 Formal Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) - Brussels,
27 May 2021 ...................................................................................................................... 5
1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Space).................................................. 6
1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Space) Brussels - 28 May 2021 ............................. 6
2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) ..................................................................................... 7
2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) – Video Conference, 3 March 2021
............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1.2 Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) – Brussels, 20 May 2021 .................................. 7
3. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) .............. 8
3.1. Meetings of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs
Council (EPSCO) ................................................................................................................. 8
3.1.1. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council - Video
Conference, 22 February 2021 ........................................................................................ 8
3.1.2. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council - Video
Conference, 15 March 2021 ............................................................................................ 9
3.1.3. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council -
Luxembourg, 14 June 2021 ............................................................................................. 9
3.1.4. Social Summit - Porto, 7/8 May 2021 ................................................................. 10
4. Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU (July - December 2021) .................. 11
4.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Slovenian Presidency .......................................... 11
4.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the Slovenian
Presidency ........................................................................................................................... 12
Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals January to June 2021 ......................................... 14
Introduction Under the terms of the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002, Ministers submit Reports to the Oireachtas every six months on developments at European Union level in their area of responsibility. This Report summarises the key legislative and policy developments within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment during the six-month period January to June 2021 during which time Portugal held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This Report has two parts. The first part sets out the principal developments in the policy areas which fall within the responsibility of this Department at EU level and provides an overview of the incoming Slovenian Presidency. The second part provides an update on the EU legislative proposals for which information notes were submitted to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the European Union (Scrutiny) Act 2002. Part I – Developments in the EU The policy areas which fall within the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at EU level are in the main dealt with by the Competitiveness Council under the headings of Internal Market, Industry, and Space, the Foreign Affairs Council under the heading Trade and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) under the heading of Employment. 1. Competitiveness Council 1.1. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) met on three occasions during the period January to June 2021 - Formal Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 25 February 2021 - Informal Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 22 March 2021 - Formal Competitiveness Council, Brussels – 27 May 2021 1.1.1 Formal Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) -Video Conference, 25 February 2021 Ireland was represented at the February Council by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Leo Varadkar, T.D. and by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Pedro Siza Vieira, Portuguese Minister of State for the Economy and Digital Transition. The Commission was represented by Ms Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Mr Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, Mr Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, and Ms Mairead McGuinness, Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union. Ministers held a policy debate on how national recovery and resilience plans can best be used as an instrument for delivering on the Industrial policy goals of strengthening the Single
Market, making the twin digital and green transitions and achieving strategic autonomy in an open EU. There was widespread agreement that the Competitiveness Council should play a prominent role in the implementation of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and that it should provide coordination and guidance in the investments to be made. It was stressed that a well- functioning Single Market and fair competition are the main preconditions for Europe to emerge stronger and more resilient from the COVID-19 crisis. In relation to strategic autonomy, a large number of Ministers pointed out that the EU economy is built on the principle of open markets and relies on multilateral rules and a solid network of free trade agreements with global partners. They also emphasised the importance of upholding a global level playing field and making fair and firm use of existing trade instruments to protect EU businesses and consumers from unfair practices by non-EU competitors. Also on the agenda, Ministers were asked to highlight their priorities for consumers, with a view to protecting them, encouraging them as drivers of recovery and supporting them in the twin transitions to digital and green. The basis for the discussion was the Commission Communication, New Consumer Agenda, published in November 2020 and the Council Conclusions adopted on 22 February 2021. Ministers underlined the crucial role played by consumers in the economic recovery. They stressed that, in order to boost the single market and accelerate the economic recovery, consumer protection needs to be reinforced and integrated into all policy fields. Any other business The Commission briefed Ministers on the work accomplished so far by the task force for industrial scale-up of the production of Covid-19 vaccines within the EU. Member States were invited to provide the Commission with information on national efforts and capacity to address possible bottlenecks associated with Covid-19 vaccines production. Ministers were then informed by the Finnish delegation of the outcome of the recent meeting of the D9+ group, which was hosted via video conference by Finland on 27 January 2021. This outcome consisted of a joint declaration, “Leading the Way to Europe’s Digital Decade”, by the twelve participating countries, including Ireland. Its main message was that Europe’s technological competitiveness is based on digital development, innovations and a functioning internal market. 1.1.2 Informal Competitiveness Council by Video Conference – 22 March 2021 Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Pedro Siza Vieria, Portuguese Minister of State for the Economy and the Digital Transition. The Commission was represented by Ms Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Mr Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market. The focus of the meeting was to further the debate on the EU’s strategic autonomy, with a specific focus on the EU’s dependencies and on the effect of foreign subsidies in the Single Market. The meeting began with keynote addresses by Guy Villax, CEO of Hovione and Paulo Rosado, CEO of Outsytems. On the basis of a Presidency Paper, there was consensus
for the need of a very thorough analysis of strategic dependencies, and agreement on the importance of an enhanced single market with a focus on enforcement and the need to support innovation. The majority of Ministers considered that open strategic autonomy should contribute to a more resilient EU. Separately, the Commission gave a presentation on its recently published Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade”. Its vision for 2030, the forthcoming Digital Decade, is a digital society where no-one is left behind. The goal of the Digital Compass is the successful digital transformation of Europe by 2030 and for the Union to be digitally sovereign in an open and interconnected world. The strategy aims to achieve all this by addressing vulnerabilities and dependencies as well as accelerating investment. 1.1.3 Formal Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) - Brussels, 27 May 2021 Ireland was represented by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Mr Robert Troy, T.D. Council was chaired by Mr Pedro Siza Vieira, Portuguese Minister of State for the Economy and Digital Transition. The Commission was represented by Ms Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President for An Economy that Works for People and, Mr Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market. On the basis of two Presidency reports, Council was informed of progress achieved so far within the Council’s preparatory bodies in examining both elements of the digital package i.e. the proposed regulations on a single market for digital services (Digital Services Act) and on the contestable and fair markets in the digital sector (Digital Markets Act). Ministers had a first policy debate on the aspects of the digital package that they deem necessary to guarantee the strengthening of the digital single market and a safer online space, where fundamental rights are protected and competition is fair and free. Ministers expressed satisfaction for the considerable progress made so far in the examination of the digital package. They stressed the need for clear, future-proof and proportionate rules, that guarantee the right mix of legal certainty and flexibility and foster innovation and competition in the EU’s digital single market. Efficient enforcement mechanisms at EU level, with the involvement of relevant national authorities, were mentioned as key to the success of the project. Ministers also held a policy debate on the updated new industrial strategy, focusing on the importance of securing access to critical raw materials. Ministers welcomed the updated industrial strategy, including the focus on green and digital transitions, and on the single market. Ministers also welcomed the work on identifying strategic dependencies, with many commenting on the role open strategic autonomy can play in addressing these. There was agreement that critical raw materials dependence is a very serious problem and must be addressed through a variety of actions, from international partnerships to enhanced recycling and increasing production in the EU. The Council went on to adopt Conclusions on “tourism in Europe for the next decade: sustainable, resilient, digital, global and social”, and Conclusions on “data technologies to improve Better Regulation”.
Any Other Business
The Commission presented its recent proposal for a Regulation laying down harmonised rules
on artificial intelligence, which is aimed at establishing a legal framework for trustworthy
artificial intelligence and a well-functioning internal market for artificial intelligence systems.
The Commission informed the Council of the main objectives of the proposal for a regulation
on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market, which had been recently published.
The Commission presented its recent communication on the review of EU trade policy,
entitled “Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy”.
Seventeen delegations, including Ireland, informed the Council of their views concerning the
challenges currently faced by the European standardisation system and their effect on the
competitiveness of EU industry.
The Austrian delegation informed the Council of its views on what is necessary in order to
update the EU legal framework for competition and state aid.
The incoming Slovenian Presidency presented the main priorities of its Presidency in the
field of the internal market and industry.
1.2. Meetings of the Competitiveness Council (Space)
The Competitiveness Council (Space) met on one occasion during the period January to June
2021:
- Formal Competitiveness (Space) Council, Brussels - 28 May 2021
1.2.1 Competitiveness Council (Space) Brussels - 28 May 2021
Ireland was represented at the Council by Ms Maeve Collins, Deputy Permanent
Representative. The meeting was chaired by Mr Manuel Heitor, Portuguese Minister for
Science, Technology and Higher Education. The Commission was represented by Mr Thierry
Breton Commissioner for Internal Market.
The session on space was divided into two parts and commenced with the adoption of
Council Conclusions on “New Space for People” and “Space for People in European Coastal
Areas” followed by a policy debate on Space Traffic Management.
Council Conclusions were adopted without discussion. The policy debate highlighted the
need to develop a European approach to Space Traffic Management with particular emphasis
on the important role that standards and regulations would play in this domain.2. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
2.1. Meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) met on two occasions during the period January to June
2021:
- Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) by Video Conference – 3 March
2021
- Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), Brussels, 20 May 2021
2.1.1. Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) – Video Conference, 3 March 2021
An Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meeting took place by videoconference on 3
March. Ireland was represented by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and
Employment, Mr Leo Varadkar T.D. The meeting was chaired by Mr Augusto Santos Silva,
Portuguese Minister of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Commission was
represented by Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President for An Economy that
Works for People.
Ministers in attendance welcomed and had an exchange of views on the European
Commission’s Communication on the Trade Policy Review.
2.1.2 Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) – Brussels, 20 May 2021
Ireland was represented at the Council by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and
Employment, Mr Leo Varadkar T.D. The meeting was chaired by Mr Augusto Santos Silva,
Portuguese Minister of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Commission was
represented by Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President for An Economy that
Works for People.
Ministers exchanged views on Trade Policy Review and discussed WTO reform and
preparations for the next Ministerial Conference (MC12) in December. Ministers discussed
EU-US trade relations, including moving towards a positive EU-US trade agenda and the
resolution of tariff issues on steel and aluminium.
Minsters also discussed the state of play on the International Procurement Instrument and on
steel safeguards. The Trade Council also saw an exchange of views between ministers and
the WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and United States Trade Representative
Katherine Tai.3. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
(EPSCO)
3.1. Meetings of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs
Council (EPSCO)
The EPSCO Council met on 3 occasions during the period January to June 2021 to discuss
employment and social policy matters.
- EPSCO Council by Video Conference – 22 February 2021
- EPSCO Council by Video Conference – 15 March 2021
- EPSCO Council, Luxembourg – 14 June 2021
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on meetings and travel, two of the meetings were held by
video conference. The third meeting in June in Luxembourg was held in physical format.
The Portuguese Presidency also hosted a special Social Summit for Heads of State and
Government in Porto on 7/8 May.
3.1.1. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council - Video
Conference, 22 February 2021
Ireland was represented at this Council meeting by Minister of State for Business,
Employment and Retail, Mr Damien English, T.D., in the morning session and Minister for
Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr Roderick O’Gorman, T.D. in the
afternoon session, in accordance with their respective areas of responsibility. The meeting
was chaired by Ms Ana Mendes Godinho, Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and
Social Security. The Commission was represented by Mr Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for
Jobs and Social Rights, and by Ms Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality.
The overall theme of the meeting was “Jobs, Skills and Cohesion: Priorities for a Strong
Social Europe".
The purpose of meeting was to allow Ministers to reflect upon and identify priorities in the
employment and social fields to aid recovery in the context of the pandemic and the
implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, which the Commission
presented in early March 2021.
The exchanges in the morning session emphasised the importance of implementing
extraordinary measures to support employment in response to the crisis with a focus on job
creation and sustainability and that the implementation of the European Pillar of Social
Rights Action Plan would assist, overcome and respond to this unprecedented crisis.
In the afternoon session Ministers discussed “Gender equality as a driver for recovery”. The
meeting looked at issues related to the impact of the pandemic on the exacerbation of
inequalities between men and women. All agreed that the policies defined in this context
must deal not only with the inequality seen at this time, but also must address underlying
structural factors which continue to limit and restrict the participation of women in the labour
market and in decision-making positions.3.1.2. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council - Video Conference, 15 March 2021 Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Mr Damien English, T.D., and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr Roderic O’Gorman, T.D. represented Ireland at EPSCO Council in the morning and afternoon sessions respectively. The morning session was chaired by Ms Anna Mendes Godinho, Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security and the Commission was represented by Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President for An Economy that Works for People and Mr Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. The afternoon session was chaired by Ms Mariana Vieira da Silva, Portuguese Minister of State for the Presidency. The Commission was represented by Ms Dubravka Šuica, Vice President for Democracy and Demography, and Ms Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality. During the morning session there was an exchange of views on “Employment and social policies in the Semester in the context of Recovery and Resilience Plans”. Member States agreed that inclusive employment and social policies, sustainable social protection systems, as well as the fight against poverty must be at the core of Member States Recovery and Resilience Plans Council also held a policy debate on “Time to deliver: Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan”. Member States including Ireland, welcomed the Action Plan, broadly supporting its objectives in building a more social and inclusive Europe, including the introduction of new EU wide headline targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction. During the afternoon session, Equality Ministers held a policy debate on “Equality, non- discrimination and diversity in the EU”. Ministers considered different ways of strengthening equality, non-discrimination and diversity as a policy priority in the EU, focusing on ensuring that diversity is adequately reflected in decision-making structures and society. 3.1.3. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council - Luxembourg, 14 June 2021 EPSCO Council Ministers met in Luxembourg on Monday 14 June. This was the first in person meeting of the Council since December 2019. Ireland was represented by Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maeve Collins. Ms Anna Mendes Godinho, Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security chaired Council for the employment and social policy items. Ms Mariana Vieira da Silva, Portuguese Minister of State for the Presidency chaired the equality items. The Commission was represented by Mr Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights and Ms Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality. Council held a policy debate on the follow up of the Porto Social Summit, focusing on the next steps in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Ministers shared
their views on setting national targets and monitoring progress within the European Semester
process.
Council presented a Progress Report, and a policy debate was held on the Proposal for a
Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in the EU.
Council also held a policy debate on New challenges for Social Dialogue and Collective
Bargaining, including the involvement of social partners in the recovery through the
Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) and the best approaches to social dialogue and
collective bargaining in the context of a changing labour market.
Council adopted the recommendation establishing a European Child Guarantee of which
Ireland is fully supportive. The aim of the recommendation is to prevent and combat social
exclusion of children in need by guaranteeing access to a set of key services and puts into
practice Principle 11 of the European Pillar of Social Rights on “Childcare and support to
children”.
3.1.4. Social Summit - Porto, 7/8 May 2021
The Portuguese Presidency hosted a Special Social Summit in Porto on 7 & 8 May, opened
by the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa. Ireland was represented by An Taoiseach,
Mr Micheál Martin, T.D. The Commission was represented by Ms Ursula von der Leyen,
President of the European Commission, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President
for An Economy that Works for People and Mr Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and
Social Rights. The European Parliament was represented by its President, Mr David Sassoli.
The aim of the Summit was to discuss how to reinvigorate our European Social Model and
turn the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights into action as regards employment
and working conditions, education and skills, and social protection.
The Summit was organised around two events:
1. A High-Level Conference (7th May 2021): co-organised with the European
Commission with a broad participation including Member States, academics, social
partners and civil society. The conference outcome fed into the Informal European
Council the next day.
At the end of Day 1 - the European Parliament, the Commission, the Portuguese EU Council
Presidency, EU social partners and the Social Platform signed the Porto Social Commitment.
2. Informal Meeting of Heads of State and Government (8th May)
On Day 2, EU leaders discussed how to give political impetus to the strengthening of the
European Pillar of Social Rights. Heads of State approved the Porto Declaration which
gives political impetus to the strengthening of the Pillar of Social Rights, the implementation
of the Pillar’s Action Plan and the three EU headline targets (to be achieved by 2030):
1. A 78% employment rate
2. 60% target that all adults should receive training every year
3. The number at risk of poverty should be reduced by at least 15m (at least 5 million of
these to be children)Ireland is fully supportive of the Porto Declaration and welcomes the setting of these
ambitious new EU-level 2030 targets.
4. Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU (July - December
2021)
Slovenia assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2021.
Under the slogan of “Together. Resilient. Europe” the Slovenian Presidency’s Work Agenda
will focus on the following priorities:
The resilience and recovery of the European Union. A strategically autonomous
European Union.
The Conference on the Future of Europe
A union of the European way of life, the rule of law and the same criteria for all.
A credible and secure European Union. A union that is capable of ensuring security
and stability in its neighbourhood.
4.1. Schedule of Meetings during the Slovenian Presidency
This schedule and the location of meetings is subject to change due to the impact of COVID-
19.
Scheduled European Council meetings (EU Heads of State or Government)
European Council – 21/22 October (Brussels)
European Council – 16/17 December (Brussels)
Scheduled Competitiveness Council meetings
Informal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 22 July (Slovenia)
Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 29 September (Brussels)
Formal Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) Council – 25 November (Brussels)
Formal Competitiveness (Space) Council – 26 November (Brussels)
Scheduled Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) meetings
Formal Council – 11 November (Brussels)
Formal Council – 29 November – 3 December (Geneva)
Scheduled Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs meetings
Informal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 8/9 July (Slovenia)
Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 15 October (Luxembourg)
Formal (Employment and Social Policy) Council – 6 December (Brussels)4.2. Overview of key issues likely to arise in relevant Councils during the Slovenian Presidency Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) The Slovenian Presidency intends to strive to deepen the Single Market, make progress in the green transition and digital transformation, achieve digital sovereignty, strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. In addition, it will implement the results of an evaluation of competition rules, and changes and updates to the European competition framework. The Slovenian Presidency wishes to pay special attention to guidelines for further work on better enforcement of internal market rules, and the crisis mechanism for the internal market, which includes the Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI) due to be published by the European Commission in Q4 2021. The Presidency will focus on the implementation of the updated EU Industrial Strategy, in particular on the Commission’s Communication on strategic dependencies (May 2021) and an examination of some of the ecosystems. Further areas for discussion include national recovery plans and multi-country projects. The Presidency will continue the fast pace set by the Portuguese Presidency on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) and aim to reach a general approach on both files for the November Competitiveness Council. Competitiveness Council (Space) The Slovenian Presidency will primarily focus on advancing discussions on Space Traffic Management. They also intend to explore the role that space activities play in providing secure connectivity and additional benefits for all people during their Presidency. Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) Trade policy is a critical element of a comprehensive economic policy response to the crisis. In that context, the Slovenian Presidency will work to strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness while ensuring open, fair and rule-based international trade with a special focus on SMEs and sustainable development. It will follow the guidelines outlined in the new trade strategy. The Slovenian Presidency will also continue the EU’s ongoing efforts at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to strengthen the rule-based multilateral trading system and reform the organisation towards greater importance, efficiency and responsiveness to modern challenges. This will include the reform of the Appellate Body as well as working towards a successful 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), from 30 November to 3 December 2021. The Slovenian Presidency will pay special attention to the agreement on fisheries subsidies and support progress in e-commerce and domestic service legislation, trade facilitation for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and investment facilitation for development. The Presidency will also prioritise initiatives in the areas of health, environmental sustainability and gender equality.
There will be a focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and the
United States and on work to establish a fairer, rule-based economic relationship with China.
The Slovenian Presidency will work towards progress in the process of signing the agreement
with Mexico and Mercosur and monitor the ongoing negotiations with Australia, New
Zealand and Chile, while seeking to deepen cooperation with India and African countries.
In terms of legislation, the Slovenian Presidency will aim to achieving progress on the
International Procurement Instrument by moving to trilogues with the European Parliament.
It will launch deliberations on a new proposal on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences
(GSP) and begin introductory presentations on the Anti-Coercion Instrument.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO)
Employment & Social Policy Matters
In the Employment, Social Affairs and Equality Opportunities area, the Slovenian Presidency
priorities will be based around the theme “Quality Jobs for Life Quality – resilient and
inclusive labour markets” and will include the following areas:
o Adequately paid work
o Flexible working arrangements
o Health and Safety at Work
o Youth employment
o Life course approach to ageing
o Skills
The Presidency aim to progress work on the following legislative files: the European
Minimum Wage Directive, the Binding Pay Transparency Measures Directive and the
Carcinogens & Mutagen Directive.
The Presidency also plan to adopt Council Conclusions on: Quality of work for all
generations, Ageing for recovery, and the impact of digitalisation/artificial intelligence on
gender equality in the labour market.
High- Level Conferences on Quality Work and Overcoming Ageing Stereotypes are planned
in October and November respectively.Part II - Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals January to June 2021
Oireachtas Scrutiny Proposals January – June 2021
COM Subject Section Date Current Update on Proposal
Number Examined by
Committee
COM (2020) Proposal for a Regulation of the European EU Digital 6 July 2021 This proposal has been marked for further scrutiny.
842 Parliament and of the Council on Single
contestable and fair markets in the digital Market & It has not yet been adopted but negotiations are well
sector (Digital Markets Act) Digital advanced, and the agreement of a general approach is
Economic anticipated before the end of November.
Policy Unit
No date for adoption is available.
COM (2020) Proposal for a Regulation of the European EU Digital 6 July 2021 This proposal has been marked for further scrutiny.
825 Parliament and of the Council on a Single Single
Market For Digital Services (Digital Market & It has not yet been adopted but negotiations are well
Services Act) and amending Directive Digital advanced. A compromise text is anticipated by end
2000/31/EC Economic August and should form the basis for further scrutiny.
Policy Unit The agreement of a general approach is anticipated
before the end of November.
No date for adoption is available.
COM (21) 027 Proposal for a Council Decision on the Trade Policy Not yet Adopted by Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February
position to be adopted, on behalf of the Unit examined 2021 and published in the Official Journal as Council
European Union, in the Trade Committee Decision (EU) 2021/326 on 24 February 2021.
regarding the amendment of Appendix 1 ofCOM Subject Section Date Current Update on Proposal
Number Examined by
Committee
Annex XII (Government Procurement) to Appendix 1 of Annex XII (Government
the Trade Agreement between the Procurement) to the Trade Agreement between the
European Union and its Member States, of Parties was subsequently amended by Decision No
the one part, and Colombia, Peru and 1/2021 of the EU-Colombia-Peru-Ecuador Trade
Ecuador, of the other part Committee on 17/05/2021. This Decision was
published in the Official Journal under ‘Acts
Adopted by Bodies Created by International
Agreements’ on 4 June 2021.
COM (21) 189 Proposal for a Directive of the European Company Not yet EU Working Party on Company Law (Sustainability
Parliament and of the Council amending Law Auditing examined information) meetings commenced at the start of
Directive 2013/34/EU, Directive and June 2021 with four held to date. Working Party
2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Accounting Meetings will continue in September.
Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, as regards Unit
corporate sustainability reporting An online Stakeholder Forum on the Proposal was
hosted by Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and
Company Regulation, Robert Troy on 12 May, with
over 100 stakeholders in attendance. Presentations
were given by European Commissioner McGuinness,
and a member of the Directorate-General for
Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital
Markets Union.
A Public Consultation on the Proposal was launched
by Minister Troy during the Stakeholder Forum and
ended on 23 June.COM Subject Section Date Current Update on Proposal
Number Examined by
Committee
COM (21) 202 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Safety, Not yet The draft Regulation was published by the
Parliament and of the Council on Health and examined Commission on 22 April 2021 and sent to the
machinery products Chemicals Council and European Parliament (EP) co-legislators
Policy Unit for consideration. Under the Portuguese Presidency,
the Technical Harmonisation Working Group started
examining the proposal in April 2021 and this work
is continuing under the Slovenian Presidency. On the
EP side the lead Internal Market Policy Committee
has appointed a Rapporteur and two Shadow
Rapporteurs. At this stage it is not possible to say
when Council and EP will finish their respective First
Readings.
COM (21) 206 Proposal for a Regulation of the European EU Digital Not yet Negotiations on this proposal have only recently
Parliament and of the Council laying down Single examined commenced. No date for adoption is available.
Harmonised Rules on Artificial Market &
Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act) Digital
and amending certain Union Legislative Economic
Acts Policy Unit
COM (21) 215 Proposal for a Council Regulation Inward Not yet Regulation came into effect EU-wide on 1 July 2021.
amending Regulation (EU) No 1388/2013 Investment & examined This regulation is updated twice a year – January and
opening and providing for the management North-South July - to include new suspensions and delete old ones
of autonomous tariff quotas of the Union Unit and operates in tandem with 1387/2013.
for certain agricultural and industrial
products.COM Subject Section Date Current Update on Proposal
Number Examined by
Committee
COM (21) 217 Proposal for a Council Regulation Inward Not yet Regulation came into effect EU-wide on 1 July 2021.
amending Regulation (EU) No 1387/2013 Investment & examined This regulation is updated twice a year – January and
suspending the autonomous Common North-South July - to include new quotas and delete old ones and
Customs Tariff duties on certain Unit operates in tandem with 1388/2013.
agricultural and industrial products
COM (21) 223 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Competition Not yet Council Working Party has discussed the Impact
Parliament and of the Council on foreign Policy Unit examined Assessment and commenced its First Reading of the
subsidies distorting the internal market proposalYou can also read
