Background for the Competitiveness (Internal market, Industry and Research) Council of 22 Sep (link)

Brussels, 18 Sep 2003

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The Council session will start on Monday 22 September 2003 at 10.00 hrs.under the chair of Mr Rocco BUTTIGLIONE, Italian Minister for European affairs and Mrs. Letizia MORATTI, Minister for Education, Universities and Research.

During the morning, Ministers will discuss internal market and industrial affairs, that will be headed by the draft Directive on freedom of movement and residence for EU citizens and members of their families, in which the Council endeavours to reach a political agreement. Another point for decision will be the draft Directive on the protection of pedestrians in the event of collision with motor vehicles.

A series of topics will be subject to adoption of conclusions by the Council, in particular on Corporate governance in the EU, the Internal Market strategy (2003-2006), the European-based pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology and European contract law. The Council will also hear the presentation by the Commission on the results of the public consultation launched on the Chemicals legislative package

Ministers will take research items in the afternoon. The Council will aim at reaching an agreement on the framework agreement between the European Community and the European Space Agency. The proposal of the Commission concerning the EU-funding of stem cell research draft Decision will be presented by Commissioner Philippe Busquin over lunch. Next on the agenda, Ministers will hear information given by the Commission on the state of the play concerning the International nuclear fusion energy research project (ITER) and in particular on a report carried out on the ITER site analysis.

A press conference will be held by Mr. Buttiglione once the internal market items will be finished (around 13 hrs) and at the end of the meeting by Mrs. Moratti.

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND RESIDENCE

INTERNAL MARKET STRATEGY 2003-2006

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - COMMUNITY PATENT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION

EUROPEAN CONTRACT LAW

CHEMICALS LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE

PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

STEM CELL RESEARCH

RESEARCH ACTION PLAN

SPACE POLICY - AGREEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

NUCLEAR FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

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