"Today we have to search for ways to boost as much as possible the competitiveness of the European Union. It is important to further consolidate the EU's energy policy towards creating an internal energy market and eliminating energy islands. We also need to look for new energy resources so that Europe does not lose the global competitiveness battle," the President said.
Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that high energy prices were among the most serious obstacles to EU competitiveness. To bring them down, it was necessary to reinforce the EU energy sector both internally and externally.
Other drivers of EU competitiveness were also discussed at the meeting, including research. A total sum of 70.2 billion euros will be allocated for the Horizon 2020 programme under the new EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020. Horizon 2020 aims at developing research, attracting and fostering research talent, addressing today's most urgent social challenges, and upgrading EU competitiveness in the world.
The creation of a digital market will also advance EU competitiveness. The President pointed out that the internal digital market would promote new jobs. In this area, the Lithuanian Presidency intends to focus on initiatives for improving the reliability of e-transactions, developing the telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring cyber security.
