A key aspect for Bulgaria is to achieve the right balance between the objectives of improving air quality and maintaining the competitiveness of the European automotive industry. This is what the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Ivaylo Shotev said at today’s meeting of the Competitiveness Council in Brussels. In his words, it is necessary to take into account the specificities of the Member States regarding the accessibility of mobility. During the meeting the Bulgarian side supported the legislative proposal of the Spanish Presidency for a Council position on the Euro 7 regulation. The document sets stricter emission limits for all vehicle categories and adds new brake emissions, tyre and vehicle battery life requirements for vehicles in the EU.
“Legislative changes should not lead to the increase of the price of new cars, delay the renewal of the fleet vehicles and increase the number of second-hand vehicles,” Deputy Minister Shotev stressed.
At the meeting, ministers also agreed the Council’s position on the legislative package about the protection of industrial designs. It updates the current rules approved 20 years ago. The position foresees to make the protection of industrial designs, within the Single Market, applicable in the digital and green transition, as well as easier, more efficient and affordable, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In the Council, ministers discussed the long-term competitiveness and productivity of the Single Market in the context of the European Council conclusions. Emphasis was put on the European model of economic growth based on sustainable competitiveness, economic security, open strategic autonomy and fair competition – as key factors for the EU’s development. The ministers also commented on the potential of the European economy in the context of global competition.
Deputy Minister Shotev stressed the need to intensify the joint efforts of Member States and institutions to simplify the regulatory framework, ensure effective implementation of legislation and maximise the efficient allocation and use of available material, financial, human, digital, energy and other resources. “As early as possible in the preparation of an initiative, an accurate individual and cumulative assessment of the environmental, social and economic consequences, including for small and medium-sized enterprises and competitiveness, should be sought,” Deputy Minister Shotev stressed.