State Secretary Sven Giegold is in Brussels today representing the Federal Government at the EU Competitiveness Council. The agenda includes two important topics: 1) a policy debate on strengthening and ensuring the long-term viability of the EU internal market and 2) a decision on short-term rental accommodation through online platforms.

Commenting on the discussion of the Ministers for Economic Affairs on strengthening the long-term competitiveness and productivity of the Single Market on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, State Secretary Sven Giegold said:"The creation of the Single Market 30 years ago is one of the greatest achievements of European integration. The European Single Market is the key reason why the EU was able to successfully manage the energy crisis this winter. We will continue to develop the European Single Market in a consistent and sustainable manner. Europe must quickly set new uniform standards for forward-looking technologies. This also includes the further development of the European state aid framework to provide targeted and rapid support for transformation technologies – everywhere in Europe. The continued strengthening of the Single Market is crucial for innovation and the development of new markets. In this way, we are strengthening the EU’s competitiveness."

In addition, the Council adopted a general approach on the regulation on short-term accommodation rental services. The regulation requires online platforms that facilitate short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) to provide data on short-term rentals to the Member States in an electronic, automated fashion. This will enable the Member States to more effectively enforce Member State law, (for example to prevent the misappropriation of housing).

State Secretary Sven Giegold said: "The regulation strengthens the single market for services. It helps Member States to ensure fair competition and better enforce their national law. And it strengthens the rules for preventing the misuse of residential property in the interests of tenants. The new rules facilitate the work of online platforms and short-term accommodation providers through unbureaucratic electronic procedures. Doing business across international borders in an increasingly digital environment will thus become easier and more attractive."

The Council also adopted a general approach on the Directive concerning financial services contracts concluded at a distance. The plan is to introduce an electronic withdrawal button that will make it just as easy to revoke contracts as it is to conclude them. Germany has been a strong supporter of the new rules which are to apply to all goods and services.

Under ‘Miscellaneous’, the Presidency will report on the present status of the European patent with unitary effect and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). In addition, the European Commission and the Presidency will report on measures taken following the EU-Ukraine summit on 3 February.