Euro ministers want trade rules streamlined

European Enterprise Ministers want 'simplification and streamlining' of rules and regulations for industry and business within the trading bloc.

This follows an earlier agreement by the Ministers to screen a range of existing EU legislation for its cumulative impact on competitiveness and innovation.

The Competitiveness Council, chaired by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, has agreed to enhance the 'competitiveness-proofing' of key proposals across other Council formations.

Members of the Council are concerned about on-going industrial restructuring within the EU, and the out-sourcing of elements of European industry, notably to India and the Far-East.

Mary Harney said today: "It is a real test for our role as a champion of the Lisbon goals. It is a complex and ambitious proposal.

"However it is clear that the target set in Lisbon to make the European economy the most competitive in the world cannot be met unless barriers to cross border services are removed as a matter of urgency," she added.