EU Industrial Policy in a globalised world – effects on state aid and internal market rules

The EU Internal Market is often described as one of the Union´s main achievements. By removing all obstacles to the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, and by securing a fair and sound competition, the Internal Market shall offer a level playing field for businesses within the Union. This in turn allows for the development of strong and innovative companies that can compete in the global market, if it offers a level playing field.

The seminar will discuss potential effects on the Internal Market of the EU´s Industrial Policy, for example the aim to strengthen strategic parts of its industries. How may EU state aid policy and the interpretation of competition law evolve, and how shall the EU address competition in the Internal Market from state subsidized third parties? What is the nexus between the internal and the global level playing fields? 

Background

The European Council will in March 2020 discuss ways to reinforce the EU´s economic base, and to prepare for this the Commission will present a long-term vision for the EU´s industrial future. The aim is to find the right balance between openness and protection and to ensure that the two pillars of EU industrial policy – external and internal, defensive and offensive – work hand-in-hand.

Increasing global competition from state capitalist China and protectionist US forms part of the background to the EU´s efforts to promote sound internal industrial policies while, at the same time, attempting to “level the global playing field”.

The seminar was filmed and is available on Facebook.

The seminar was arranged together with The Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union in Brussels.