COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:Results of today's Competitiveness Council

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 26 May 2014   Results of today's Competitiveness Council Protection of trade secrets The Council agreed on a general approach on new rules for the protection of trade secrets, which are aimed at making it easier for national courts to deal with the misappropriation of confidential business information, remove the trade secret infringing products from the market and make it easier for victims to receive compensation for illegal actions. The president of the Competitiveness Council, Greek Vice Minister of Development and Competitiveness Notis Mitarachi, made the following comments: “Today, we have decided on a single, clear and coherent legal regime protecting against misappropriation of trade secrets in EU Member States. This decision will promote innovative companies, ensure fair and honest competition and create a secure environment conducting to innovation, the exchange of valuable know-how and cross-border commercial activities within the internal market. This will empower companies to continue investing with more confidence in research and innovation in Europe.“ For more information see press release 10200/14.   eCall emergency service: type-approval requirements for in-vehicle devices The Council agreed on a general approach on a proposal aimed at introducing in the EU motor vehicle type-approval system requirements for fitting eCall devices in new models of vehicles. The EU-wide eCall system is designed to speed up emergency services in road accidents. Research infrastructures The Council adopted conclusions on the roadmap for implementation of pan-European research infrastructures. EU - European Space Agency: a shared vision for forstering competitiveness The Council adopted conclusions on how to better develop a shared vision for space fostering competitiveness by the EU and the European Space Agency. EU budget: own resources Without discussion, the Council adopted the three legislative acts forming the own resources package related to the EU's multiannual financial framework 2014-2020.