The Ministers responsible for Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) will be meeting by video conference on 22 March 2021 to discuss the concept of “strategic autonomy in an open European Union”, aimed at making the European economy more resilient and competitive.

The concept will be analysed from different perspectives, particularly the strengthening of the single market, value chains, diversification of supply, the identification of strategic areas and vulnerabilities (and relevant measures for dealing with these), promoting a level playing field in competition and the European Union's openness to the world.

The European Commission's communication, “2030 Digital Compass: the European Way for the Digital Decade”, which outlines a vision, goals and routes for successfully concluding the digital transformation of Europe by 2030, will also be presented.

Other participants in this discussion will include the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager, and Commissioner Thierry Breton.