H.E. Mr. Magnus Ryd?n:

I thank the Chair. I understand the first question about the competitiveness agenda, and of course we will look at that. It needs to be looked at both in the short term and in the long term. As I have said this is a very important agenda and priority for the Swedish Presidency. We will celebrate 30 years of the EU Single Market this Spring, which of course is a chance to highlight the importance of the Single Market for the free movement of people, goods, capital and services. That is something we will do, together with an external trade agenda that is part of the competitiveness agenda. The Chair raised the question of subsidies. There has been a political debate around the US Inflation Reduction Act, which we also need to look into. Right now the Presidency is awaiting the Commission's analysis of the situation, and looking at different proposals. We will see what the Commission presents and we will take that forward in the Council. Next month there will also be a debate on competitiveness in the European Council. In March we have the European Council, which will be devoted to competitiveness agenda issues. We will raise the issue of state subsidies and also look at various proposals the Commission may present. That is an important agenda point. On the rule of law we will of course continue with Article 7, the country-specific discussions, which is the instrument I mentioned. On the Chair's final point I will look into the matter and I thank him for raising it. I will have a look at it and come back to the committee.