The Competitiveness Council convenes five to six times a year, with the participation of ministers responsible for Domestic Market, Industry and Research (in the Portuguese case it is presided by the Minister of the Economy and the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education). An informal ministerial meeting may also be organized in the country of the Presidency. During the Portuguese presidency, this meeting takes place in Lisbon on 19 and 21 July. The first part deals with Science and the second with SMEs and Industry.

In an increasingly globalised world, one of the most important priorities of the European Union and one of the issues chosen by the Portuguese Presidency is to strengthen competitiveness.

The intercalary revision of the SME and Industrial policies may have an important role in strengthening competitiveness. It is also important to stimulate the implementation of the Plan of Action for Innovation.

Another key element to ensure competitiveness in the EU is the support given to research activities.

- Priorities of the Portuguese Presidency for Competitiveness
- Priorities of the Portuguese Presidency for Science and Technology
- Trio programme of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian presidencies for research