The Ministers responsible for Competitiveness (Internal Market and Industry) met on 22 March 2021 by videoconference to discuss the concept of "strategic autonomy in an open European Union", with a view to promoting greater resilience and competitiveness of the European economy. The concept was analysed from different perspectives, namely strengthening the internal market, value chains, diversifying supply, identifying strategic areas and vulnerabilities (and which measures are relevant to address them), promoting a level playing field and opening the European Union to the world.

Also presented was the European Commission's Communication "Guidelines for digitisation by 2030: Europe's way to the Digital Decade", which presents a vision, targets and pathways to successfully complete Europe's digital transformation by 2030.

European Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Commissioner Thierry Breton participated in this debate, as well as representatives from two companies, one from the pharmaceutical sector (Guy Villax, Hovione) and one from the technology area (Paulo Rosado, OutSystems), who shared their views on this topic.