Cannes European Council calls for increased investment in research and development
The Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the European Union met at the Cannes European Council on 26-27 June 1995. Among the issues discussed were research and development, SME policy and competitiveness, education and training, and the development of the information society. The Council emphasized the importance of developing investment in research, development and education at national and Community level. It likewise stressed the need to combat excessive regulation in order to stimulate employment, competitiveness and innovation. The importance of SMEs was recognized as was the need to create a more favourable environment for their development. It was suggested that this could be done by reducing the administrative burden on them, improving financing opportunities and better integrating them into the internal market, as well as facilitating their participation in training and research programmes. The Council called upon the Commission to submit a report on policies currently being conducted in this field. President Santer confirmed the Union's will to proceed with the development of the information society while being careful not to let it become a "luxury toy of the rich". He emphasized the development potential of growth sectors (for example, multimedia) and the potential for job creation in promoting the information society. Mr. Santer also referred to the Commission's plan to draw up a White Paper on education and training and underlined the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework in this field. The Council welcomed the agreement on renewing the MEDIA programme in the field of training, development and distribution, which will contribute to promoting the freedom of movement of audiovisual works in the Community. The Commission intends to submit to the Council before the end of 1995 a proposal for a Decision setting up a financial guarantee instrument for the production of European audiovisual works.