Commission adopts SME programme for Saxony-Anhalt
On a proposal from Monika Wulf-Mathies, Commissioner responsible for regional and cohesion policies, the Commission has allocated ECU 35.1 million to supporting the adaptation, to the single market, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany. The total funding for this SME programme, which will cover the period 1995-1999 is ECU 63,889,000. The EU contribution of ECU 35.1 million thus represents 55% of the total. Prior to German unification, the economic structure of Saxony-Anhalt was marked by 40 years of state planning. The economy was integrated into the eastern European economic space, aimed at self-sufficiency with regard to the world market, and was almost exclusively limited to large-scale organizations, with few viable small or medium-sized enterprises. The small business sector has developed rapidly since 1989, becoming a stabilizing factor in the economy. Over 60% of those in work are currently employed in companies with up to 200 employees. SMEs are now an important means of promoting economic recovery and providing jobs in Saxony-Anhalt. The policy objective of Saxony-Anhalt is to create a basis for long-term sustainable, environmentally-sound economic development. The SME Programme will focus on areas with the potential to promote growth, and in which the need is greatest. Amongst other things, it will provide support for those setting up new businesses, particularly in the manufacturing industry. The programme will also encourage inter-regional marketing and cooperation, and promote measures designed to strengthen the capital base of SMEs. The programme will therefore concentrate on: - Quality management; - Organizational and personnel management; - Research and development; - Environmental management; - Education and training.
Countries
Germany