Council Resolution on realizing potential of SMEs
The Council of the European Union has adopted a Resolution on "Realizing the full potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises and the craft sector, through an integrated approach to improving the business environment and stimulating business support measures". In its Resolution, the Council notes that, despite steps taken towards improving the administrative and regulatory business environment for SMEs, these businesses are still not benefiting sufficiently from many Community actions and programmes compared to their share of economic activity and their employment growth potential. The Council, therefore, calls on the Member States and the European Commission, acting in mutual consultation, to examine the extent to which the business environment for SMEs could be improved by addressing the structural impediments resulting from the legal, financial, administrative and regulatory framework. A number of specific suggestions for areas of action are made. These include promoting the exchange of information and best practice between Member States, improving training opportunities for SMEs and facilitating their access to information, and continuing work to simplify administrative requirements and improve access to finance. The Council further stresses the importance of small and micro-enterprises, drawing attention to the central role they play in local development and employment. The Resolution calls on the Member States and the Commission, within existing measures, to take account of the special needs and priorities of small and micro enterprises. In particular, it calls on the Commission to promote their involvement as subcontractors in the downstream phases of projects under Community RTD programmes.