Recruiting new members for the Euro Info Centre network
With a view to improving the structure of its Euro Info Centre (EIC) network, and the quality of services provided, the European Commission has decided to open up the EIC network to new partners. Within this context, a call for applications has been published aimed at recruiting EICs, EIC network coordinators and EIC associate members. The EIC network was established in 1987 with the aim of improving access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to information and advice on the internal market and other European policies which affect them. Their role is essentially one of "First Stop Shops" for Community information. In January 1997, the network had 227 members distributed over the 15 Member States as well as in Norway and Iceland, and a further 21 correspondence centres mainly located in Central and East European countries, the Mediterranean Basin, the Near East and Switzerland. EICs have been developed within private, semi-private or public entities specializing in the provision of information and advice to enterprises: Chambers of Commerce, industry and handicraft professional organizations, development agencies, industrial associations and financial institutions. In addition to its fundamental task of providing Community information and advice to enterprises, the EIC is also called on to develop partnerships with other local, regional and European organizations that provide information and advice to SMEs. The Centre should ensure the widest possible promotion of Commission actions in favour of enterprises, as well as contributing to network activities. The EICs are required to respect three main principles of operation: - Diffusion of information to all SMEs whatever their sector; - Collaboration with other EIC network members; - Adherence to the non-profit making principle of its activities. The network is led and coordinated by DG XXIII of the European Commission. Application forms for EIC, EIC network coordinator or associate member status, as well as additional information indicating, among other things, the present distribution of the network and the towns and regions not presently covered, may be obtained from the European Commission. Requests for application forms should be sent, in writing, with the mention "EIC call for application - Request for an application form", to: European Commission DG XXIII - Enterprise policy, distributive trades, tourism and cooperation Mr. J.-P. Haber Unit B/1 200 rue de la Loi (AN80 4/68) B-1049 Brussels Fax +32-2-2957335