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| Newsletter November 2005 |
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Dear Members of the SME UNION, dear friends of SMEs!
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November was a busy month for our organization and with December ahead, the end of the SME UNION Working year 2005 is knocking at the door. Nevertheless, there lies still ahead the important work of December.
The past month of November was marked by the Commission’s presentation of its new SME Policy under the slogan “Think Small First”. The European Commission’s new focus on a more SME-friendly policy, presented by Commissioner Verheugen, was good news for Europe’s SMEs. This new, comprehensive and inclusive SME policy is an encouraging signal that this Commission is able and willing to find answers to the challenges of global competition. Nevertheless, those nice words and promises have to be followed now by concrete action.
I am strongly critical of the outcome of the first reading in the European Parliament on the new EU chemical policy REACH. Although all studies and impact assessments have confirmed that SMEs will be hardest hit by the REACH legislation, the European Parliament has opted for a difficult and bureaucratic approach. What we’ve seen was a vote in favor of even more bureaucracy and against European competitiveness. Now the hopes of the European SME Community lie with the Council which has to pull the chestnuts out of the fire.
The vote of the European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee on the Services Directive was a major success this month. Notwithstanding the unfounded fears that have been stoked by various groups and politicians during the past months, MEPs have allowed reason and a sense of proportion to prevail. This is a major success for the European business community as well as consumers who will be able to profit from better quality at lower prices.
At the beginning of December I will have the possibility to meet the SME Circle to discuss the SME aspects of the Austrian Presidency with our task force in the European Parliament. On 7 December we meet with all our members in Brussels for our bi-annual SME UNION Bureau Meeting to discuss the policy guidelines for the upcoming year. On the same day the SME UNION and partners will hold its Education to Entrepreneurship conference with Commissioner Jan Figel. Traditionally we end our working year with the international SME Balkan Congress in Beograd, this year on 17 December.
Please find more details about all of these issues in our Newsletter. We wish you a fruitful Advent season and look forward to seeing you at our next events.
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2005-12-01, Brussels, The Austrian Presidency and its relevance for SMEs
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In summer 2005 the SME UNION General Assembly elected Christoph Leitl as their new President. Leitl is currently also President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and President of the European Chambers of Commerce. The SME Circle of the EPP-ED Group and the SME UNION of the EPP use this opportunity to welcome the new president and to invite all the Members of the SME Circle and the EPP-ED observers from Romania and Bulgaria, who are interested in SME issues to a Lunch debate with Leitl to discuss the SME perspectives arising from the upcoming Austrian EU Presidency as well as the cooperation between the SME UNION and the SME Circle. The Lunch debate (for SME Circle Members only) will take place on Thursday, 1 December 2005, 13:00-14:30 in a Salon of the Members Restaurant in the European Parliament.
Further information |
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2005-12-06, Brussels, Inauguration of UNPR’s Representation in Brussels
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Marian Petre Milut, President of the National Union of Romanian Employers and his Excellency Radu, Prince of Hohenzollern-Veringen proudly announce the inauguration of UNPR’s Representation in Brussels, 289, Avenue d’Auderghem. A reception from the official partner of the SME UNION will take place on the occasion of this inauguration on 6 December 2005 from 18.00 to 21.00 in their new office.
Invitation |
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2005-12-07, Brussels, SME UNION Presidency and Political Bureau Meetings
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On Wednesday 7 December the Presidency of the SME UNION meet at 10.00 in Brussels, Rue de Pascale 22. After the SME UNION Presidency between 11.30 and 13.00 the Political Bureau Meeting, which takes place only twice a year and is composed of all the representatives of the SME UNION Member Organizations, the Presidency, the SME Circle Presidency and the chairpersons and directors of the SME UNION Working Groups, will be held. These meeting will be followed by the SME UNION Education to Entrepreneurship Conference (see below). After the Conference from 17.30 onwards a Christmas Cocktail Reception will take place in the SME UNION House in Rue de Pascale 22. |
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2005-12-07, Brussels, SME UNION Education to Entrepreneurship Conference
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The SME UNION of the EPP and its partners European Enterprise Institute (EEI), EuroCommerce and Intel will hold an international SME Conference on "Education to Entrepreneurship – the European Education Market", 7 December 2005, 14.00-17.30 in the Eastman Building, European Parliament, Brussels. High level representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, academics, entrepreneurs and politicians will discuss topics like educate to innovate, the importance of entrepreneurship education and the competitiveness of the European education market. Commissioner for Education Ján Figel’ will give a keynote speech. DG Enterprise SME Envoy Maive Rute makes part of the panel of “Educate to innovate – The importance of Entrepreneurship Education”.
Programme |
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2005-12-08, Brussels, EPP-ED Hearing on CIP
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The Hearing on the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme 2007-2013 will be held under the topic “smart instruments for a smart Europe?” In the first panel of this hearing Matthias Ruete Director European Commission, Directorate A, DG Enterprise and Industry will give a presentation of CIP and its role in boosting Europe's competitiveness. The second part deals with the experts' view on financial instruments, entrepreneurship, capacity building, ICT and energy tools.
Further information
Programme |
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2005-12-08, Brussels, The Priorities of the Austrian Presidency
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The Hans Seidl Stiftung together with the Austrian Initiative “Europatage 2005/2006” invite you to this discussion about the Austrian Presidency 2006. Hans Winkler, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Austria and Joachim Wuermeling MEP will discuss the topic which will be moderated by Christian Henkes. The event will take place in Résidence Palace, IPC – Saal Polak (Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brüssel) from 10.00 to 11.30.
Further information |
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2005-12-17, Belgrade, 3rd International Serbia SME Union Congress
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The SME Union Serbia and the SME UNION of the European People’s Party jointly organize the third International Serbia SME UNION Congress in Belgrade. Representatives of the Serbian government will discuss with SME UNION members, EU experts and other high-level speakers the prospect of future membership of Serbia and Montenegro to the EU and the impact of regional policy on SMEs.
Programme |
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2006-01-18, Strasbourg, SME Intergroup Meeting on Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
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The first SME Intergroup meeting in 2006 will take place on 18 January in Strasbourg from 16.30 – 17.30. On the topic of the Competitiveness and Innovation Programm (CIP) Jorgo Chatzimarkakis MEP, Rapporteur on CIP and Jerzy Buzek MEP, Rapporteur on the 7th Framework Programme will give an insight into the actual status. After the statements there will be a discussion with the members of the SME Intergroup.
Further information |
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2006-01-27, Budapest, “Hungarian SMEs and their Outlook after EU Accession”
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The Hungarian SME Union KKVE organizes in cooperation with the SME UNION of the EPP the annual SME Conference in Budapest. This will be a good opportunity to discuss the developments took place in SME sector in year 2005. The conference will address important SME topics, such as the present role of Hungarian SMEs in the Hungarian economy and in the European Union, as well as the contribution of women entrepreneurs to economic growth, held by high-ranking speakers. The conference on the 27 January 2005 will be held in the House of Citizens, Visi Imre utca 6 from 9.00 till 16.30. Invitation will be send out soon.
Further Information |
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Service and Information |
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More Research and Innovation - Investing for Growth and Employment
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The European Commission has identified the innovation gap between the EU and the US, combined with the significant growth of innovation investments in emerging economies, such as China, as key threats to the position of Europe’s economy in the coming decades. In order to address this issue and to achieve sustainable global competitiveness the Commission has initiated an integrated innovation and research action plan. Policies in the programme should also take into account sectoral specificities, SME needs and the role of public research organizations. It will start at the end of 2005.
Further information |
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New European Enterprise Awards designed to encourage entrepreneurship
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Policies that promote entrepreneurship and create a favorable environment for business, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises are crucial if the European Union is to rise to its number one challenge of stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs. The European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, is proud to launch the European Enterprise Awards, which recognize and reward outstanding initiatives that support entrepreneurship at the regional level. The fourfold objectives of the award will honor the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit, enterprise in disadvantaged areas, the reduction of red tape, improved enterprise education and the promotion of sustainable business practices. The deadline for receipt of entries at national level is 31 May, 2006 with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in November 2006. There are five categories in the European Enterprise Award:
1. The Entrepreneurial Trailblazer Award will recognise actions that promote an entrepreneurial culture and mindset.
2. The Enterprise Support Award will reward innovative policies that promote enterprise and attract investment, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
3. The Red Tape Reduction Award will reward measures to simplify administrative procedures for businesses, in particular for start-ups.
4. The Investment in People Award will recognise initiatives to improve entrepreneurship education and training.
5. Responsible entrepreneurship will honour corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.
Further information
EP Press Release |
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Recommendations of the EPP - CoR Group on “Growth and Jobs in Europe”
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On 28 October 2005 the EPP - CoR Group has held a seminar on the Topic of “Growth and Jobs in Europe” in Bratislava. A key recommendation for achieving the goals of the re-launched Lisbon Strategy is seen in the performance of local and regional authorities. By means the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality must be applied at all governance levels. Furthermore the strong involvement of local and regional authorities in the revising process of the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs and in the implementation of National Reform Programmes by respective Member States is indispensable.
Recommendation Paper |
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Book Recommendation 1: “Complete Idiots Guide to Successful Entrepreneuring”
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From the man who created the beloved Vermont Teddy Bear John Sortino comes advice on turning a bright idea into a business success story. All the rights move for turning a bright idea into a business success story. Offering guidance on turning a bright idea into a business success story, this text explains how to organize your workload and gives advice on how to overcome habits that set you back.
Book Order |
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Book recommentation 2: “Unternehmerhandbuch 2006” (only in German)
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Das Unternehmerhandbuch der beiden Wirtschaftsblatt Redakteure Günther Fritz und Gerald Stefan ist der erste Guide Österreichs für Jungunternehmer, Gründer und KMUs. Er bietet einen Überblick über sämtliche Aspekte eines erfolgreichen Unternehmertums. Das Hanbuch behandelt unter anderem Fragen zur Gründung, Finanzierung, Steuer und Lobbying.
Book Order |
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A "Quick Guide to EU employment and social policies", now available on internet
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A set of 15 concise policy briefs looks at what the EU is doing to create more and better jobs, ensure social protection and promote equal opportunities for all. The briefs also underline the role of the different policy instruments of EU social policy. The final brief explains what the EU is doing to promote the social dimension worldwide and how the European social model offers lessons for global policy players. Clear examples are provided on actions in the Member States. The Quick Guide is available online in English.
Further information |
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Bank Loans for SMEs: Golden rules for a golden handshake
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Of practical relevance to the SME requiring bank loans is the guide based on the survey detailing exactly what information the bank are likely to want. The advice, which is set out clearly and logically, is good, although some of it may appear to be common sense to an experienced entrepreneur. The guide outlines six basic rules:
1. Ask for information from the bank
2. Deliver clear, complete and timely documentation to the bank
3. Check loan terms and conditions
4. Manage your rating actively
5. Make sure you hold on to your loan
6. Consider the financing alternatives
Further information |
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SME Access to Finance
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Improving the access to finance of small and medium enterprises is crucial in fostering entrepreneurship, competition, innovation and growth in Europe. A survey by Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry among approximately 3000 SME managers now revealed the problems and opportunities on the access to finance for SMEs. The main findings from the survey on SME´s access to finance can be seen in the executive summary.
Further information |
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Women and Men: Equal Career Partners?
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Equality between men and women is a cornerstone principle of the EU. While progress is being made towards achieving it, much more needs to be done to provide real equality in employment. The attached second report on equality between women and men points to the continuing gaps between women and men in wages and employment.
Further information |
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2006 European Year of Workers' Mobility
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In its efforts to enhance the EU's competitiveness and foster job creation, the European Council has placed mobility at the heart of the Lisbon strategy. Yet, in practice, the current mobility rates for workers in Europe remain low. As a means to overcome the current shortages, and to create awareness around the existing opportunities and instruments to foster geographic and occupational mobility, the European Commission has decided to designate 2006 as the European Year of Workers' Mobility", with the sub-title "Towards a European Labour Market". The purpose of the present call for proposals is the organisation of co-operation and awareness-raising activities as well as pilot projects aimed at enhancing mobility opportunities for workers in Europe. Application deadline is 12 December 2005.
European Commission Proposal
Applicants Guide
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Initiative on Public Private Partnerships
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Following the public debate on the PPP Green Paper the European Commission has recently published a Communication on the Initiative on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Community Law on Public Procurement and Concessions. This Communication presents policy options with a view to ensuring effective competition for PPPs without unduly limiting the flexibility needed to design innovative and often complex projects.
Further information |
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European Commission says energy markets operating on anti-competitive basis
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The European Commission recognises “serious problems” in the functioning of Europe's energy markets and has warned that action will be taken against companies found to be acting in an anti-competitive manner. According to its draft announcement, the competition commission has identified five areas in which it says the continent's energy markets are “malfunctioning”. Gas and electricity markets in many member states are still concentrated in the hands of a few operators. Furthermore barriers to cross-border supply of gas and electricity were also found to be hampering the development of integrated EU energy market. The inquiry by Neelie Kroes, the Competition Commissioner, could focus attention on the energy market distortions and Kroes is due to present the preliminary report to the public in February and conclude the inquiry in the second half of 2006.
Further information |
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Streamlined production process for SME automotive suppliers
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Increasingly, the automotive manufacturing industry asks its suppliers, often SMEs, to provide integrated modules instead of individual components. In addition, SMEs are faced with the need to reduce manufacturing costs and development time. This situation inspired an EU funded project “to propose ways to help SMEs adapt their technologies and enhance SME competitiveness in the sector”. The final objective is to give SMEs an advantageous approach to the modularisation requirements nowadays demanded in the sector.
Further information |
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Commissioner Kroes unveils plans to improve state aid rules to support innovation
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On 21 September 2005 the European Commission launched a consultation document on measures to boost innovation in small and medium seized enterprises (SMEs). The document sets out the Commissions concrete ideas on ways to reinforce innovation and research within SMEs through State aid rules. Commissioner Kroes said: “Even though effective competition is the best tool to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Europe, State aid can also play a very useful supporting rule”.
Further information |
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State aid: Commission endorses German innovation programme for SMEs
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The European Commission has authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, a German aid scheme fostering innovation in German enterprises. The scheme will finance precompetitive development activities of small, medium-sized and certain large enterprises through the provision of loans. The measure forms part of the ERP Innovation Programme 2005 and is administered by the German public development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau GmbH (KfW). The Commission concluded that the scheme was not liable to distort competition unduly within the Single Market.
Further information |
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European Commission published their register of expert groups
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The register is a result of a commitment made by the Commission President, Mr Barroso, to the European Parliament in November 2004. The register of expert groups is set up by the European Commission with the aim to give a transparent overview of the advisory bodies that assist it and its services in preparing legislative proposals and policy initiatives. Of special interest for SMEs are the expert groups which deal especially with SME topics. These are for example the expert group E-learning policies for SME benchmarking, Supporting Internalization of SMEs and the expert group on Mainstreaming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) amongst SMEs.
Further information |
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Grant programme 2005: Specific Call for Proposals, Action 6: Cooperation and cluster-building among SMEs
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As a follow up of the European Commission Campaign “Business Opportunities with Enlargement” (2003-2004), the Pilot Project “Partnership Events in EU regions bordering the Candidate Countries” (2003-2005) and the “Pan-European Business Cooperation Schemes for SMEs in the Framework of Enlargement” (2004-2006), Enterprise and Industry DG calls for proposals under the Pilot Project for: “European Business-Cooperation Events and Clustering activities in the Border Regions between New and Old Member States in the European Union” (2005-2007).
Further information |
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European Initiative for financing SMEs
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Together with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund (EIF) the European Commission started an initiative called JEREMIE. JEREMIE stands for Joint European Resources for Micro-to-Medium Enterprises and aims to support access to finance for SMEs and development of micro-credit for the next programming period. For this joint initiative, which is expected to become operational in 2007, the EIF will be entrusted with the implementation of it. The JEREMIE Implementation Team will be under the responsibility of Marc Schublin.
Further information |
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Zourek and Le Bail new leaders of DG Enterprise, Commission reshuffles its Directors General and Deputy Directors General teams
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As the European Commission stated in November 2005 in total 17 Directors-General (DG) and Deputy Directors-General (DDG) are consequently being transferred to new posts at various dates up to 1 January 2006. From the SME point of view important is that after Horst Reichenbach the Austrian Heinz Zourek will be the Director of DG Enterprise and Industry which he actually has hold interim up to date. The new Deputy Director General of DG Enterprise is Francoise Le Bail. The SME UNION congratulates both of them, looks forward to a good continued cooperation and wishes DG Enterprise all the best under the new leadership.
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Modernising education and training systems: a vital contribution to prosperity and social cohesion in Europe
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The European Commission has adopted today its contribution towards the 2006 Joint Council/Commission progress report on the implementation of the “Education and Training 2010” work programme. The Commission’s Communication is based on national reports from the participating countries themselves. It takes stock of progress at national level towards modernising and adapting education and training systems in view of the Lisbon goals. The report notes that reforms are going in the right direction, and that there are positive developments such as lifelong learning increasingly becoming a key feature of national policies, and the early achievement of the EU 2010 benchmark on increasing the number of maths, science and technology graduates. The Commission identifies a lack of progress, however, against the other European benchmarks fixed by the Education Council in 2003, and which relate more specifically to the development of the knowledge-based society. In particular, the draft report warns that unless substantial progress is made in the coming years in ensuring that young people leave school with the qualifications and key competences they need, and that more adults take part in lifelong learning, increasing numbers of people will face social exclusion, at great cost to themselves, the economy and society as a whole. The reforms called for under Education and Training 2010 are therefore vital for the long-term sustainability of the European social model. In this context the Commission stresses that greater efficiency in education and training systems should not be sought at the expense of equitable outcomes for all. On the topic of education especially for entrepreneurs the SME UNION of the EPP organizes a conference in Brussels at 7 December 2005 (see upcoming events).
Further information
EC Press Release |
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.eu – Do you get the point? Advantages for SMEs!
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Twelve yellow stars forming a circle on a blue background - the European flag is a symbol well known throughout the world. As of December 7, Europeans will have another European symbol representing them on the world wide web: .eu – your European meeting point! The advantages of switching on to “.eu” – especially for businesses – are obvious: first, “.eu” gives businesses a visible European identity and extends their marketing reach to more of Europe’s 450 million citizens. Any business, whether a flower shop in the Netherlands, a chocolate producer in Belgium or a party goods manufacturer in the Czech Republic can use a “.eu” domain name to show potential customers immediately that they can deliver their products all over Europe. A “.eu” address identifies your company as “European” in outlook, with international ambitions. “.eu” is also – particularly for smaller businesses and citizens – a golden opportunity to smarten up their web presence with a shorter, more attractive web and email address. On the individual level, take the example of a John Smith from the UK, who may well have found that “.uk” and “.com” addresses using variants of his name are already taken. John will now have another opportunity to register a web or email address that is easy to read and to remember.
Further information
Accredited Registrars
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Commission wants to harmonise corporate tax base across EU
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Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs has announced a plan to harmonise the corporate tax base across the EU, along the lines of the Slovak flat tax system. He expects that 20 member states will go ahead with this. The adopted comprehensive package on EU taxation and customs polices from the Commission should boost the European competitiveness by introducing one single tax base instead of 25 different corporate tax systems in the EU. Nonetheless Commissioner Kovacs expects strong opposition to the idea from a number of member states, including the UK, Ireland and Estonia.
On the other hand tax competition helps enterprises and attracts foreign investment, exerting healthy pressure on governments to get maximum value for tax money. And there is not only opposition from outside the Commission. Commissioner Charlie McGreevy for example mentioned in his speech on tax harmonisation: “It is neither sensible nor realistic to seek convergence of tax rates across Europe. Different Member States have different demographics, different social programmes, different sources of competitive advantage. Therefore they need to use taxation in different ways and in different doses to achieve their economic and social objectives.” Even if the EU states could ever agree (with the necessary unanimity) to standardise all corporate tax deductions and allowances, McCreevy believes it is impossible for the 25 governments ever to concur on how to divide up the consolidated figure for EU-wide taxable profits. Yet even if base harmonization were possible, it would not be desirable, as it is harder to compete on tax rates if the tax base is fixed.
Further information
Speech McGreevy
Financial Times Article |
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Taxation and Customs: Commission sets out actions to boost European competitiveness
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The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive plan of EU-wide taxation and customs measures that would help the EU to achieve its Lisbon objectives. The plan lists existing and forthcoming Commission taxation and customs initiatives aimed at reducing compliance costs and red tape. "The right taxation and customs policies can contribute to raising the efficiency of EU economies and the competitiveness of EU companies" said EU Taxation and Customs Commissioner László Kovács. SME UNION Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis MEP refers with a presentation given at an EPP event lately to the planned tax reform. Speaking about the opportunities and threats he shows for example the outcomes of the tax reforms in Slovakia and Latvia.
Presentation Dombrovskis
Further information
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Company taxation: Commission adopts Code of Conduct concerning transfer pricing
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The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Code of Conduct that would standardise the documentation that multinationals must provide to tax authorities on their pricing of cross-border intra-group transactions ("transfer pricing" documentation). The proposal, that has been developed on the basis of work in the EU Joint Transfer Pricing Forum, would reduce significantly the tax complications that companies face when trading with associated enterprises in other Member States. Companies frequently complain at present about the onerous and divergent documentation obligations with which they have to comply in such cases in the different Member States involved. The Code would be a political commitment and would not affect the Member States' rights and obligations or the respective spheres of competence of the Member States and the Community.
Further information |
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Structures of the taxation systems in the European Union
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The European Commission published an overview of the different taxation systems in the 25 EU Member States. This is for the first time that the analysis on the basis from 1995 to 2003 includes the taxation systems of the new Member States as well. The publication provides an in-depth analysis of the main trends in tax policy in EU Member States, with coverage not only of traditional income and consumption taxes but also of newer instruments such as environmental taxes. It contains both country-by-country information and an analysis of EU-wide trends.
Further information |
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b2europe makes access to European services easier for SMEs
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From November 24, 2005 SMEs will be able to find their way more easily through the jungle of European services. b2europe alliances, bringing together business support organisations to provide all-inclusive support services for SMEs are being agreed across the EU. Spearheaded by partnerships concluded between Euro Info Centres (EIC) and Innovation Relay Centres (IRC), which will increase cooperation between the two networks, b2europe will make it that much easier for SMEs to expand their business, obtain technologies, and find business partners or funding opportunities.
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2005-11-19, Paris, SME Union France founded: Jean-Marie Virepinte becomes first President
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The SME UNION, the voice of small and medium entrepreneurs of the European People’s Party (EPP), is delighted to announce, that it has got a strong new member in France within the UMP party. The inauguration meeting of the newly founded SME Union took place in Paris November 19, 2005. It was organized under the patronage of Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the UMP and Minister of Interior. The ceremony was attended by Renaud Dutreil, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Trade, Small-Scale Industry and Professions, Jacques Toubon MEP, former Minister, Jean-Michel Ferrand, Vice-President of the SME UNION and UMP National Secretary for SMEs and Alain Lamassoure MEP, former European Affairs Minister and UMP National Secretary of European Affairs, who demanded to “penser grand pour les petits”! The new organization will be headed by Jean Marie-Virepinte, President of MMP. The role of the Secretary General will be fulfilled by Patrick Moulin. |
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Pierre Lequiller, Vice-President of the EPP welcomed the new member in the EPP family. The EPP Deputy Secretary General, Luc Vandeputte mentioned the key role of SMEs in the European economy. The SME UNION Brussels team was headed by Co-President Peter Jungen who gave a remarkable speech on the importance of open markets and the fearless approach towards new challenges in Europe: “Fearful societies are never successful societies”. Co-President Jungen also quoted Colbert underlining that SMEs need from the government to “laissez-nous faire”! Christian Ehler, Co-Treasurer of the SME UNION and MIT Vice-Chairman underlined the need of a strong French partner within the SME UNION of the EPP. Jerzy Samborski, Vice-President of the SME UNION talked about challenges of SMEs, especially in the new Member States. |
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The event attracted many distinguished guests such as Eno Bozdo, Albanian Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy and an active supporter of the SME Union Albania. SME UNION’s President Christoph Leitl congratulated in his welcome letter the new President Jean-Marie Virepinte. ”All the work done on behalf of SMEs cannot solely be done in Brussels. Therefore, it is important that SMEs have an effective and strong voice especially in France.” “It is vital that the SME Union France plays an important role in the political and economic development of such a large country as France, which is definitely one of the key economic players in Europe”, mentioned President Leitl. |
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2005-11-11, Valetta, Foundation of SME Woman Malta
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„The role of women entrepreneurs within the EU” seminar was organized on the role of women entrepreneurs by the regional SME Union of the Nationalist Party, in cooperation with the AZAD Centre for Political Studies, in Malta this month. During the one day seminar the participants discussed the present situation of women entrepreneurs in Malta and the European Union, the role of women in financial services, equality and gender issues. Magda Magri Naudi, Chairperson of the newly established SME Working Group opened the conference and introduced the guest speakers and the topics of the seminar. Alex Vassallo, President of the SME Union Malta of the National Party held the first speech about launching the SME Women Working Group. Afterwards Ildikó Voller-Szenci, Director of SME Women of the SME UNION talked about the situation and facilities of women entrepreneurs in the EU.
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Rosanne Galea, President of Malta Association of Women in Business held a presentation about women in the financial services industry. She pointed out the differences arise between the number of self employed women and men. In her conclusion she underlined the need to encourage entrepreneurship by women and to develop support schemes and family friendly measures for women to obtain access to finance. Afterwards, Mary Helen Strout, International Sectretary of SME Union Malta held an interesting speech about the shadow economy in the service sector. In the next speech, Patrick Voller, Sectretery General of SME UNION demonstrated the role of small and medium enterprises within the EU. This was followed by a presentation on equality and gender issues within the framework of the EU, held by Michelle Mallia, President of the Nationalist Party Women’s Movement. She was focusing on how women could participate more in decision-making levels. She stressed that women must make a collective effort to participate in order to eliminate all artificial barriers. |
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At the end of the seminar, Mary Gaerty, Director of Green Skip Services held a presentation, in which she talked about the barriers to start a business from traditional and financial sides as well. As an Executive member of the National Council of Women, she introduced the recent efforts made by the National Council of Women in order to improve the status of women. After a discussion, Edwin Vassallo, State Secretary for Small Business and the Self Employed of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs closed the seminar, which was a great opportunity to meet members of SME Union Malta and representatives of important women organizations in Malta. The event was covered by national television and newspapers.
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On Saturday November 12, SME UNION Secretary General Patrick Voller was able to meet the Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, a strong supporter of the SME Union Malta SIZM PN. Together with the SME Union Malta President Alexander Vassallo Voller discussed the future cooperation with the PN Secretary General Joe Saliba and the Prime Minister thanking him for his strong support. |
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Member of SME Circle Würmeling becomes Secretary of State
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Joachim Würmeling MEP has been appointed to the new German federal government as secretary of state in the ministry of economy, with responsibility for European Affairs. He will take up his new position in the government and thus also leave the European Parliament on 1 January 2006. The SME UNION and the SME Circle congratulate Joachim Würmeling for his election and wish him all the best for the future.
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Successes and Challenges for SMEs: Guidelines for European Legislators 2005 - 2006
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The SME UNION in cooperation with and special thanks to the SME Circle, the European People's Party and the EPP-ED Group proudly presents the second edition of "Successes and Challenges for SMEs". The SME UNION has issued this booklet to document the successes of its parliamentary work as well as to point out the challenges ahead of us. We want to thank and congratulate the SME Circle members for their hard work in the interests of SMEs and are looking forward to continue this fruitful cooperation.
Successes & Challenges |
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Vote on Services Directive „a major success“ – MEPs take important steps towards a workable Services Directive
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Plans to facilitate the provision of services in the EU single market took a major step forward at Parliament on Tuesday, 22 November 2005 when the Internal Market Committee voted at first reading on the report tabled by Evelyne GEBHARDT (PES, DE). Among other points, MEPs decided services of general economic interest should be included in the scope of the directive. This had been one of the most hotly debated issues. SME UNION’s President Christoph Leitl warmly welcomed the vote of the European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee on the services directive on 23 November 2005: “Notwithstanding the unfounded fears that have been stoked by various groups and politicians during the past months, MEPs have allowed reason and a sense of proportion to prevail. This is a major success for the European business community as well as consumers who will be able to profit from better quality at lower prices.”
Further information
Press Release |
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Services Directive: The 10 most often mentioned arguments (only in German)
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Die Wirtschaftskammer Österreich hat im Oktober 2005 ein Argumentarium zu den 10 am häufigsten genannten Gründen gegen die Dienstleistungsrichtlinie herausgegeben. Das Argumentarium greift dabei die wesentlichsten Kritikpunkte der Dienstleistungsrichtline auf und entkräftet diese in einem zweiten Schritt.
WKO Argumentarium |
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Leitl calls on Council to correct REACH
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SME UNION’s President Christoph Leitl strongly criticized the outcome of the first reading in the European Parliament on the new EU chemical policy, called REACH: “Although all studies and impact assessments have confirmed that SMEs will be hardest hit by the REACH legislation, the European Parliament has opted for a difficult and bureaucratic approach. What we’ve seen is a vote in favor of even more bureaucracy and against European competitiveness.”
Press Release |
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Commission tables new, comprehensive policy for small and medium-sized enterprises
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Europe’s 23 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major source of jobs, entrepreneurial skills, innovation as well as economic and social cohesion in the EU. This is why the European Commission has tabled a new, more pragmatic, comprehensive and inclusive policy for Europe’s SMEs. SME UNION President Leitl particularly welcomed the Commission’s intention to strengthening dialogue and consultation with SME stakeholders: “We are ready to participate in a regular and structured dialogue with both the Commission and other business organizations”, he said. The Commission proposes specific actions in five areas:
1. Promoting entrepreneurship and skills
2. Improving SMEs’ access to markets
3. Cutting red tape, including the integration of ‘Think Small First’ principle in all EU policies
4. Improving SMEs’ growth potential,
5. Strengthening dialogue and consultation with SME stakeholders
“99 per cent of all European businesses are SMEs and thus the backbone of the EU economy. SME are a major source of entrepreneurial skills and innovation, they contribute to growth, employment and social cohesion. Hence, the European Commission’s new focus on a more SME-friendly policy, presented by Commissioner Günter Verheugen, is good news for Europe’s small and medium sized enterprises”, SME UNION’s President Christoph Leitl said. “This new, comprehensive and inclusive SME policy is an encouraging signal that this Commission is able and willing to find answers to the challenges of global competition.”
Further information
Press Release |
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Better Regulation – European Commission sets out 3 years action plan
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The European Commission's better regulation strategy intends to simplify the existing EU rule book, reduce administrative burdens for the economy and improve the legislative environment for business. It is part of the EU's Lisbon reform agenda to become the world's most dynamic knowledge society by 2010. On 25 October 2005 Vice-President Verheugen presented the new initiative, a three years action plan which intends to review the complete body of EU legislation since 1957 (‘acquis communautaire’), to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. After having undertaken a broad consultation with member states and stakeholders the Commission proposes to simplify, repeal or rewrite over 220 EU laws which are comprised in more than 1.400 legal acts. The sectors which will be targeted on a priority basis with this simplification exercise are the car industry, construction and the waste sector. But other areas such as foodstuffs, cosmetics or the pharmaceutical sector will see some EU law simplified or rewritten over the next years.
Further information |
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| Newsletter November 2005 |
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