Brussels, 25/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - Why has the Small Business Act (SBA) for Europe still not managed to convince all member states to act big, no matter how small the first steps might be? Short-term measures are fine, but they must go hand-in-hand with long-term innovative and sustainable action. The European Commission got it right in adopting the Social Business Initiative, which pursues a cross-policy approach, but the Small Business Act (SBA) fails to address the issues of education and youth. That is the reaction of European Economic and Social Committee President Staffan Nilsson to the proposals for the review of the SBA presented by Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani on Wednesday 23 February, “the horizontal, cross-policy approach” of which “linking the SBA to EUROPE 2020 strategy and the single market, is smart” (see EUROPE 10322).
In his comment, Nilsson wonders why Europe at times still lacks real ambition to tackle innovation. “We need to think in sustainable terms, and take a less short-term view. We can be more innovative under the SBA by linking up EU training and education schemes with businesses. Europe's future lies in youth and education”, he says.
He also welcomed: - the Commission's launching of a SME Assembly to provide a new forum for regular interaction with SME representatives: “The EESC can be a legitimate player in this assembly, as we have both the policy knowledge and the entrepreneurial experience”, he argues; - practical proposals, such as the new strategy for VAT and payments, the creation of the one-stop shops where SMEs can apply for EU, national and local grants; - lighter administration. (G.B./transl.rt)