Brussels, 12/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The democratic uprisings that occurred in the Mediterranean area and the rightful claims of young people for jobs and a better future in these countries have made it clear that the EU needs to offer greater support to the region, both from a democratic and economic perspective. At the 8th Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting on industry in Malta on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May, European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani launched a set of far-reaching proposals for the progressive integration of markets between the EU and the Mediterranean as well as the setting up of a Small Business Act (SBA) in the Mediterranean basin to help unleash grass roots entrepreneurship on a mass scale to build dynamic and active economies in the neighbour countries.
Tajani, who has responsibility for industry and entrepreneurship said: “The EU needs to give a clear signal that a strong industrial cooperation and the creation of a favourable environment for SMEs is of mutual benefit for Mediterranean neighbours and the EU. Further economic development and job creation is essential for political stability in the region, as well as help to manage migration. It is more important than ever for those involved in the network to discuss how to build an even stronger business partnership”.
He called for promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and SMEs and enhancing industrial cooperation in the region. He highlighted, too, the progress made in 2009/2010, within the framework of the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean charter for enterprise, which, in his view, was bound to evolve into a veritable Small Business Act in the Mediterranean area. He called for reinforced action under the 2011/2012 work programme which was approved by industry ministers.
Agreements on conformity assessment and acceptance of industrial goods (ACAAs), and how to better facilitate trade were crucial issues discussed by the conference today. (COM-Gp/transl.rt)