Brussels, 03/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - In the second half of 2012, the Cypriot Presidency will introduce a number of proposals and legislative initiatives to increase the competitiveness of the EU. There will be a focus on measures to promote SMEs and their access to funding, as well as measures to enhance the single market, protect consumers and facilitate access to the jobs market for jobseekers.
The Cypriot Presidency will place the examination of the Commission communication, proposed at the end of 2010 on integrated industrial policy, at the heart of its work. This idea seeks to assess the progress made in the strategy to promote growth, job creation and an economic system that is low on carbon consumption and efficient at managing its resources, as well as further developing new measures if necessary. SME support and promoting the spirit of enterprise are at the top of the agenda for Cyprus. On 19-20 July, Cyprus will host an informal Competitiveness Council on these themes. In the same connection, the Cypriot Presidency is seeking to reach an agreement during its mandate on the SME competitiveness programme (COSME), the new instrument developed to replace the old competitiveness and innovation programme (CIP) in 2013-2020. This will depend, however, on negotiations on the EU multiannual financial framework.
Strengthening the internal market through technical harmonisation is another priority of the Cypriot Presidency. Significant emphasis will be made to adapt a certain number of directives to the new legislative framework on products such as household goods, measuring and weighing instruments, and lifts. This new horizontal framework will be proposing regulation for products that do not respect essential health and safety requirements. (EH/transl.fl)