Brussels, 24/07/2013 (Agence Europe) -European Commissioner for Industry Antonio Tajani has presented the European economy ministers with the European initiatives taken to boost female entrepreneurship. The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of Ministers put the subject on the agenda of the informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council in Vilnius on Tuesday 23 July and invited the delegations to debate the issue (see EUROPE 10894).
Over a working lunch devoted to the subject of female entrepreneurship, the commissioner stressed that “in these times of crisis, we cannot afford to do without women's contribution and their entrepreneurial potential”. For this reason, he told the European ministers, “today more than ever, it is vital that we free up women's potential talent and encourage the creation of new businesses run by women”. Against this backdrop, he presented the steps taken by the European Commission over the last three years.
Firstly, a European network of female entrepreneurship ambassadors was set up in 2009, across 22 countries. 360 entrepreneurs have been mobilised and have supported the creation of 250 new businesses. On the basis of this, a European network of mentors for female entrepreneurs was set up in 2011, with 200 mentors in 17 member states.
Secondly, the Commission launched its action plan for entrepreneurship in 2020 earlier this year, in order to promote entrepreneurship in the European Union. This action plan also comprises a platform especially for women. It is a one-stop shop for women wishing to set up their own business.
Lastly, the commissioner highlighted the proposal made last autumn by his colleague with responsibility for fundamental rights, Viviane Reding, for a quota of 40% of women in non-executive posts on the boards of directors of large European businesses quoted on the stock exchange. This is an initiative which he supports, whilst also welcoming the fact that the proposal remains proportionate, as it will not apply to SMEs.
Over the working lunch, each delegation also presented the measures taken at national level. All of the delegations agreed that there should be a much greater exchange of best practice in order to boost female entrepreneurship. (MD/transl.fl)