Brussels, 27/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - Following the conclusions of the European Council in Lisbon, the European Commission adopted a communication which sets out its future enterprise policy and, at the same time, a new multiannual programme (2001-2005) to support the entrepreneurial spirit.
In its communication, entitled "challenges for enterprise policy in the knowledge-driven economy", the Commission encourages small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt successful commercial models that integrate electronic commerce between businesses. It also plans to: 1) encourage risk-taking and the entrepreneurial spirit; 2) build a dynamic business environment in which companies can be created, grow and innovate, supported by risk-capital and an effective innovation and research policy; and 3) ensure that enterprises have effective access to markets, both internal and global, in which to sell their products and services. No more Community legislative texts are expected to be adopted without the EU having carried out, at the highest policy level, an assessment of the impact this would have on business.
"Entrepreneurship is the key to the new economy. Those who take risks must be rewarded and those who fail must be given a second chance. This is an important part of the learning curve", declared Commissioner Erkki Liikanen, who recommends above all revision of national legislation on bankruptcy. Mr Liikanen also insists on the fact that "unnecessary costs put in the way of enterprise, whether by barriers in the internal market, or by red tape, must be swept away".
Mainly geared to the needs of SMEs, the new multiannual programme for enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit comprises different instruments aimed at giving SMEs a better financial environment in the form of loan guarantees and support for the provision of venture capital. In the context of this programme, SMEs will continue to benefit from business support networks and services, like those provided through the Euro Info Centres. The programme has a budget of EUR 230 million over five years intended for the support of SMEs in 30 countries (EU, applicant countries, and EEA). SMEs will be mainly encouraged to adopt commercial models that integrate electronic commerce between companies (B2B e-commerce), which represents 85% of all electronic commerce in Europe. Only businesses which adjust to the new models will survive, declared Mr Liikanen.