Brussels, 26/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The ELDR Group has drawn up a brochure to present the position adopted by the working party chaired by Denmark's Karin Riis-Jorgensen on small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). Here is a short overview of the paper entitled "A Dynamic and Enterprising Europe":
- Administration: procedures linked the foundation and running of a company are too costly and complex, says the paper, that observes that on-line formulae, assistance and consultation on the Internet would simplify management for companies. So as to promote the presence of companies in several Member States, the Liberals place emphasis on the European company statute.
- Political decisions: the paper places emphasis on impact studies before the adoption of any new legislation which may have an effect on SMEs. In addition, the ELDR Group recommends an overall revision of the acquis relating to SMEs, as well as the appointment of a member of the Commission responsible for the SME issue.
- Competition: the Liberals recommend broad liberalisation of energy, transport, postal and financial services. They also want to put an end to tax breaks which create distortions between regions.
- New technologies/education: the ELDR Group urges governments to improve access to the information society in outlying regions. It recalls that new technologies open the possibility to carrying out many jobs practically everywhere, and that often these regions may offer companies a clean and pleasant environment, low-rent and a stable workforce. The Liberals place emphasis on the fact that all schools should be connected to the Internet by 2002.
