Brussels, 29/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Eurochambres, calls upon European decision-makers to set up a representative consultation system to ensure that participatory democracy becomes a reality in the new Treaty for the European Union. 'Participative democracy is one of the keystones of bringing Europe closer to its citizens", Christoph Leitl, Eurochambres President, said. SMEs have become the driving force behind growth and the biggest job generators. In his view, "their representatives cannot be simply out of the consultation process, which is taking place within the social dialogue". The same is true for the Tripartite Social Summit, proposed by the Commission as a focal point to support the Lisbon strategy, must include all the actors concerned - such as Eurochambres for example, the press release states (see EUROPE of 28 January, p.11). "To restrain the Tripartite Social Summit to the social partners in its current understanding would deprive the Commission of the input and expertise of a major part of the business community", Eurochambres concludes.