Brussels, 28/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - Responding in a press statement to the investiture of the new European Commission, the Secretary General of the UEAPME, the European association representing crafts and SMEs employers, Hans-Werner Müller declared that, "Judging by all the evidence, this decision is a step backwards for the EU at a time when we need a strong Commission that can help Europe get back on to the track of economic growth". However, Müller did believed that, "it is just as important, perhaps even more so, that the new team of Commissioners benefits from the full support of the EP". In this context, "I think that Mr Barroso's decision was reasonable and in the interest of the European project as a whole. SMEs in Europe are still hoping that the revised team of Commissioners will continue to work for businesses and economic growth as proposed at the beginning by Mr Barroso", concluded Mr Müller.