Brussels, 27/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - European employers have broadly welcomed the outcome of the Spring Summit and what they describe as positive elements in the conclusions like the emphasis on implementing the National Reform Programmes (NRPs), the need for an EU energy policy and cutting the time it takes to start a business. But employers say it is high time the politicians prove they are committed to what they have agreed and translate their words about growth and employment into real policies.
EU employers' organisation UNICE is pleased with the recognition that NRPs 'could include more specific targets and timetables. UNICE counts on national governments to update their NRPs accordingly.' On energy, UNICE says 'the priorities should be to establish market competition, ensure energy supply and take into account the link between energy and CO2.' On the pledge to cut the time taken to start a business to no more than one week by 2007, UNICE says 'a broad programme on SMEs and Better Regulation must be pursued to achieve concrete improvements for doing business at EU and national level'. Small and medium-sized business organisation UEAPME welcomed 'the new and broader approach towards all types of SMEs, including micro-enterprises, traditional companies and the whole life cycle of businesses… We appreciate the efforts made by the European Council, particularly regarding issues such as the assessment of administrative costs, the reduction of compliance costs and speeding up procedures.' The Eurochambres association of chambers of commerce and industry welcomed specific proposals like the Energy Policy for Europe and the decision to create one stop shops for start-ups, but wants more funding for the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. Eurochambres regrets not being invited to attend the Tripartite Social Summit (see EUROPE 9158).