Brussels, 08/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission tabled a first batch of proposals to cut unnecessary red tape for companies, primarily Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), 'without changing the level of protection' as the Commission put it. The three draft measures (announced in the Action Plan adopted by the Commission on 24 January 2007, see EUROPE 9351) cover transport companies, small bakers', butchers' and grocery shops and the merger or division of enterprises.
Under the first measures, companies will no longer have to commission costly expert reports, concerning the draft terms of mergers or divisions if there is no demand for such reports from shareholders. This simplification applies to more than 600,000 public limited liability companies across Europe, although it is expected that it will mainly be SMEs that will make use of the exemption. It is estimated that the average cost of such reports is around €3,500. The second suggestion covers freight carriers, which will not have to carry separate transport documents, detailing border crossing points, routes etc. The simplification applies to more than 300.000 freight carriers across Europe, most of which are SMEs. The third suggestion covers tiny food companies like butchers', bakers' and groceries, which will no longer face the same demanding requirements as large supermarkets for keeping records on hygiene procedures and practices. The micro-enterprises will still have to abide by high sanitary standards but will no longer have to record the procedures or keep detailed records of them.
A fourth fast track action on energy crops was endorsed last month and will be adopted next week. The first fast track action on energy crops has already been endorsed by the responsible committee and will be adopted by the Commission next week. It removes unnecessary burdens on farmers and the collectors and processors of agricultural energy products.
Three other proposals will follow similar legal procedures in the next few weeks, namely simplification of procedures concerning exports of agricultural produce; simplification of statistical surveys regarding the information society; and the removal of unnecessary requirements for small fishing vessels. The Commission adds that a legal proposal updating administrative procedures for maritime transport is being examined by the Council. It will simplify transport documentation requirements and training activities for transport operators. A further two proposals will be presented to the legislators (the European Parliament and the Council) later this month covering a reduction in the frequency of farm statistics on pigs and cattle, and the introduction of an electronic register to enhance data exchange regarding road haulage. (eh)