Brussels, 13/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - At the beginning of October, the European Commission will present its mid-term review on the new Community policy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), launched in November 2005 (Commission communication “A Modern SME Policy for Growth and Jobs”, EUROPE 9032 and 9067). Before finalising the report, the commissioner for industry, Günter Verheugen, at a conference on Friday 14 September in Brussels, invited the main stakeholders to a debate the progress made over the last two years in the five key policy areas. The five key areas are: reducing the administrative burden, SME market access, promoting the spirit of enterprise and qualifications, releasing the growth potential of SMEs, and dialogue and consultation with stakeholders. Discussions will also focus on how to help SME participation in the transition towards a European economy geared to production and services that are environmentally-friendly. Accompanying Commissioner Verheugen and Commission Special Envoy for SMEs Françoise Le Bail, will be the Portuguese minister of the economy, Manuel Pinho, speaking on behalf of the presidency of the Council and Edit Herczog (PES), who will be speaking for the European Parliament. (eh)