A Small Business Act for Europe Podgorica, 26 May 2008 Edward TERSMETTE

SMEs facts and figures 23 million SMEs in European Union 99% of all EU enterprises 57% of the Union's total economic added value 75 million jobs (67% of private employment) SMEs = highly flexible structures …but Europe still lacks entrepreneurship

Lisbon Agenda Renewed Lisbon strategy: Partnership for Growth and Jobs (2005) Integrated guidelines for Growth and Jobs Community Lisbon programme 27 National Reform Programmes + implementation reports Annual progress report including country-specific recommendations 3

Priority action: Unlocking the business potential, especially of SMEs Start up procedures (less than 7 days, use of one- stop- shops) Entrepreneurship education Recruitment of 1st employee “ Think Small First ” Public procurement Review at the end of Spring European Council 4

Modern SME Policy for Growth and Employment Coherent framework for SME policy Inclusive of all types of SMEs Main achievements (mid-term review): Progress of « Think Small First » at EU level e.g. State aid rules, FP7, REACH, CIP Progress in the field of better regulation Initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship Regular dialogue with stakeholders Announcement of a « Small Business Act » 5

A “Small Business Act” for Europe Spring European Summit – March 13-14, 2008 SBA to reinforce the Union’s SME policy and to allow SMEs operate more effectively in the Single Market. Objectives Anchor the “Think Small First” in policy making Encourage SME growth and competitiveness Set principles and concrete measures

Policy areas  Simplify the regulatory framework  Improve SMEs’ access to single market  Ensure better access for SMEs to public procurement  Improve SMEs access to finance and innovation  Promote entrepreneurship, skills and mobility  Help SMEs’ to go global

Public consultation  From end January until end March 2008  Over 500 replies from enterprises, SME organisations and public authorities.  Reducing administrative burden the first priority among stakeholders.  Other areas where action is needed: access to finace, taxation, skills, public procurement, labour law.  The report on the public consultation available on-line.

Next steps Adoption foreseen in July. The French presidency will discuss the SBA and adopt formal conclusions in the Competitiveness Council in December, 2008.

More information SBA SME-portal