COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 27 May 1991

on the action programme for small and medium-sized enterprises including craft industry enterprises

(91/C 146/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Considering the objectives of integrating and completing the internal market;

Considering the need to promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Community;

Considering Council Decision 89/490/EEC of 28 July 1989 on the improvement of the business environment and the promotion of the development of enterprises, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, in the Community (1), and the actions already carried out on the basis of the funds allotted;

Whereas SMEs are to a large extent able to benefit from the positive effects of the opening-up of the Community's internal borders; whereas more account must be taken of their constraints and special characteristics in Community law as in the case of the programmes implemented in order to contribute towards economic and social cohesion in the Community,

1. Reaffirms the common will to make substantial and effective progress in the area of policies to promote SMEs;

2.Notes the continuing relevance of vocational qualifications and stresses the importance of continuing to develop initial and in-service vocational training and management training through existing Community programmes, with particular emphasis on preparation for the internal market, including linked work and training involving periods of vocational training in the enterprise;

3.Emphasizes the need to continue and intensify the reduction of administrative burdens and the simplification of formalities for enterprises, taking into account various initiatives, in particular in the fields of consumer policy, tax law, competition law, social law and environment policy;

4.Would like the impact assessment sheet that accompanies Community texts likely to affect the organization, employment situation and profitability of enterprises, in particular SMEs, to be properly prepared;

5.Stresses the importance of improving the provision of information to, and consultation of, SMEs including craft industry SMEs, in particular through increased use of the trade organizations in the sectors concerned at the stage of the drawing up of programmes, directives, decisions and resolutions relating directly to their respective sectors.

In this context, calls upon the Commission to take account of the specific characteristics of certain occupations;

6.Would like cooperation between enterprises to be developed through optimum use of the existing instruments in order to facilitate access to new markets and new technologies;

7.Emphasizes the need to take into account the final recommendations of the Community conference on the craft industry and small enterprises held in Avignon on 12 and 13 October 1990;

8.Emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency between the various Community policies which have a direct or indirect effect on the interests of SMEs, including craft industry SMEs, and of avoiding any procedure or formality liable to impede their development.

The Council invites the Commission and where appropriate the Member States to take this resolution into consideration.

(1) OJ No L 239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 33.