COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
CORRIGENDUM 
Le présent document annule et 
remplace le document COM(93) 180 final 
du 23/4/1993 C0MC93) 180 final /2 
Brussels, 26 April 1993 
(ne concerne que FR, DE, EN) 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on a 
multiannual programme (1993-96) of 
Community measures to intensify the priority 
areas of policy for enterprise, in particular 
S M Es, in the Community 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on a 
multiannual programme (1994-97) of 
Community measures to ensure the 
continuity and consolidation of policy for 
enterprise, in particular S M Es, in the 
Community 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) 
M of the EEC-Treaty) 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. On the basis of Article 149, paragraph 3 of the EEC Treaty, the Commission 
submitting two amended proposais for a Council decision on the implementation < 
its communication "The Enterprise Dimension at ihe Heart of European Growrf 
(COM(92}470 final of 13 January 1993). These amended proposais take jaccount < 
several proposals for amendments made by the European Fjarliamer 
(unanimously adopted during the plenary session of 20 April 1993). j 
i 
2. As it .pointed out in the course of the debate during the pienajy sejssbn, th 
Commission took on board most of the amendments adopted by the JEuropea 
Parliament,: either accepting them in their entirety or rewording them to ensure the 
smooth integration into the decision. For example» those amendments jaiming t 
detail the content of each objective were adopted in the form of an annex attache 
to each décision. j 
On the other hand, the Commission only partially adopted the amendment 
concerning; the organization of SME representation. It approved enhance* 
consultation with professional organizations without subscribing to the rjequest t< 
immediately set up a representative permanent committee. In addition, it wa* 
unable to ftlliy adopt those amendments proposing a new definition of the pnncipk 
of subsidiarity, lastly, it was unabte to accept amendments concerning budgetar 
procedures. 
i 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pagcl 
DECISION I 
Amended proposal 
Initial Proposal Amended proposal 
Title Title 
Proposal for a Council decision on a Proposal for a Council decision on a 
multiannual programme (1993-96) of multiannual programme (1993-96) of 
Community measures to intensify the priority Community measures to intensify the priority 
areas of policy for enterprise, in particular areas of policy for enterprise, in particular 
SMEs, in the Community SMEs, in the Community 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community, and in European Economic Community, and in 
particular Article 235 thereof, particular Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament, European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee, Economic and Social Committee, 
1. Whereas on 28 July 1989 the Council 1. Whereas on 28 July 1989 the Council 
adopted Decision 89/490/EEC on the adopted Decision 89/490/EEC on the 
improvement of the business environment improvement of the business environment 
and the promotion of the development of and the promotion of the development of 
enterprises, and in particular small and enterprises, and in particular small and 
medium-sized enterprises, in the medium-sized enterprises, in the 
Community, as revised by Council Community, as revised by Council 
Decision 91/319/EEC of 18 June 1991; Decision 91/319/EEC of 18 June 1991; 
Modifiai proposai 
DECISION I - page2 
2. Whereas in its resolution of 17 June 1992 
on Community action to support enterprises, 
in particular small and medium-sized 
enterprises, including craft industry 
enterprises, the Council confirmed its 
undertaking to support the consolidation of 
the action taken to help enterprises; 2. Whereas in its resolution of 17 June 1992 
on Community action to support enterprises, 
in particular small and medium-sized 
enterprises, including craft industry 
enterprises, the Council confirmed its 
undertaking to support the consolidation of 
the action taken to help enterprises; 
3. Whereas it is necessary to uphold the 
overall unity of enterprise policy by both 
strengthening its priority areas as part of the 
growth initiative and, at the same time, 
ensuring continuity in other aspects of 
enterprise policy; 
3. Whereas the evolution of the economic 
situation calls for an initiative to relaunch 
growth, to whose success SMEs have an 
essential contribution to make; 4. Whereas the evolution of the economic 
situation calls for an initiative to relaunch 
growth, to whose success SMEs have an 
essential contribution to make; 
5. Whereas the European Council meeting in 
Edinburgh on 11 and 12 December 1992 
recognized 'the importance of SMEs for 
creating employment and stimulating 
growth': whereas it agreed to accelerate 
Community actions in favour of SMEs. 
reduce the burdens emanating from 
Community legislation and take measures 
that encourage private investment, 
particularly by SMEs: 
4. Whereas this situation involves proposing 
the adoption of a programme of Community 
measures to assist SMEs which takes full 
account of this new priority; 6. Whereas this situation involves proposing 
the adoption of a programme of Community 
measures to assist SMEs which takes full 
account of this new priority; 
5. Whereas the Commission has put before 
the Council a communication on enterprise 
policy for the Community, entitled "The 
enterprise dimension essential to Community 
growth"; 7. Whereas the Commission has put before 
the Council a communication on enterprise 
policy for the Community, entitled "The 
enterprise dimension essential to Community 
growth"; 
4-
Modifiai propositi 
DIVISION I - pagc3 
6. Whereas this Decision applies to all forms 
of enterprise, in particular small and 
medium-sized enterprises, including those in 
commerce and the distributive trades and 
craft enterprises, cooperatives, mutual 
societies, associations and foundations; 8. Whereas this Decision applies to all forms 
of enterprise, regardless of sector, size, legal 
structure (including cooperatives, mutual 
societies, associations and foundations) and 
geographical location, but is especially 
directed at small and medium-sized 
enterprises and enterprise creators, including 
enterprises in commerce and the distributive 
trades, craft enterprises, family firms and 
young enterpreneurs: 
9. Whereas when defining SMEs it is 
necessary to follow the guidelines laid down 
in the Commission Communication on SME 
definitions used in the framework of 
Community actions (SEC (92) 351 final of 
29 April 1992): 
7. Whereas this policy involves, in 
particular, the intensification and wider 
distribution of information for enterprises, 
the stimulation of cooperation and 
partnership between enterprises, the 
improvement of the administrative and legal 
environment of enterprises and the 
promotion of Community instruments to 
assist enterprises; 10. Whereas this policy involves primarily 
the intensification and wider distribution of 
Community information for enterprises, the 
stimulation of cooperation and partnership 
between enterprises, the improvement of the 
administrative^ legal and fiscal environment 
of enterprises and the promotion and 
coordination of Community instruments to 
assist enterprises, particularly small and 
medium-sized enterprises 
11. Whereas the opportunities afforded by 
the single market will constitute the greatest 
business challenge over the next few years: 
whereas small and medium-sized enterprises 
must be provided with full information on 
this aspect of the Community; 
12. Whereas (he possibilities offered to small 
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under 
the Structural Funds and Community 
research and development programmes and 
various other Community programmes 
should be improved and better used: 
S 
Modifiai, proposai 
DECISION 1 - pagc4 
8. Whereas, however, many measures to 
assist enterprises are carried out at 
Member State level and Community 
measures will have to complement these: 13. Whereas the effectiveness of the action 
programme could be increased bv regular 
contacts between the Commission and 
employers' organizations: whereas 
consideration must be given in this context to 
better organization of SME representation at 
European level: 
14. Whereas, however, many measures to 
assist enterprises are carried out at 
Member State level, and national and 
Community measures should attempt to 
complement these: 
15. Whereas in accordance with the principle 
of subsidiarity, the Community in the 
context of the work programme, shall take 
9. Whereas it is therefore necessary to adopt 
immediately a programme for a four-year 
period and to endow it with sufficient 
resources to attain its objectives; action only of the objectives of the proposed 
action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the 
Member States and can therefore be better 
achieved by action at Community level: 
Whereas the resources and measures 
implemented hy the Community in the 
context of the work programme are in 
proportion to the objective to be achieved: 
16. Whereas it is therefore necessary to 
adopt immediately a programme for a four-
year period and to endow it with sufficient 
financial resources to attain its objectives of 
stimulating growth, creating jobs and social 
and economic cohesion in the Community: 
10. Whereas, the Treaty does not provide, 
for the adoption of this Decision, powers 
other than those of Article 235, 17. Whereas, the Treaty does not provide, 
for the adoption of this Decision, powers 
other than those of Article 235, 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION 1 - pagcS 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
A programme to intensify the priority 
measures for enterprise policy, in particular 
for small and medium-sized enterprises 
(SMEs), is hereby adopted for a period of 
four years from 1 January 1993. HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
A programme to intensify the priority 
measures for enterprise policy is hereby 
adopted for a period of four years from 
1 January 1993. This programme is aimed at 
all enterprises, especiallyl small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in order 
to stimulate growth, the creation of 
enterprises and jobs, and economic and 
social cohesion in the Community. 
V 
iVUKlHS-U l"0! : h )d;ûUKHMo^ifia,l proposal 
DECISION! - pageo 
Article 2 
The programme referred to in Article 1 is 
intended to intensify growth-oriented priority 
measures for enterprise policy. 
The principal objectives are as follows: 
A. to develop the Euro Info Centres to 
facilitate access by enterprises to 
Community information 
B. to develop the partner-search networks 
BRE and BC-NET 
C. to step up activities to put businessmen 
in direct contact with one another under 
the EUROPARTENARIAT and 
INTERPRISE programmes and 
promoting cross-border 
SUBCONTRACTING 
D. to improve the administrative and legal 
environment of enterprises 
E. to promote Community instruments Article 2 
The programme referred to in Article 1 has 
the following objectives: 
A) improvement of the administrative, legal 
and fiscal environment of enterprises in 
order to alleviate the burdens arising 
from Community legislation on SMEs 
B) better access to Community information 
for enterprises 
C) improving the business partner search 
network 
D) continued development of instruments 
E) permitting direct contact with 
enterprises and aimed at promoting 
transnational subcontrating 
promotion of Community instruments 
which enable SMEs to participate fully 
in all Community actions and 
programmes and which guarantee 
consideration of SMEs' interests in the 
various Community initiatives and 
policies 
S 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pago7 
Article 3 
2. The Commission- shall implement the 
measures necessary for the achievement 
of the objectives laid down in Article 2. 
The procedure laid down in Article 4 
shall be followed for adopting measures 
relating to: 
the adoption, experimental 
implementation or extension of any 
project devised for application of this 
Decision, 
the content and timetable of and 
financial assistance for measures and 
calls for proposals, 
the periodical evaluation of the results 
of each project in accordance with the 
timetables laid down. 
The committee referred to in Article 4 
may examine other measures provided 
for by the programme. Article 3 
1. In order to achieve the objectives and 
implement the measures laid down in 
Articles 1 and 2. the Commission shall 
propose the necessary action insofar as 
it canno be carried out better at the level 
of the Member States. 
The Commission shall propose the 
necessary measures to be taken at 
Community level to achieve the 
objectives set out in Article 2. taking 
account of the findings of any 
evaluation reports. 
2. The procedure laid down in Article 4 
shall be followed for adopting measures 
relating to: 
the adoption, experimental 
implementation or extension of the 
projects considered necessary for the 
implementation of this Decision; 
the content and timetable of and 
financial assistance for measures and 
calls for proposals; 
the periodical evaluation of the results 
of each project in accordance with the 
timetables laid down in the specific 
programmes: 
3. The committee referred to in Article 4 
may examine other measures provided 
for by the programme. 
4. The Commission shall submit a report 
to the committee every year on the 
implementation of this Decision. 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pagc8 
Article 4 
The Commission shall be assisted by a 
committee composed of the representatives 
of the Member States and chaired by a 
representative of the Commission. 
The representative of the Commission shall 
submit to the committee a draft of the 
measures to be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-
limit which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the matter. The 
opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in 
the case of decisions which the Council is 
required to adopt on a proposal from the 
Commission. The votes of the 
representatives of the Member States within 
the committee shall be weighted in the 
manner set out in that Article. The chairman 
shall not vote. 
The Commission shall adopt measures which 
shall apply immediately. However, if these 
measures are not in accordance with the 
opinion of the committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the 
Council forthwith. In that event the 
Commission shall defer application of the 
measures which it has decided for a period 
of two months from the date of 
communication. 
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, 
may take a different decision within the time-
limit referred to in the previous paragraph. Article 4 
The Commission shall be assisted by a 
committee composed of the representatives 
of the Member States and chaired by a 
representative of the Commission. 
The representative of the Commission shall 
submit to the committee a draft of the 
measures to be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-
limit which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the matter. The 
opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in 
the case of decisions which the Council is 
required to adopt on a proposal from the 
Commission. The votes of the 
representatives of the Member States within 
the committee shall be weighted in the 
manner set out in that Article. The chairman 
shall not vote. 
The Commission shall adopt measures which 
shall apply immediately. However, if these 
measures are not in accordance with the 
opinion of the committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the 
Council forthwith. In that event the 
Commission shall defer application of the 
measures which it has decided for a period 
of three months from the date of 
communication. 
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, 
may take a different decision within the time-
limit referred to in the previous paragraph. 
10 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pagc9 
Article S 
The Commission shall present an evaluation 
report on the implementation of this Decision 
to the European Parliament, the Council and 
the Economic and Social Committee at the 
latest by mid-1996. Article 5 
The Commission shall present an outside 
evaluation report on the implementation of 
this Decision to the European Parliament, 
the Council and the Economic and Social 
Committee at the latest by mid-1996 and, if 
necessary, shall present proposals on 
additional measures to be taken. 
Article 6 
The amount of the appropriations allocated 
annually to the measures provided for by this 
Decision shall be determined under the 
annual budgetary procedure. Article 6 
1. This Decision shall apply for a period 
of four years from 1 January 1993. 
2. The budgetary authority shall determine 
the amount of appropriations available 
for each financial year in accordance 
with the principles of good management 
referred to in Article 2 of the Financial 
Regulation applying to the General 
Budget of the European Communities. 
Article 7 
This Decision replaces Council 
Decision 89/490/EEC, as revised by 
Decision 91/319/EEC. Article 7 
For the areas covered by this Decision, it 
replaces Council Decision 89/490/EEC, as 
revised by Decision 91/319/EEC. 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pagclO 
ANNEX: 
measures referred to in Article 2 
A) IMPROVEMENT OF THE 
ADMINISTRATIVE. LEGAL AND 
FISCAL ENVIRONMENT OF 
ENTERPRISES 
(in particular through the simplification 
of administrative procedures and 
promotion of follow-up measures in the 
Member States; assessment of the 
impact of Community legislation, 
consolidation of community legislation, 
specific examination of aspects such as 
the transfer and creation of enterprises; 
regular, thorough consultation of 
organisations representing SMEs). 
B) BETTER ACCESS TO COMMUNITY 
INFORMATION FOR ENTERPRISES 
(qualitative development, improved 
operation and adaptation of the Euro 
Info Centre network to the new 
requirements of SMEs, including advice 
to companies likely to take part in 
Community programmes (such as, for 
example, research, public contracts, 
improved environmental practices); 
extension of the network to the 
European Economic Area (EEA) and to 
the countries of Central and Eastern 
Europe (PECO) in the context of 
specific actions in favour of those 
countries). 
C) IMPROVING THE BUSINESS 
PARTNER SEARCH NETWORK 
(qualitative development and gradual 
adaptation of the system of charges for 
the confidential business partner search 
network (BC NET); qualitative 
development of the uniconfidential 
business partner search network (BCC); 
development of subnetworks for 
specific subjects). 
(1 
Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I - pagcll 
D) CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF 
INSTRUMENTS PERMITTING 
DIRECT CONTACT WITH 
ENTERPRISES AND AIMED AT 
PROMOTING TRANSNATIONAL 
SUBCONTRACTING 
(in particular by improving the 
preparation, implementation and follow-
up of actions carried out under the 
EUROPARTENARIAT and 
INTERPRISE programmes; improving 
knowledge of markets of subcontracting, 
promotion of harmonised certification 
procedures and encouragement of 
cooperation between large and small 
enterprises). 
E) PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY 
INSTRUMENTS WHICH ENABLE 
SMES TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN 
ALL COMMUNITY ACTIONS AND 
PROGRAMMES AND WHICH 
GUARANTEE CONSIDERATION OF 
SMES' INTERESTS IN THE 
VARIOUS COMMUNITY 
INITIATIVES AND POLICIES 
(including enterprise policy instruments, 
Structural Funds, research programmes 
and programmes to develop 
technological potential, making it easier 
for SMEs to participate, inter alia, by 
simplifying the procedures involved ). 
\\ 
Modified proposal 
DECISION II - pagcl 
DECISION II 
Amended proposal 
Initial Proposal Amended proposal 
Title Title 
Proposal for a Council Decision on a Proposal for a Council Decision on a 
multiannual programme (1994-97) of multiannual programme (1994-97) of 
Community measures to ensure the continuity Community measures to ensure the 
of policy for enterprise, in particular SMEs, continuity and consolidation of policy for 
in the Community enterprise, in particular SMEs, in the 
Community 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community, and in European Economic Community, and in 
particular Article 235 thereof, particular Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Having regard to the opinion of the 
Parliament, European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee, Economic and Social Committee, 
1. Whereas on 28 July 1989 the Council 1. Whereas on 28 July 1989 the Council 
adopted Decision 89/490/EEC on the adopted Decision 89/490/EEC on the 
improvement of the business environment improvement of the business environment 
and the promotion of the development of and the promotion of the development of 
enterprises, and in particular small and enterprises, and in particular small and 
medium-sized enterprises, in the Community, medium-sized enterprises, in the 
as revised by Council Decision 91/319/EEC Community, as revised by Council 
of 18 June 1991; Decision 91/319/EEC of 18 June 1991; 
(lv 
Modified proposal 
DECISION II - page 2 
2. Whereas in its resolution of 17 June 1992 
on Community action to support enterprises, 
in particular small and medium-sized 
enterprises, including craft industry 
enterprises, the Council confirmed its 
undertaking to support the consolidation of 
the action taken to help enterprises; 2. Whereas in its resolution of 17 June 1992 
on Community action to support enterprises, 
in particular small and medium-sized 
enterprises, including craft industry 
enterprises, the Council confirmed its 
undertaking to support the consolidation of 
the action taken to help enterprises; 
3. Whereas the Council recommended in that 
resolution that the Commission should press 
ahead, having regard to the principle of 
subsidiarity, with the action necessary to 
create an environment favourable to the 
competitiveness of enterprises, in particular 
SMEs, and to back up their integration into 
the single market after 1992; 3. Whereas the Council recommended in that 
resolution that the Commission should press 
ahead, having regard to the principle of 
subsidiarity, with the action necessary to 
create an environment favourable to the 
competitiveness of enterprises, in particular 
SMEs, and to back up their integration into 
the single market after 1992; 
4. Whereas it is necessary to uphold the 
overall unity of enterprise policy by both 
strengthening its priority areas as part of the 
growth initiative and, at the same time, 
ensuring continuity in other aspects of 
enterprise policy: 
4. Whereas the Council also requested the 
Commission to submit before the end of 
1992, in the light of the evaluations made, 
any proposals it deems necessary to ensure 
continuity of the policy towards enterprises; 5. Whereas in this connection, the Council 
also requested the Commission to submit 
before the end of 1992, in the light of the 
evaluations made, any proposals it deems 
necessary to ensure continuity of the policy 
towards enterprises; 
5. Whereas independent experts have carried 
out, pursuant to Article 3 of Council 
Decision 91/319/EEC, an evaluation of the 
results achieved from all aspects of the 
existing programme; whereas the 
Commission has submitted the report, 
together with its comments, to Parliament 
and the Council; 6. Whereas independent experts have carried 
out, pursuant to Article 3 of Council 
Decision 91/319/EEC, an evaluation of the 
results achieved from all aspects of the 
existing programme; whereas the 
Commission has submitted the report, 
together with its comments, to Parliament 
and the Council; 
Modified proposal 
DECISION 11 - page 3 
6. Whereas the report confirms the 
appositeness of the enterprise policy the 
Community has carried out thus far, but 
makes proposals concerning the direction of 
certain measures; 7. Whereas the report confirms the 
appositeness. importance and quality of the 
enterprise policy the Community has carried 
out thus far, but makes interesting 
suggestions concerning the direction of 
certain measures; 
7. Whereas the Commission has put before 
the Council a communication on enterprise 
policy for the Community, entitled "The 
enterprise dimension essential to Community 
growth"; 8. Whereas the Commission has put before 
the Council a communication on enterprise 
policy for the Community, entitled "The 
enterprise dimension essential to Community 
growth"; 
9. Whereas the Commission has submitted to 
the Council in the past two years a series of 
communications likely to lead to practical 
and varied measures for the benefit of SMEs 
(subcontracting, mutual guarantee systems, 
participation by SMEs in public contracts. 
etçji 
8. Whereas this Decision applies to all forms 
of enterprise, in particular small and 
medium-sized enterprises, including those in 
commerce and the distributive trades and 
craft enterprises, cooperatives, mutual 
societies, non-profit associations and 
foundations; 10. Whereas this Decision applies to all 
forms of enterprise, regardless of sector, 
size, legal structure (including cooperatives, 
mutual societies, non-profit associations and 
foundations) and geographical location, but 
is especially directed at small and medium-
sized enterprises and enterprise creators, 
with particular reference to enterprises in 
commerce and the distributive trades, craft 
enterprises and family firms: 
11. Whereas when defining SMEs it is 
necessary to follow the guidelines laid down 
in the Commission Communication on SME 
definitions used in the framework of 
Community actions (SEC (92) 351 final of 
29 April 1992): 
IU 
Modified proposal 
DECISION II - page 4 
9. Whereas small and medium-sized 
enterprises play an important role in 
economic activity in general and in regional 
development, and a fundamental role as 
regards dynamism, productivity, adaptability 
and innovation; 12. Whereas small and medium-sized 
enterprises, particularly new enterprises. 
play an important role in economic activity 
in general and in regional development, and 
a fundamental role as regards dynamism, 
productivity, adaptability and innovation; 
10. Whereas the development of a 
Community enterprise policy based on real 
competition assumes particular importance as 
regards making the Community economy 
more competitive and as regards employment 
growth, economic and social cohesion in the 
Community and the continuation of the 
widening of the market after 1993; 13. Whereas the development of a 
Community enterprise policy based on real 
competition assumes particular importance as 
regards making the Community economy 
more competitive and as regards employment 
growth, economic and social cohesion in the 
Community and the continuation of the 
widening of the market after 1993; 
14. Whereas the effectiveness of the action 
programme could be increased by regular 
contacts between the Commission and 
employers' organisations: whereas 
consideration must be given in this context to 
better organisation of SME representation at 
European level: 
11. Whereas, however, many measures to 
assist enterprises are carried out at 
Member State level and Community measures 
will have to complement these: 15. Whereas, however, many measures to 
assist enterprises are carried out at 
Member State level, and national and 
Community measures should attempt to 
complement these: 
16. Whereas in accordance with the principle 
of subsidiarity, the Community shall take 
action in the context of the programme only 
if the objectives of the proposed action 
cannot be sufficiently achieved by the 
Member States and can therefore be better 
achieved by action at Community level: 
Whereas the resources and measures 
implemented by the Community in the 
context of the programme are in proportion 
to the objective to be achieved: 
n 
Modified proposal 
DECISION II - page 5 
12. Whereas it is therefore necessary to adopt 
a new programme for a four-year period and 
to endow it with sufficient resources to attain 
its objectives; 17. Whereas it is therefore necessary to 
adopt a new programme for a four-year 
period and to endow it with sufficient 
financial resources to attain its objectives; 
13. Whereas, the Treaty does not provide, 
for the adoption of this Decision, powers 
other than those of Article 235, 18. Whereas, the Treaty does not provide, 
for the adoption of this Decision, powers 
other than those of Article 235, 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
A programme to ensure the continuity of an 
enterprise policy, in particular for small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is hereby 
adopted for a period of four years from 
1 January 1994. 
Article 2 
The programme referred to in Article 1 has 
the following objectives: 
to encourage the adjustment to structural 
change of sectors under development 
such as craft industry, the distributive 
sector, cooperatives, mutual societies, 
non-profit associations and foundations; 
to encourage an improved financial 
environment for enterprises; 
to promote better observation of the 
economic development of enterprises as 
part of the dynamic of effective 
implementation of the internal market. HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
A programme to ensure the continuity of an 
enterprise policy, in particular for small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is hereby 
adopted for a period of four years from 
1 January 1994. 
Article 2 
1. In order to encourage the 
Europeanisation and internationalisation 
of enterprises, especially small and 
medium-sized enterprises. the 
programme referred to in Article 1 shall 
pursue the following objectives: 
encourage SMEs in certain sectors to 
adapt to structural changes and to 
changes brought about by the Internal 
Market. 
promoting a better 
environment for enterprises, financial 
to promote better observation of the 
economic development of enterprises as 
part of the dynamic of effective 
implementation of the internal market. 
evaluation and policy development 
\? 
Modified proposal 
DECISION 11 - page 6 
Article 3 
1. The Commission shall implement the 
measures necessary to achieve the 
objectives laid down in Article 2. 
2. The procedure laid down in Article 4 
shall be followed for adopting measures 
relating to: 
the adoption, experimental 
implementation or extension of any 
project devised for application of this 
Decision, 
the content and timetable of and 
financial assistance for measures and 
calls for proposals, 
the periodical evaluation of the results of 
each project in accordance with the 
timetables laid down. 
The committee referred to in Article 4 
may examine other measures provided 
for by the programme. 
3. Article 3 
1. In order to achieve the objectives and 
implement the measures laid down in 
Articles 1 and 2. the Commission shall 
propose the necessary action insofar as 
it cannorbe carried out better at the level 
of the Member States. 
The Commission shall propose the 
necessary measures to be taken at 
Community level to achieve the 
objectives set out in Article 2. taking 
account of the findings of any 
evaluation reports. 
The procedure laid down in Article 4 
shall be followed for adopting measures 
relating to: 
the adoption, experimental 
implementation or extension of the 
projects considered necessary for the 
implementation of this Decision: 
the content and timetable of and 
financial assistance for measures and 
calls for proposals; 
the periodical evaluation of the results 
of each project in accordance with the 
timetables laid down in the specific 
programmes: 
The committee referred to in Article 4 
may examine other measures provided 
for by the programme. 
4. The Commission shall submit a report 
to the committee every year on the 
implementation of this Decision. 
\<1 
Modified proposal 
DECISION II - page 7 
Article 4 
The Commission shall be assisted by a 
committee composed of the representatives of 
the Member States and chaired by a 
representative of the Commission. 
The representative of the Commission shall 
submit to the committee a draft of the 
measures to be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-
limit which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the matter. The 
opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in 
the case of decisions which the Council is 
required to adopt on a proposal from the 
Commission. The votes of the representatives 
of the Member States within the committee 
shall be weighted in the manner set out in 
that Article. The chairman shall not vote. 
The Commission shall adopt measures which 
shall apply immediately. However, if these 
measures are not in accordance with the 
opinion of the committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the 
Council forthwith. In that event the 
Commission shall defer application of the 
measures which it has decided for a period of 
two months from the date of communication. 
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, 
may take a different decision within the time-
limit referred to in the previous paragraph. Article 4 
The Commission shall be assisted by a 
committee composed of the representatives 
of the Member States and chaired by a 
representative of the Commission. 
The representative of the Commission shall 
submit to the committee a draft of the 
measures to be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-
limit which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the matter. The 
opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in 
the case of decisions which the Council is 
required to adopt on a proposal from the 
Commission. The votes of the 
representatives of the Member States within 
the committee shall be weighted in the 
manner set out in that Article. The chairman 
shall not vote. 
The Commission shall adopt measures which 
shall apply immediately. However, if these 
measures are not in accordance with the 
opinion of the committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the 
Council forthwith. In that event the 
Commission shall defer application of the 
measures which it has decided for a period 
of three months from the date of 
communication. 
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, 
may take a different decision within the time-
limit referred to in the previous paragraph. 
Modified proposal 
DECISION li - pages 
Article 5 
The Commission shall present an evaluation 
report on the implementation of this Decision 
to the European Parliament, the Council and 
the Economic and Social Committee at the 
latest by mid-1997. 
It shall also present to the Council, the 
European Parliament and the Economic and 
Social Committee a report on coordination 
between the initiatives taken in pursuance of 
this Decision and the various programmes 
manifestly in the interests of SMEs and craft 
industries but not covered by this Decision. Article 5 
The Commission shall present an external 
evaluation report on the implementation of 
this Decision and, if necessary, the 
complementary measures to be taken to the 
European Parliament, the Council and the 
Economic and Social Committee at the latest 
by mid 1997. 
It shall also present to the Council, the 
European Parliament and the Economic and 
Social Committee a report on coordination 
between the initiatives taken in pursuance of 
this Decision and the various programmes 
manifestly in the interests of SMEs and craft 
industries but not covered by this Decision. 
Article 6 
The amount of the appropriations allocated 
annually to the measures provided for by this 
Decision shall be determined under the 
annual budgetary procedure. Article 6 
This Decision shall apply for a period 
of four years from 1 January 1993. 
The budgetary authority shall determine 
the amount of appropriations available 
for each financial year in accordance 
with the principles of good management 
referred to in Article 2 of the Financial 
Regulation applying to the General 
Budget of the European Communities. 
Article 7 
This Decision replaces Council 
Decision 89/490/EEC, as revised by 
Decision 91/319/EEC. Article 7 
For the areas covered by this Decision, it 
replaces Council Decision 89/490/EEC, as 
revised by Decision 91/319/EEC. 
1\ 
Modified proposal 
DECISION 11 - page*) 
ANNEX: 
measures referred to in Article 2 
A) ENCOURAGING SMES IN CERTAIN 
SECTORS TO ADAPT TO 
STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND TO 
CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY 
THE INTERNAL MARKET 
(identification of the needs of SMEs and 
development of pilot projects for 
enterprises, including small businesses 
and handicraft businesses, commercial 
and distributive trades, cooperatives, 
mutual societies and associations and 
foundations,, identification of the needs 
of SMEs and development of pilot 
projects enabling them to have a better 
perception of the European dimension of 
their markets and to benefit from the 
opportunities offered by the single 
market, in particular in the field of 
standardisation, certification and public 
contracts). 
B) PROMOTION OF A BETTER 
FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR 
ENTERPRISES 
(facilitate SME's access to sources of 
credit, including mutual guarantee 
companies and venture capital, and 
expediency and feasibility studies of the 
development of secondary markets; 
facilitate SME's access to financial 
instruments provided by the 
Community). 
21 
Modifie 
DECISION II -proposal 
page 10 
C) PROMOTION OF BETTER 
OBSERVATION OF THE ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT OF ENTERPRISES 
AS. PART OF THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 
INTERNAL MARKET 
(European observatory for SMEs, 
improved statistics on SMEs) 
D) EVALUATION AND POLICY 
DEVELOPMENT 
(evaluation of existing policy and 
actions, development of Community 
actions in areas affecting enterprises) 
is 

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DOCUMENTS 
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