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 SMEs, in the Community
Date: 1993-04-26
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, aid to undertakings, business policy, reflation, small and medium-sized enterprises

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 
programme 

multiannual 
of 
Community  measures to intensify  the priority 
areas  of  policy  for  enterprise,  in  particular 
S M Es,  in the Community 

(1993-96) 

Amended  proposal  for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on  a 
programme 

of 
multiannual 
Community  measures 
the 
continuity  and  consolidation  of  policy  for 
enterprise, 
the 
Community 

in  particular  S M Es, 

(1994-97) 
ensure 

in 

to 

(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 

programme 

for  a  Council  decision  on  a  Proposal 

for  a  Council  decision  on  a 
Proposal 
multiannual 
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 

of  multiannual 

programme 

(1993-96) 

(1993-96) 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the 
in 
European  Economic  Community,  and 
particular  Article 235 thereof, 

in  European  Economic  Community,  and 

particular  Article 235 thereof, 

Having  regard  to  the  proposal  from  the  Having  regard  to  the  proposal  from 
Commission, 

Commission, 

the 

to 
Having 
European  Parliament, 

regard 

the  opinion  of 

the  Having 

to 
European  Parliament, 

regard 

the  opinion  of 

the 

Having 
Economic and  Social  Committee, 

regard 

the  opinion  of 

to 

the  Having 

regard 

to 

the  opinion  of 

the 

Economic and  Social  Committee, 

on 

the  adopted  Decision  89/490/EEC 

1.  Whereas  on  28 July  1989  the  Council  1.  Whereas  on  28 July  1989  the  Council 
adopted  Decision  89/490/EEC 
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 
in  particular  small  and 
enterprises,  and 
enterprises, 
medium-sized 
the 
Community, 
by  Council 
revised 
Decision 91/319/EEC  of  18 June  1991; 

in  particular  small  and  enterprises,  and 
enterprises, 
revised 

the  medium-sized 
by  Council  Community, 

Decision 91/319/EEC of  18 June 1991; 

on 

as 

as 

in 

in 

2.  Whereas  in  its  resolution  of  17 June  1992 
on  Community  action  to  support  enterprises, 
and  medium-sized 
in  particular 
industry 
enterprises, 
enterprises, 
its 
undertaking  to  support  the  consolidation  of 
the action  taken to help enterprises; 

small 
including 
the  Council 

confirmed 

craft 

Modifiai  proposai 
DECISION I  -  page2 

2.  Whereas  in  its  resolution  of  17 June  1992 
on  Community  action  to  support  enterprises, 
and  medium-sized 
in  particular 
industry 
enterprises, 
enterprises, 
its 
undertaking  to  support  the  consolidation  of 
the action  taken to help  enterprises; 

small 
including 
the  Council 

confirmed 

craft 

3.  Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  uphold  the 
overall  unity  of  enterprise  policy  by  both 
strengthening  its priority  areas  as  part  of  the 
initiative  and,  at  the  same  time, 
growth 
in  other  aspects  of 
ensuring  continuity 
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 
'the  importance  of  SMEs  for 
recognized 
stimulating 
creating 
and 
employment 
growth':  whereas 
to  accelerate 
it  agreed 
in  favour  of  SMEs. 
Community  actions 
reduce 
from 
the 
Community  legislation  and  take  measures 
that 
investment, 
particularly  by SMEs: 

emanating 

encourage 

burdens 

private 

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-

in  particular 

6.  Whereas  this  Decision  applies to  all  forms 
of  enterprise, 
small  and 
medium-sized  enterprises,  including  those  in 
commerce  and  the  distributive  trades  and 
cooperatives,  mutual 
craft 
societies,  associations  and  foundations; 

enterprises, 

Modifiai  propositi 
DIVISION  I  -  pagc3 

8.  Whereas  this  Decision  applies  to  all  forms 
of  enterprise,  regardless  of sector,  size,  legal 
structure 
(including  cooperatives,  mutual 
societies,  associations  and  foundations)  and 
is  especially 
location,  but 
geographical 
directed 
and  medium-sized 
small 
at 
enterprises  and  enterprise  creators,  including 
enterprises  in  commerce  and  the  distributive 
trades,  craft  enterprises,  family  firms  and 
young  enterpreneurs: 

it 

9.  Whereas  when  defining  SMEs 
is 
necessary  to  follow  the  guidelines  laid  down 
in  the  Commission  Communication  on  SME 
framework  of 
definitions  used 
Community  actions  (SEC  (92)  351  final  of 
29 April  1992): 

the 

in 

the 

involves, 

stimulation 

this  policy 

in 
7.  Whereas 
particular, 
intensification  and  wider 
distribution  of  information  for  enterprises, 
and 
of 
the 
partnership 
the 
between 
improvement  of  the  administrative  and  legal 
the 
environment 
to 
promotion  of  Community 
assist  enterprises; 

cooperation 
enterprises, 

instruments 

enterprises 

and 

of 

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 
and  Community 
the  Structural  Funds 
research  and  development  programmes  and 
various 
programmes 
should  be improved  and  better  used: 

other  Community 

S 

Modifiai, proposai 
DECISION 1  -  pagc4 

13.  Whereas  the  effectiveness  of  the  action 
programme  could  be  increased  bv  regular 
and 
contacts  between 
employers' 
whereas 
organizations: 
consideration  must be  given  in this context  to 
better  organization  of  SME  representation  at 
European  level: 

the  Commission 

enterprises 

8.  Whereas,  however,  many  measures  to 
assist 
at 
are 
out 
Member  State 
Community 
level 
measures  will have to complement  these: 

carried 

and 

enterprises 

14.  Whereas,  however,  many  measures  to 
assist 
at 
are 
and 
Member  State 
to 
Community  measures  should  attempt 
complement these: 

carried 
and  national 

level, 

out 

the  Community 

15. Whereas  in  accordance  with  the  principle 
of  subsidiarity, 
the 
context  of  the  work  programme,  shall  take 
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: 

in 

the 

resources 

Whereas 
the  Community 
in 
implemented  hy 
context  of 
the  work  programme  are 
proportion to the objective  to be achieved: 

and  measures 
the 
in 

9.  Whereas  it  is therefore  necessary  to  adopt 
immediately  a  programme  for  a  four-year 
sufficient 
period  and 
resources  to attain  its  objectives; 

to  endow 

it  with 

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: 

HAS  DECIDED  AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

Article 1 

to 

intensify 

A  programme 
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. 

to 

intensify 

the  priority 
A  programme 
measures  for  enterprise  policy 
is  hereby 
adopted  for  a  period  of  four  years  from 
1 January  1993. This  programme  is  aimed  at 
all 
and 
medium-sized  enterprises  (SMEs),  in  order 
to 
the  creation  of 
jobs,  and  economic  and 
enterprises  and 
social cohesion  in the  Community. 

stimulate  growth, 

enterprises, 

especiallyl 

small 

V 

iVUKlHS-U  l " 0! 

: h )d;ûUKHMo^ifia,l proposal 
DECISION!  -  pageo 

Article 2 

Article 2 

The  programme  referred  to  in  Article  1  is 
intended  to  intensify  growth-oriented  priority 
measures  for  enterprise policy. 

The  programme  referred  to  in  Article  1 has 
the following  objectives: 

The principal objectives  are as  follows: 

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 

A. 

to  develop  the  Euro  Info  Centres  to 
facilitate 
to 
Community  information 

access  by 

enterprises 

B. 

to  develop  the  partner-search  networks 
BRE and BC-NET 

C) 

improving  the  business  partner  search 
network 

C. 

to  step  up  activities  to  put  businessmen 
in direct  contact  with  one  another  under 
and 
EUROPARTENARIAT 
the 
INTERPRISE 
and 
programmes 
promoting 
cross-border 
SUBCONTRACTING 

D. 

to  improve  the  administrative  and  legal 
environment  of  enterprises 

D)  continued  development  of 

instruments 
with 
permitting 
enterprises  and  aimed  at  promoting 
transnational  subcontrating 

contact 

direct 

E. 

to promote Community  instruments 

E) 

all  Community 

promotion  of  Community 
instruments 
which  enable  SMEs  to  participate  fully 
in 
and 
guarantee 
programmes 
consideration  of  SMEs'  interests  in  the 
various  Community 
and 
policies 

and  which 

initiatives 

actions 

S 

Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I  -  pago7 

Article 3 

Article 3 

implement  the 
The  Commission-  shall 
measures  necessary  for  the  achievement 
of the objectives  laid down  in Article 2. 

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 
The  Commission  shall  propose 
taken  at 
necessary  measures 
Community 
the 
objectives  set  out  in  Article  2.  taking 
account  of 
any 
the 
evaluation  reports. 

to  be 
to 

findings 

achieve 

level 

of 

2. 

The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article 4 
shall  be  followed  for  adopting  measures 
relating to: 

2.  The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article 4 
shall  be  followed  for  adopting  measures 
relating to: 

adoption, 

the 
experimental 
implementation  or  extension  of  any 
project  devised  for  application  of  this 
Decision, 

adoption, 

experimental 
the 
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  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  periodical  evaluation  of  the  results 
of  each  project  in  accordance  with  the 
timetables 
in  the  specific 
programmes: 

laid  down 

The  committee  referred  to  in  Article 4 
may  examine  other  measures  provided 
for  by the programme. 

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 

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  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 
representatives  of  the  Member  States  within 
the  committee  shall  be  weighted 
the 
manner  set  out  in that  Article.  The  chairman 
shall  not vote. 

votes 

The 

of 

in 

The Commission  shall  adopt  measures  which 
shall  apply  immediately.  However,  if  these 
measures  are  not  in  accordance  with  the 
they  shall  be 
opinion  of  the  committee, 
communicated  by  the  Commission  to  the 
Council 
the 
Commission  shall  defer  application  of  the 
measures  which  it  has  decided  for  a  period 
of 
of 
communication. 

two  months 

forthwith. 

event 

from 

date 

that 

the 

In 

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 
representatives  of  the  Member  States  within 
the  committee  shall  be  weighted 
in  the 
manner  set out  in that  Article.  The  chairman 
shall  not vote. 

votes 

The 

of 

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 
to  the 
communicated  by  the  Commission 
Council 
the 
Commission  shall  defer  application  of  the 
measures  which  it  has  decided  for  a  period 
of 
the  date  of 
communication. 

three  months 

forthwith. 

event 

from 

that 

In 

The  Council,  acting  by  a  qualified  majority, 
may take a different  decision  within the time-
limit  referred  to in the previous  paragraph. 

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 

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-1996. 

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 

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. 

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 
the  General 
Regulation  applying 
Budget of the European  Communities. 

to 

Article 7 

Article 7 

Decision 

This 
Decision  89/490/EEC, 
Decision  91/319/EEC. 

replaces 
as 

Council 
by 

revised 

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) 

OF 

procedures 

administrative 

ENVIRONMENT 

THE 
IMPROVEMENT 
ADMINISTRATIVE.  LEGAL  AND 
FISCAL 
OF 
ENTERPRISES 
(in  particular  through  the  simplification 
of 
and 
promotion  of  follow-up  measures  in  the 
the 
Member  States;  assessment  of 
impact 
legislation, 
of  Community 
consolidation  of  community  legislation, 
specific  examination  of  aspects  such  as 
the  transfer  and  creation  of  enterprises; 
regular, 
of 
consultation 
organisations  representing  SMEs). 

thorough 

to 

likely  to  take  part 

B)  BETTER  ACCESS  TO  COMMUNITY 
INFORMATION  FOR  ENTERPRISES 
(qualitative 
improved 
development, 
operation  and  adaptation  of  the  Euro 
the  new 
Info  Centre  network 
requirements  of  SMEs,  including  advice 
to  companies 
in 
Community  programmes  (such  as,  for 
research,  public  contracts, 
example, 
practices); 
improved 
extension  of 
the 
European  Economic  Area  (EEA)  and  to 
the  countries  of  Central  and  Eastern 
the  context  of 
in 
Europe 
(PECO) 
specific  actions 
those 
in  favour  of 
countries). 

environmental 

the  network 

to 

C) 

THE 

BUSINESS 

IMPROVING 
PARTNER  SEARCH  NETWORK 
(qualitative  development  and  gradual 
adaptation  of  the  system  of  charges  for 
the  confidential  business  partner  search 
qualitative 
network 
(BC  NET); 
development  of 
uniconfidential 
business  partner  search  network  (BCC); 
development 
for 
of 
specific  subjects). 

subnetworks 

the 

(1 

Modifiai proposal 
DECISION I  -  pagcll 

D)  CONTINUED  DEVELOPMENT  OF 
PERMITTING 
INSTRUMENTS 
DIRECT 
WITH 
CONTACT 
ENTERPRISES  AND  AIMED  AT 
PROMOTING 
TRANSNATIONAL 
SUBCONTRACTING 
(in 
the 
by 
particular 
preparation,  implementation  and  follow-
up  of  actions  carried  out  under  the 
and 
EUROPARTENARIAT 
INTERPRISE  programmes;  improving 
knowledge of  markets of  subcontracting, 
promotion  of  harmonised  certification 
of 
procedures 
cooperation  between 
large  and  small 
enterprises). 

encouragement 

improving 

and 

E)  PROMOTION  OF  COMMUNITY 
INSTRUMENTS  WHICH  ENABLE 
SMES  TO  PARTICIPATE  FULLY  IN 
ALL  COMMUNITY  ACTIONS  AND 
AND  WHICH 
PROGRAMMES 
GUARANTEE  CONSIDERATION  OF 
SMES' 
THE 
VARIOUS 
COMMUNITY 
INITIATIVES  AND  POLICIES 
(including  enterprise  policy  instruments, 
Structural  Funds,  research  programmes 
and 
develop 
technological  potential,  making  it  easier 
for  SMEs  to  participate,  inter  alia,  by 
simplifying  the procedures  involved  ). 

INTERESTS 

programmes 

IN 

to 

\\ 

Modified proposal 
DECISION II  -  pagcl 

DECISION  II 
Amended  proposal 

Initial Proposal 

Amended  proposal 

Title 

Title 

programme 

for  a  Council  Decision  on  a  Proposal 

for  a  Council  Decision  on  a 
Proposal 
of 
multiannual 
(1994-97) 
Community  measures to ensure the continuity  Community  measures 
the 
of  policy  for  enterprise,  in particular  SMEs,  continuity  and  consolidation  of  policy  for 
the 
in the Community 

in  particular  SMEs, 

(1994-97) 
ensure 

of  multiannual 

programme 

in 

to 

enterprise, 
Community 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the 
European  Economic  Community,  and 
in 
particular  Article 235 thereof, 

in  European  Economic  Community,  and 

particular  Article 235  thereof, 

Having  regard 
Commission, 

to  the  proposal  from 

the  Having  regard  to  the  proposal  from 

the 

Commission, 

Having  regard  to the opinion  of  the European  Having 
Parliament, 

to 
European  Parliament, 

regard 

the  opinion  of 

the 

Having 
Economic and Social  Committee, 

regard 

the  opinion  of 

to 

the  Having 

regard 

to 

the  opinion  of 

the 

Economic and  Social  Committee, 

on 

1.  Whereas  on  28 July  1989  the  Council  1.  Whereas  on  28 July  1989  the  Council 
adopted  Decision  89/490/EEC 
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 
in  particular  small  and 
enterprises,  and 
enterprises, 
medium-sized  enterprises,  in  the  Community,  medium-sized 
the 
by  Council 
revised 
as  revised  by  Council  Decision 91/319/EEC  Community, 
of  18 June  1991; 

in  particular  small  and  enterprises,  and 

Decision 91/319/EEC of  18 June 1991; 

the  adopted  Decision  89/490/EEC 

on 

as 

in 

(lv 

Modified  proposal 
-  page 2 

DECISION  II 

2.  Whereas  in  its  resolution  of  17 June  1992 
on  Community  action  to  support  enterprises, 
and  medium-sized 
in  particular 
enterprises, 
industry 
its 
enterprises, 
undertaking  to  support  the  consolidation  of 
the action taken to help  enterprises; 

small 
including 
the  Council 

confirmed 

craft 

2.  Whereas  in  its  resolution  of  17 June  1992 
on  Community  action  to  support  enterprises, 
and  medium-sized 
in  particular 
enterprises, 
industry 
its 
enterprises, 
undertaking  to  support  the  consolidation  of 
the action taken to help  enterprises; 

small 
including 
the  Council 

confirmed 

craft 

3.  Whereas  the  Council  recommended  in  that 
resolution  that  the  Commission  should  press 
to  the  principle  of 
ahead,  having  regard 
to 
subsidiarity,  with  the  action  necessary 
create  an  environment  favourable 
the 
to 
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 
initiative  and,  at  the  same  time, 
growth 
in  other  aspects  of 
ensuring  continuity 
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 
the 
results  achieved  from  all  aspects  of 
the 
existing 
Commission  has 
report, 
together  with  its  comments,  to  Parliament 
and the Council; 

whereas 
the 

programme; 

submitted 

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 
the 
existing 
Commission  has 
report, 
together  with  its  comments,  to  Parliament 
and the Council; 

whereas 
the 

programme; 

submitted 

Modified proposal 
DECISION  11  -  page 3 

the 

report 

the 
6.  Whereas 
confirms 
the 
appositeness  of  the  enterprise  policy 
Community  has  carried  out  thus  far,  but 
makes  proposals  concerning  the  direction  of 
certain  measures; 

the 

report 

confirms 

7.  Whereas 
the 
appositeness.  importance  and  quality  of  the 
enterprise  policy  the  Community  has  carried 
out 
interesting 
suggestions  concerning 
the  direction  of 
certain  measures; 

but  makes 

thus 

far, 

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 

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: 

in  particular 

8.  Whereas  this  Decision  applies  to  all  forms 
small  and 
of  enterprise, 
medium-sized  enterprises,  including  those  in 
commerce  and  the  distributive  trades  and 
cooperatives,  mutual 
craft 
societies, 
and 
foundations; 

associations 

enterprises, 

non-profit 

it 

is 
11.  Whereas  when  defining  SMEs 
necessary  to  follow  the  guidelines  laid  down 
in  the  Commission  Communication  on  SME 
definitions  used 
framework  of 
Community  actions  (SEC  (92)  351  final  of 
29 April  1992): 

the 

in 

IU 

small 
an 

and  medium-sized 
9.  Whereas 
enterprises  play 
in 
important 
economic  activity  in  general  and  in  regional 
development,  and  a  fundamental 
role  as 
regards  dynamism,  productivity,  adaptability 
and  innovation; 

role 

of 

the  development 

10.  Whereas 
a 
Community  enterprise  policy  based  on  real 
competition  assumes  particular  importance  as 
the  Community  economy 
regards  making 
more  competitive  and  as  regards  employment 
growth,  economic  and  social  cohesion  in  the 
Community  and 
the 
widening of the market  after  1993; 

the  continuation  of 

Modified  proposal 
-  page 4 

DECISION  II 

small 

and  medium-sized 
12.  Whereas 
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; 

of 

the  development 

13.  Whereas 
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 
widening of the market  after  1993; 

the  continuation  of 

14.  Whereas  the  effectiveness  of  the  action 
programme  could  be  increased  by  regular 
and 
contacts  between 
employers' 
whereas 
organisations: 
consideration  must be  given  in this context  to 
better  organisation  of  SME  representation  at 
European  level: 

the  Commission 

enterprises 

11.  Whereas,  however,  many  measures  to 
assist 
at 
are 
Member  State level  and  Community  measures 
will have to complement these: 

carried 

out 

enterprises 

15.  Whereas,  however,  many  measures  to 
at 
assist 
are 
and 
Member  State 
Community  measures  should  attempt 
to 
complement  these: 

carried 
and  national 

level, 

out 

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 
the 
cannot  be  sufficiently 
Member  States  and  can  therefore  be  better 
achieved  by action  at Community  level: 

achieved  by 

the 

resources 

and  measures 
Whereas 
implemented  by 
the 
context  of  the  programme  are  in  proportion 
to the objective  to be  achieved: 

the  Community 

in 

n 

Modified  proposal 
-  page 5 

DECISION  II 

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 
sufficient 
financial resources to  attain  its  objectives; 

to  endow 

it  with 

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: 

HAS DECIDED  AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

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. 

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 

Article 2 

The  programme  referred  to  in  Article  1  has 
the following  objectives: 

1. 

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 
environment  for  enterprises; 

improved 

financial 

to 

order 

encourage 

the 
In 
Europeanisation  and  internationalisation 
of  enterprises,  especially  small  and 
medium-sized 
the 
programme  referred  to  in  Article  1 shall 
pursue the following  objectives: 

enterprises. 

to  structural  changes  and 

encourage  SMEs  in  certain  sectors  to 
to 
adapt 
changes  brought  about  by  the  Internal 
Market. 

promoting 
environment  for  enterprises, 

better 

a 

financial 

to  promote  better  observation  of  the 
economic  development  of  enterprises  as 
part  of 
effective 
the  dynamic  of 
implementation  of the internal  market. 

to  promote  better  observation  of  the 
economic  development  of  enterprises  as 
part  of 
effective 
the  dynamic  of 
implementation  of the  internal  market. 

evaluation  and policy  development 

\? 

Article 3 

1.  The  Commission  shall 
measures  necessary 
objectives  laid down  in Article 2. 

implement  the 
the 

to  achieve 

2.  The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article 4 
shall  be  followed  for  adopting  measures 
relating to: 

adoption, 

the 
experimental 
implementation  or  extension  of  any 
project  devised  for  application  of  this 
Decision, 

Modified  proposal 
DECISION  11  -  page 6 

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 
The  Commission  shall  propose 
taken  at 
necessary  measures 
Community 
the 
objectives  set  out  in  Article  2.  taking 
any 
the 
account  of 
evaluation  reports. 

to  be 
to 

findings  of 

achieve 

level 

the  content  and 
timetable  of  and 
financial  assistance  for  measures  and 
calls for  proposals, 

The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article 4 
shall  be  followed  for  adopting  measures 
relating to: 

the periodical  evaluation of the results of 
the 
each  project 
timetables  laid down. 

in  accordance  with 

The  committee  referred  to  in  Article 4 
may  examine  other  measures  provided 
for  by the programme. 

adoption, 

the 
experimental 
the 
implementation  or  extension  of 
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. 

\<1 

Modified proposal 
DECISION II  -  page 7 

Article 4 

Article 4 

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  a 
committee composed  of the representatives  of 
chaired  by  a 
the  Member  States 
representative of the  Commission. 

and 

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 
the 
submit  to  the  committee  a  draft  of 
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 
to  the 
communicated  by  the  Commission 
Council 
the 
Commission  shall  defer  application  of  the 
measures  which  it has decided  for  a period  of 
two  months from  the date of  communication. 

forthwith. 

event 

that 

In 

The  Council,  acting  by  a  qualified  majority, 
may  take  a different  decision  within  the time-
limit  referred  to  in the previous  paragraph. 

The  representative  of  the  Commission  shall 
the 
submit  to  the  committee  a  draft  of 
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 
representatives  of  the  Member  States  within 
the  committee  shall  be  weighted 
the 
manner  set out  in  that  Article.  The  chairman 
shall  not vote. 

votes 

The 

of 

in 

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 
the 
Council 
Commission  shall  defer  application  of  the 
measures  which  it  has  decided  for  a  period 
of 
the  date  of 
communication. 

three  months 

forthwith. 

event 

from 

that 

In 

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 

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. 

The  Commission  shall  present  an  external 
evaluation  report  on  the  implementation  of 
the 
this  Decision 
complementary  measures  to  be  taken  to  the 
European  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the 
Economic  and  Social  Committee  at  the  latest 
by mid  1997. 

if  necessary, 

and, 

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. 

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 

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. 

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 
the  General 
Budget of the European  Communities. 

to 

Article 7 

Article 7 

Decision 

This 
Decision  89/490/EEC, 
Decision  91/319/EEC. 

replaces 
as 

Council 
by 

revised 

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 

ADAPT 

A)  ENCOURAGING  SMES  IN  CERTAIN 
TO 
SECTORS 
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 
the  single 
opportunities  offered  by 
market,  in  particular 
in  the  field  of 
standardisation,  certification  and  public 
contracts). 

B)  PROMOTION 

A 

including  mutual 

BETTER 
OF 
FINANCIAL  ENVIRONMENT  FOR 
ENTERPRISES 
(facilitate  SME's  access  to  sources  of 
credit, 
guarantee 
companies  and  venture  capital,  and 
expediency  and  feasibility  studies  of  the 
secondary  markets; 
development  of 
financial 
facilitate  SME's  access 
to 
instruments 
the 
provided 
Community). 

by 

21 

Modifie 
DECISION  II  -

proposal 
page 10 

C)  PROMOTION 

OF 

BETTER 
OBSERVATION  OF THE  ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT  OF  ENTERPRISES 
AS. 
THE 
IMPLEMENTATION 
THE 
INTERNAL  MARKET 
(European 
improved  statistics on  SMEs) 

for  SMEs, 

observatory 

PART 

OF 

OF 

D)  EVALUATION 

AND 

POLICY 

DEVELOPMENT 
(evaluation  of  existing  policy  and 
actions,  development  of  Community 
actions in areas affecting  enterprises) 

is 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(93) 180/2 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

08 to 

Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-211-EN-C 

ISBN 92-77-55313-8 

Office for Official  Publications of the European Conununities 
L-2985 Luxembourg 

2^