WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3808/98 by Karin RIIS-JØRGENSEN Guidelines for SMUs
Date: 1998-12-22
Institutions: European Parliament, RIIS-JOERGENSEN
Subjects: EU policy, European Commission, environmental policy, management audit, management information system, proposal (EU), secondary sector, small and medium-sized enterprises

12.11.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 325/27

Concerning the common European emergency call number 112, this has now been implemented in all

4.
Member States apart from Greece. Infringement proceedings have been opened against Greece.

(1) OJ L 101, 1.4.1998 and OJ L 321, 30.12.1995.
(2) COM(98) 594.
(3) COM(98) 696.

(1999/C 325/031)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3808/98

by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 December 1998)

Subject: Guidelines for SMUs

In its press release on the proposal to revise the EMAS regulation the Commission states that it wants to take
special measures for small and medium-sized undertakings by drawing up guidelines to ensure that approving
authorities respect and show an understanding of their practices.

As the guidelines have not yet been finalised, how does the Commission contemplate drawing them up? Who
will participate in any working party? How will the Commission ensure rational dialogue with the SMUs?
Could consideration perhaps be given to inviting a number of SMUs from all the Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 1999)

On 30 October 1998 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation allowing participation by
organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (1)
(EMAS) which revises Council
Regulation (EEC) 1836/93 of 29 June 1993 allowing voluntary participation by companies in the industrial
sector in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (2). Article 10 of this proposal provides for a
number of measures that are designed to promote participation by organisations in this voluntary system and
that are geared, in particular, towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The measures envisaged are
spread among the Member States and the Commission.

As far as the Commission is concerned, special provisions are in place for drawing up guidelines for the benefit
of certified environmental inspectors responsible for verifying that an organisation is in compliance with all
the requirements laid down under the EMAS Regulation and that the information produced is true and reliable.
To the extent that these inspectors are required to operate at the sharp edge when it comes to implementing
this Regulation at organisational level, with special reference to SMEs, it is crucial that they are fully conversant
with the functioning of SMEs, so as to ensure that verification reflects the realities of the situation.

These guidelines have been drawn up jointly in collaboration with certified environmental inspectors and the
European Union of Crafts and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME). The degree of European
representativeness of this organisation will ensure that proper account is taken of the position of SMEs in the
various Member States. It is therefore entirely feasible to use the UEAPME as a channel for undertakings
wishing to participate in the elaboration of these guidelines.

(1) COM(98) 622 final.
(2) OJ L 168, 10.7.1993.