WRITTEN QUESTION P-3640/01 by Diana Wallis (ELDR) to the Commission. Euro Info Centres.
Date: 2002-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, aid to undertakings, information network, small and medium-sized enterprises

6.6.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 134 E/245

In fact, this is what the Commission has already carried out by financing and publishing the report on
osteoporosis in the Community (cid:24) Action for prevention in 1998, prepared by the European Foundation
on osteoporosis. Also,
the
Commission’s priorities in relation to osteoporosis are outlined. It is stated that following the above
mentioned Commission report on the prevention of osteoporosis,
it is intended to analyse how the
recommendations of this report have been acted upon by the Member States.

in the 2002 work programme for the health promotion programme,

The Commission has worked closely together with the International Osteoporosis Foundation in the past,
among other issues on the Osteoporosis report in 1998. The Commission has also participated in several
events arranged by the Foundation, and will continue to work closely together with the Foundation in the
future.

(2002/C 134 E/260)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3640/01

by Diana Wallis (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: Euro Info Centres

Will the Commission reaffirm its commitment to the ‘Euro Info Centre’ network, and provide assurances
that the Parliament can expect both long-term funding and dedicated and responsible coordination for this
vital service to European SMEs?

Furthermore, is the Commission able to confirm with confidence that its ‘Business Feedback Mechanism’,
part of the ‘Interactive Policy Making’ initiative, is structured and coordinated in such a manner that EICs
are able to implement this project with any real chance of success?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(25 January 2002)

The Euro Info Centre (EIC) network was created in 1987 under the small and medium-sized enterprises
(SME) Multiannual Programme and has been renewed in all the ensuing Enterprise Programmes. It figures
very prominently in the present Multi annual programme 2001-2005, and as such,
is assured of its
financing in the present conditions until the end of 2005.

What will be decided for the period following 2005 will depend on the evaluation of the present
programme and on the outcome of the work engaged to bring about closer co-operation between the
various European business support networks and their further rationalisation. In the present situation, the
Commission sees no reason to discontinue the functions of the EIC network as they represent a constant
need on the part of European companies and in particular SMEs, especially in the context of the next
enlargement.

Given the role of the EIC network in helping enterprises to operate effectively in the Internal Market, the
Commission is pleased to confirm that it is making every effort to ensure that the Interactive Policy
Making (IPM) initiative is implemented successfully, in cooperation with the EICs. The very promising first
results of the pilot project on the Business Feedback Mechanism led to its extension in 2001 from 41 pilot
EICs to the whole EIC network. The experience gained in the pilot project will form a solid basis for
improved implementation of the feedback aspect of the IPM initiative. This will broaden the scope of this
new form of business feedback using the Internet from 2002 onwards as well as ensuring continuity, to
the mutual advantage of EICs and the Commission.