EU urged to support entrepreneurs
Article Date: Jun 01 2006
Growing firms need European Union politicians to ‘stop dithering’ and come up with solutions to problems in the European economy. So says the Federation of Small Businesses.
The FSB is worried that a serious economic downturn is inevitable unless action is taken now. With Europe’s 23 million SMEs representing 99 per cent of all enterprises, supporting this sector would lift Europe as a whole.
Amongst other measures the FSB is calling for the lifting of red tape across the Continent, an increase in funding for innovative and high-tech ventures and additional assistance in helping businesses to trade online.
’Entrepreneurs are proactive problem-solvers. We hear far too much in the EU about problems,’ explains Tina Sommer, FSB EU and International Affairs Chairman. ‘The FSB is not prepared to sit back and wait for politicians to get their act together. We are proposing solutions now. EU politicians would do well for their constituents by taking these suggestions on board.
’By listening to the view from thriving businesses it should be possible for a modern Europe to remove barriers to growth from the path of growing firms, creating new jobs and economic growth across the EU.’
The EU has made a step in the right direction by announcing a new initiative that requires senior EU officials to gain experience working in SMEs to get an insight into the issues involved.
'We welcome this proposal from the Commission,' comments Sommer. 'Policy-makers and businesses can now improve their understanding of each other’s views and this will not only reduce the amount of legislation but also increase the quality of EU laws.'
