EU Small Business Act dismissed as 'paper tiger'[fr][de] 

The forthcoming proposals, outlined by EU Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry Günter Verheugen at a hearing on 6 February, were quickly dismissed as empty words by UEAPME, the European SME organisation.

"We cannot afford another lip-service exercise," said UEAPME Secretary General Andrea Benassi. "Small businesses do not need a paper tiger, but workable answers," he added, repeating earlier calls for a "solid, legally binding document".

"UEAPME and its member organisations will only support a text that goes in this direction," Benassi stressed.

While the Commission's full proposals will not be on the table before June this year, Verheugen already gave indications as to their substance, rejecting for instance one of the main features of the US scheme whereby a 23% share of public procurement contracts is reserved for SMEs.

Speaking at the hearing, Verheugen roundly rejected that option: "I remind you that we are not asking for quotas or quantitative obligations. Instead, we will propose initiatives to cater for the need for more transparency and information on public tenders."

And while the EU can do more to simplify its rules and regulations, SME policy, Verheugen went on, should remain an issue to be primarily dealt with at national level. "Let me be clear, SME policy remains largely the preserve of national authorities – and rightly so […] That is why we also need a strong commitment on their side."

Meanwhile, the Commission announced the launch of a new service for SMEs, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), to provide advice on assistance and help companies of all sizes find business partners in countries other than their own. The EEN will merge the existing "Euro Info Centres" and "Innovation Relay Centre" networks, creating a "one-stop shop for business and innovation support services".

The Commission opened a public consultation on the European SBA on 31 January. It is open until the end of March.