Integrated programme in favour of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The purpose of this communication is to establish an integrated action programme for SMEs, to replace projects under way and propose new projects. It will include the following lines of approach: Under measures to improve the environment for enterprises: - Community legislation will take account of the needs of enterprises; - the conditions for transferring enterprises will be improved; - the tax environment for SMEs will be improved (a specific recommendation has been tabled in parallel to this programme); - payment periods between enterprises will be improved; - new jobs will be created in local services. Under support measures for enterprises: - access to financing and credit will be improved; - support will be given to cooperation between enterprises; - support will be given to improving management quality. This integrated programme does not have any additional budgetary implications and comes within the financial perspectives for 1993-99. It mainly comes under: - the growth initiative and the European Investment Fund; - the multiannual programme in favour of enterprises; - the decision by the European Council in Copenhagen to increase the resources of the EIB temporary loan facility; - the Council resolution of 22 November 1993 on strengthening the competitiveness of enterprises and promoting employment; - the White Paper on growth, competitiveness and employment; - the conclusions of the Brussels European Council in December 1993; - the EIB decision to implement subsidized loans; - the Community initiative in favour of SMEs; - the ADAPT initiative.�