Enterprise policy: multiannual programme MAP 2001-2005

PURPOSE: Report on the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises.

CONTENT: This is the fifth annual implementation report on the Charter, based on national reports from the participating countries. It presents a snapshot of the main developments from autumn 2003 to autumn 2004 but does not aim to provide a comprehensive overview of all existing measures. It identifies strengths and weaknesses across the EU and its neighbours, highlights promising national measures and issues recommendations for future action, thereby strengthening policy in support of small businesses and maintaining the efforts towards the Lisbon objective.

This report is complemented by supporting documents, which give a comprehensive overview of recent measures undertaken to implement the Charter by the Member States and Norway, the candidate countries, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as the Commission.