ESBA - The Independant Voice for Small Business

ESBA BACKS SME WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME FOR DG ENTERPRISE & INDUSTRY OFFICIALS, BUT URGES OTHER COMMISSION STAFF TO JOIN IN

Brussels, September 7th 2006

Given that SMEs represent 99% of all EU enterprises and account for more than 80% of employment in certain sectors, improved understanding between EU Policy Makers and Entrepreneurs is of prime importance to Europe’s economic future. ESBA therefore welcomes in principle the ‘Enterprise Experience’ Initiative, which was recently launched by the Commission. By 2009, it seeks to give 350 Senior DG Enterprise and Industry Staff hands on experience of life in an SME. It has the potential to effectively enhance Policy Makers’ comprehension of the daily challenges faced by SMEs and provide the hosts with expert practical assistance and policy information.

Due to their quantity and variety, SMEs are however not affected exclusively by the legislative activities of DG Enterprise and Industry. The regulations, which originate from DG Internal Market and Services, Trade and Environment, amongst others, equally impact the day-to-day work of entrepreneurs and the self-employed. Just as Vice President Verheugen and his Officials will soon be swapping their normal roles for life in European bakers, builders and carpenters therefore, ESBA urges other Commission Staff to leave their regular job for a week and join the new scheme.

Many of the Initiative’s provisions are advantageous. The flexible Programme should enable participating Commission Staff to learn by shadowing key personnel, visiting different sections or realising a specific project. The policy of placing Policy Makers in an SME, which operates in a sector other than one for which, they have direct responsibility, however will dilute the Programme’s impact. ESBA argues that sector specific training visits should apply in the first instance – in particular to DGs other than DG Enterprise and Industry. This will enable entrepreneurs to engage directly with the Policy Makers, who draft the laws that really affect them – and vice-versa. Mutual understanding will then improve, where it is often most lacking.

An evaluation programme is in place. Entrepreneurs will provide immediate feedback. Participants will also submit a written report and complete an impact assessment later on. Just as EU legislation impacts the daily life of SMEs, ESBA expects that, if the scheme is successful, its evaluation will demonstrate the placements’ tangible effect on the daily work and legislative output of participating EU Officials – to the benefit of all. ESBA looks forward to joining existing business organisations in arranging for SMEs from its membership to host Policy Makers from DG Enterprise and Industry and the wider Commission, as part of an expanded ‘Enterprise Experience’ Scheme.

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Note to the editor:

ESBA is a non-party political European group, which gathers member organisations from 22 European countries. It currently represents over 1.5 million small business entrepreneurs and is one of the largest organisations based on voluntary (vs. statutory) membership in Europe. ESBA cares for small business entrepreneurs and the self-employed and represents them through targeted EU advocacy activities. It also works towards the development of strong independent advocacy and benefits groups in European countries. For more information, please contact: secretariat@esba-europe.org

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Page last updated: 02/02/2007 4:54:34 PM