Agenda: Lissabon, Midden- en Kleinbedrijf, Competitie- en Innovatieprogramma 2007-2013, reductie van autogas-emissies volgens Euro-5 standaarden (en)

Verheugen points:

Partnership for Growth and Jobs - preparation of the spring European council

Ministers had an exchange of views and adopted a Key issues paper as the contribution of the Competitiveness Council to the Spring European Council. The Council welcomed the Commission's Annual Progress Report. It broadly agrees with the four priority areas for action for more growth and jobs, which are investing more in knowledge and innovation, unlocking the business potential, particularly of SMEs, responding to globalisation and ageing, and moving towards an efficient and integrated EU energy policy. Commissioner Verheugen said that the national reform programmes represented a good basis for the EU's economic reform agenda. He however underlined that more had to be done in certain areas, such as increasing funding for research and development or competition in services and energy markets.

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The Council had an exchange of views on a new SME policy and adopted Council Conclusions. The main areas highlighted therein include the integration of the `Think Small First' principle into national and Community policies, regular and comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders, improving SMEs' access to Internal Market, notably by facilitating their access to public procurement and standardisation and strengthening measures to promote a more entrepreneurial culture.

The Commission presented in November 2005 new orientations for its policy on SMEs in the context of re-launched Lisbon strategy. Commissioner Verheugen stressed that he wanted to ensure that SMEs' interests are taken into account in a wide range of EU policies. As SME policy is transversal by nature and, different legislative and policy initiatives affecting SMEs have to be screened carefully at an early stage to consider whether they are conform to the `Think Small First' principle. To enable this comprehensive screening, the Commission has upgraded the `SME Envoy' function and created a horizontal SME policy coordination unit who is in charge of monitoring developments in various policy areas.

The Spring Summit is expected to discuss strategic issues relevant for SMEs and deliver a strong message in favour of SMEs.

Competitiveness and innovation (CIP) programme for 2007-2013

The Council discussed the contents of new CIP programme, while leaving aside the financial aspects of the proposal. Commissioner Verheugen stressed that the new CIP was about boosting innovation, especially for SMEs. He urged Member States to reach political agreement on the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme at the next Competitiveness Council meeting of 29 - 30 May.

Reduction of car emissions - new Euro V standards

Germany, supported by other delegations, requested that the Commission proposal on tighter emission standards for cars, Euro V, would also discussed by the Competitiveness Council. Commissioner Verheugen supported this view and suggested a discussion in the broader context of the competitiveness of the EU car industry.