EU Council Monitor - 05/12/08

Putting small businesses first
"The vast majority of businesses in the European Union are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with no more than 250 employees. They are the ones providing most new jobs. Finding themselves increasingly affected by the present financial crisis and economic downturn, they are soon to qualify for a package of special measures.

Having made SMEs' needs a permanent priority for the European Union, the Competitiveness Council on 1 December 2008 adopted some conclusions including specific steps to improve financing arrangements, simplify the environment and facilitate market access for SMEs.
The conclusions (in French) are available here." [Europa]

Competitiveness Council - Conclusions
The complete set of conclusions can be found on the link [Europa]

Small Business Act will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs"
"SMEs are crucial to Europe's economy, providing over 100 million jobs. In view of the current financial market crisis, the European Council must confirm that it will formally approve the Small Business Act and make its provisions binding, say MEPs in a resolution put forward by the EPP-ED and Socialist groups. The resolution was adopted with 614 votes in favour, 11 against and 9 abstentions.

Formerly approving the SBA will "ensure the necessary high visibility", while making its provisions binding will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs". [EuroParl]

First “European sessions on innovation”
"On 9 December 2008 in Paris, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to hold the first “European sessions on innovation”, with the participation of the President of the French Republic and President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy, as a prelude to The European Year of Innovation in 2009." [UE2008]