By Anthony Fletcher - 7th February 2008
The EU has launched a support network to help small and medium regional businesses to grow and innovate.
The Enterprise Europe Network, launched Thursday by enterprise commissioner Günter Verheugen, is designed to offer a one-stop service for SMEs.
“The new Enterprise Europe Network is a milestone in the commission's integrated policy for promoting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises in Europe,” the commissioner told journalists.
“I believe it will give a better voice to and give better awareness of business in the regions.”
Speaking at the same press conference, newly elected committee of regions (CoR) president Luc Van den Brande congratulated Verheugen for bringing together regions and innovation.
“The committee of the regions fully supports the initiative because it is an example of Europe working in partnership,” he said.
“Regions and cities are Europe's engines of growth and jobs and real engagement with SMEs has to take place on their doorstep to be effective.”
The network promises to unite more than 500 businesses, offering them practical advice on making contacts in other member states, encouraging new technology and applying for EU funding.
“The network will give guidance on how to find finance,” said Verheugen.
“There will be no fees; the service will be free of charge.”
Speaking in the Parliament Magazine’s February Regional Review, Verheugen also outlined why the network represented a break with the past.
“The previous separately organised networks forced would-be clients to go to different addresses and follow separate administrative procedures,” he said.
“With the new network business receives ‘business support on your doorstep’, as the slogan suggests.”
Participants at the launch event also included science commissioner Janez Potocnik and Slovenian economic minister Andrej Vizjak.
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