EU launches red tape consultation

The European Union (EU) has launched a new public consultation to look at how it can reduce red tape for the 23 million small businesses in Europe.

The consultation will be undertaken as part of the Small Business Act for Europe, part of the Community Lisbon programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010.

As well as looking at ways of reducing red tape, the consultation will also investigate public procurement, how small businesses can access finance and a skilled labour force, and how the EU can support expanding businesses.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said over the past few years, it had made ‘real efforts’ to cut down on red tape for small firms, significantly increasing the focus within major EU spending programmes.

“Member states have substantially improved the small business environment, for example by introducing one-stop shops for company registration and reducing the time and costs required to do so.

“Given the economic and social importance of small firms the EU has decided to step up small business policy to irreversibly put small businesses at the heart of policy making.”

“We have already produced significant improvements in creating a more small business-friendly environment across the EU,” she said.

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