Implementation of the "Small Business Act" for Europe
Latest Developments
On 23 February 2011, the Commisison adopted a Communication taking stock of progress achieved and proposing new actions to be implemented at EU and national level.
-
SBA Review, Commission Communication
[122 KB] 
- Press release: Europe's Small Business Act strengthens small businesses and drives growth
On 15 December 2009, the Commisison adopted a report which highlights the progress made in implementing the SBA, both at EU and national level.
The Competitiveness Council [247 KB] of 28 May 2009 recognised good progress in implementing the "Small Business Act".
A report on the "Small Business Act" for Europe was adopted by the European Parliament on 9 March 2009.
The Member States
The Member States committed to implement the SBA by adopting the Competitiveness Council Conclusions of 1 December 2008 [212 KB] .
The SBA Action Plan [107 KB] , annexed to the Competitiveness Council Conclusions, focuses on short and medium-term measures to improve SMEs' access to finance, to improve the regulatory environment and to enhance market access for SMEs. These priority measures are an integral part of the Commission's response to alleviate the negative impact of economic and financial crisis on enterprises, especially SMEs.
The European Council on 11-12 December 2008 [181 KB] supported the full implementation of the Action Plan for the SBA adopted by the Competitiveness Council on 1 December 2008.
The European Economic Recovery Plan, adopted by the Commission on 26 November 2008, also includes far-reaching measures to enhance access to finance for SMEs, to reduce their administrative burden and to promote entrepreneurship.
The Member States are expected to report on their implementation measures in their Lisbon National Reform programmes ,, starting in 2009.
The Competitiveness Council of 28 May 2009 [247 KB] recognised good progress in implementing the SBA. All legislative proposals are now on the table and the SME test is applied in the Commission impact assessment procedure. Member States agreed unanimously on the importance of strengthening action to improve access to finance and decrease the regulatory burden on businesses.
The European Parliament
The EPP-ED and Socialist groups put forward a Resolution requesting that the European Council confirm that it would formally approve the Small Business Act and make its provisions binding. The resolution was adopted on 4 December 2008 with 614 votes in favour, 11 against and 9 abstentions.
Furthermore, the European Parliament adopted in its plenary session of 9 March 2009 the Report of Ms Herczog (PSE/HU) which fully supports the Commission's initiative for SMEs and also urges for a speedy implementation of the SBA.
The EU consultative bodies
The European Economic and Social Committee adopted an opinion on the SBA 
on 14 January 2009.
The Committee of Regions adopted an opinion on the SBA on 12 February 2009.
