European conference on craft and small enterprises
Craft
© Assemblée permanente des chambres de métiers
- from: 30.10.2008
- to: 31.10.2008
- In: Tours
Midway through the French Presidency, the conference will give craftsmen and entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to have their proposals heard on the Small Business Act for Europe, published by the European Commission in June 2008. It will take place in the presence of the French government ministers Hervé Novelli and Jean-Pierre Jouyet as well as the Vice-President of the European Commission, Günter Verheugen.
With a view to adopting conclusions on the European Small Business Act by the Competitiveness Council of 1 and 2 December, the challenge for craft and small business representatives now is to outline:
- the desired scope for this instrument and these measures;
- possible improvements;
- its implementation by companies in their daily activities and at their local level.
This conference follows on from the 4th European Conference on Craft and Small Enterprises (Stuttgart, 16-17 April 2007), organised by the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the European Commission’s support.
To tackle these objectives, the programme of the conference will focus on two topics:
- taking into account the specific needs of craft and small businesses;
- supporting the integration of craft and small enterprises into the internal market.
Concrete proposals are expected regarding:
- the impact of the legislation on the craft sector;
- consideration of small businesses in European, national and local governance;
- the contribution of our businesses to energy efficiency and the environment;
- promotion through support policies adapted for innovation and standardisation;
- the involvement of craft and small enterprises in local development.
A specific policy for these businesses will enable them to be more competitive and strengthen their contribution to EU economic and social objectives.
At the initiative of the French permanent assembly of chambers of trade, this conference is organised in partnership with the European Commission and the European Union of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME). This conference will bring together several hundred representatives of European crafts and small enterprises, local, national and European policymakers, and members of EU institutions, the European Parliament and the French Government.
- Updated: 27.10.2008
