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EU red tape cuts indicate 'time for action'

Published On 21 February 2007 at 10:23:48

Signs that the European Union (EU) intends to instil a reduction on re-tape related administrative burdens has been welcomed by the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

The target of a 25 per cent reduction derived from EU and national legislation was adopted at a meeting in Brussels on Monday February 19th, by the EU member state ministers who are responsible for economic competitiveness.

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who are members of the FPB are said to be struggling with bureaucracy - and the FPB noted that previous efforts to reduce the amount of red-tape had not been successful.

Martin Smith, the FPB's European spokesperson, said: "The European Commission's strategic review of better regulation showed that most simplification initiatives originally planned for 2005 and 2006 are still to be completed.

"The work programme for 2007 is much shorter than in previous years and you can see Commission Directorates General thinking twice before legislating, so there is a chance this target will reinforce something that is already there."

The EU's "good intentions" will not be beneficial to SMEs unless the targets are actually met, the FPB warned. Heads of state and government are also due to adopt the 25 per cent reduction target, after they meet on 8th and 9th March this year.

 

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