WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3808/98 by Karin RIIS-JØRGENSEN Guidelines for SMUs
12. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 325/27 Concerning the common European emergency call number 112, this has now been implemented in all 4. Member States apart from Greece. Infringement proceedings have been opened against Greece. (1) OJ L 101, 1. 4. 1998 and OJ L 321, 30. 12. 1995. (2) COM(98) 594. (3) COM(98) 696. (1999/C 325/031) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3808/98 by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission (22 December 1998) Subject: Guidelines for SMUs In its press release on the proposal to revise the EMAS regulation the Commission states that it wants to take special measures for small and medium-sized undertakings by drawing up guidelines to ensure that approving authorities respect and show an understanding of their practices. As the guidelines have not yet been finalised, how does the Commission contemplate drawing them up? Who will participate in any working party? How will the Commission ensure rational dialogue with the SMUs? Could consideration perhaps be given to inviting a number of SMUs from all the Member States? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (26 February 1999) On 30 October 1998 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation allowing participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (1) (EMAS) which revises Council Regulation (EEC) 1836/93 of 29 June 1993 allowing voluntary participation by companies in the industrial sector in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (2). Article 10 of this proposal provides for a number of measures that are designed to promote participation by organisations in this voluntary system and that are geared, in particular, towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The measures envisaged are spread among the Member States and the Commission. As far as the Commission is concerned, special provisions are in place for drawing up guidelines for the benefit of certified environmental inspectors responsible for verifying that an organisation is in compliance with all the requirements laid down under the EMAS Regulation and that the information produced is true and reliable. To the extent that these inspectors are required to operate at the sharp edge when it comes to implementing this Regulation at organisational level, with special reference to SMEs, it is crucial that they are fully conversant with the functioning of SMEs, so as to ensure that verification reflects the realities of the situation. These guidelines have been drawn up jointly in collaboration with certified environmental inspectors and the European Union of Crafts and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME). The degree of European representativeness of this organisation will ensure that proper account is taken of the position of SMEs in the various Member States. It is therefore entirely feasible to use the UEAPME as a channel for undertakings wishing to participate in the elaboration of these guidelines. (1) COM(98) 622 final. (2) OJ L 168, 10. 7. 1993