WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1882/98 by José GARCÍA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL SMEs
6. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 320/1 I (Information) EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER (1999/C 320/001) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1882/98 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (16 June 1998) Subject: SMEs The Commission’s report to Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the coordination of activities to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the craft sector (COM(07) 0610) (p. 58) briefly describes the Europartenariat and Interprise programmes aimed at encouraging international cooperation among SMEs. Most of the buyers’ exhibitions involve SMUs with less than 500 employees, in the context of cooperation in the process of internationalization of other SMUs in the region, crossborder regions and the enrichment and development of the local services sector. Can the Commission give its opinion on the possibility of creating a specific programme to develop the ‘buyer’s exhibition’ instrument, in the context of the economic development of regions eligible for the Structural Funds? Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (17 September 1998) Europartenariat is financed under Article 10 of the European Regional Development Fund Regulation and under the third multiannual programme for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs). Its aim is to contribute to the economic development of areas eligible under Objectives 1, 2, 5(b) and 6 of the Structural Funds by stimulating transnational cooperation between such firms. This programme enables firms to meet potential partners in order to discuss and negotiate possible cooperation agreements. Two events of this type are organised each year. In addition, attendance at fairs and exhibitions may be eligible under the programmes financed by the Structural Funds, subject to certain special conditions. Under the Commission’s proposals for the new programming period (2000-2006) (1), this type of measure would remain eligible in the regions concerned. In addition, extra funds would be provided for the Interreg Community Initiative programme, and in particular the section relating to crossborder cooperation which includes support for fairs and exhibitions. Consequently, the Commission does not consider it necessary to promote a specific instrument as suggested by the Honourable Member. (1) OJ C 176, 9. 6. 1998