WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3379/98 by Luis CAMPOY ZUECO to the Commission. Aids to SMUs
29. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 118/187 Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (24 November 1998) The Honourable Member is requested to refer to the Commissionís contribution to the debate on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) during the October II part-session (1)of the Parliament. (1) Debates of Parliament (October II 1998). (1999/C 118/242) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3379/98 by Luis Campoy Zueco (PPE) to the Commission (9 November 1998) Subject: Aids to SMUs In view of the existing definition of SMUs used in Spain (i. e. undertakings employing between 50 and 500 persons), can the Commission state what forms of financial aid exist for micro-undertakings or small family-type businesses, given that such businesses are both extremely numerous and crucial to the social, cultural and economic equilibrium of the countries of southern Europe? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1998) The Commission shares the Honourable Memberís opinion about the importance of small and medium- sized family enterprises for the social, cultural and economic equilibrium of the Community, particularly in the countries of southern Europe, where the density of SMEs is higher in relation to the population. In applying the European definition of SMEs as set out in Commission Recommendation 96/280/EC of 3 April 1996 (1), the vast majority of family businesses fall into the category of very small enterprises with 1-9 employees, which account for 93 % of all enterprises. When the categories of small and medium-sized enterprises employing between 50 and 249 persons are then added, SMEs account for 99,8 % of all enterprises. In full adherence to the principle of subsidiarity, Community aid for family SMEs supplements the national instruments for financing enterprises. In order to increase transparency regarding the aid available, the Commission published a guide to grants and loans from the European Union in 1997 (2). Following a request from the Parliament, in 1998 the Commission also launched its ágrowth and employmentí initiative, which accords top priority to small enterprises. In its Decision of 19 May 1998, the Council earmarked ECU 420 million to help expanding SMEs gain better access to funding by means of risk-capital funds, guarantee facilities, and supporting the creation of transnational joint ventures by SMEs within the Community. Given that the vast majority of SMEs in southern Europe are located in assisted regions and in view of their contribution to growth and employment, the Commission pays them particular attention by setting aside a greater proportion of the structural funds for their funding requirements. (1) OJ L 107, 30. 4. 1996. (2) ISBN › 92-8282854 › 9