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Manifesto
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Federation of Small Businesses
A EUROPEAN UNION MANIFESTO FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
In recent years, the economic and social contribution that small businesses play in the European Union has become widely recognised. Small firms have been identified as a key source of job creation, enterprise, innovation and the driving force behind the productivity gain that is so essential to European Union’s future prosperity. Despite this recognition, the policy framework in which they operate is handicapping them from reaching their full potential. The institutions of the European Union must rethink their policies and carefully consider how legislation that is designed to further European integration is damaging this vital and vibrant part of the Community. The FSB European Elections manifesto outlines some of the key policy concerns of the Federation of Small Businesses.
FSB Policy Chairman John Walker said: "The central theme of the FSB manifesto is that the Lisbon Agenda and the subsequent Small Business Charter will fail unless EU Institutions make substantial changes in their policies for small firms before it is too late for the 2010 deadline. Therefore, we call on all successful candidates in the 2004 Euro Elections to take our message with them to Brussels and speak loudly for our sector in European Parliament."
Key Manifesto Points
- A strong and vigorous European Parliament to keep regulations in check,
- The use of sunset and review clauses in new legislation so that the legislation can be automatically repealed if it becomes irrelevant or outdated,
- Greater small business representation in the social dialogue process – at present the consultation process on employment and social laws is dominated by trade unions and big business with the voice of small businesses often going unheard,
- Further use of Extended Impact Assessments,
- Extension to small firms of the protection available to individuals under the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive – this would help combat the onerous trading conditions often imposed on small firms by larger businesses,
- Better access for small businesses to Government contracts.
Please click here to read the Manifesto in full
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