BUSINESSEUROPE - The Confederation of European Bus : Europe must unleash the entrepreneurial potential of its citizens

PRESS RELEASE

9 January 2013

EUROPE MUST UNLEASH THE ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL OF ITS CITIZENS

"By adopting the European Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan today, the Commission demonstrates its understanding that entrepreneurship is a key element of strengthening Europe's competitiveness. Small and medium-sized businesses have created 85% of the jobs in Europe between 2002 and 2010. The return to sustainable economic growth critically depends on how successfully Europe can tap the entrepreneurial potential of its citizens. All EU policies should contribute to creation of an environment that stimulates entrepreneurship along the various phases of a company's life" - said Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE.

The launch of the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan is a first important step. Full attention must now be paid to effective implementation of the plan at European and national level.

BUSINESSEUROPE is pleased to see that the Action Plan lists numerous initiatives it called for, especially in the field of entrepreneurial education, the need to alleviate administrative and financial burdens during the start-up phase of a company and to facilitate business transfer.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR

BUSINESSEUROPE represents small, medium and large companies. Active in European affairs since 1958, BUSINESSEUROPE's members are 41 leading industrial and employers' federations from 35 European countries, working together to achieve growth and competitiveness in Europe. For the full list of our members, please visit our website.

For further information, please contact: Peter Vertessy +32(0)2 237.65.03 www.businesseurope.eu

AV. DE CORTENBERGH 168	BUSINESSEUROPE a.i.s.b.l.	TEL [phone]
BE-1000 BRUSSELS BELGIUM VAT BE 863 418 279	WWW.BUSINESSEUROPE.EU	FAX [phone] E-MAIL: [e-mail] EU Transparency register 3978240953-79