| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: Press and Communication Service |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | IP/04/37 (13.1.04) |
| Publication Date | 13/01/2004 |
| Content Type | News |
|
The European Commission presented on 13 January 2004 a proposal for a Directive to create a real Internal Market in services by requiring Member States to cut administrative burdens and excessive red tape that can currently prevent businesses from offering their services across borders or from opening premises in other Member States. The services covered by the proposal account for around 50% of all economic activity in the EU. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who represent the bulk of service providers, are at the moment dissuaded from cross-border expansion. By encouraging cross-border economic activity and boosting competition, the proposed Directive would increase choice, improve quality and bring down prices for consumers and also for businesses which use services. It would also encourage innovation in the sector which at EU level creates the most jobs. The effect on the economy as a whole would be to improve competitiveness and create high quality jobs. Once adopted, the proposed Directive would resolve many of the difficulties identified by businesses and other stakeholders in a Commission report published in July 2002 (see Related URL 1 link). The proposal will now go forward for adoption by the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers. |
|
| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/04/37&format=HTML&rapid=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en&display= |
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
