With a new proposal for the EU internal market, the European Commission wants to reduce annual administrative costs for European companies by 400 million euros. This corresponds to around three billion kroner.
One of the proposals is to create a new category of small and medium-sized enterprises. Among other things, there should be exceptions for the new category of companies in connection with complying with GDPR rules.
This was announced by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Stéphane Séjourné at a press conference. Séjourné also proposes that EU countries appoint a representative for the EU internal market in national governments.
- Now we are moving on to other means. We want a more pragmatic approach. We must wage war against the obstacles that prevent companies from becoming European companies, he says.
Under the current rules, small and medium-sized enterprises are categorized as large companies when they exceed 250 employees, and must therefore follow many more guidelines. According to the Commission, this can discourage companies from growing and limit competitiveness.
A new category of companies will apply to companies with up to 750 employees or up to 150 million euros in turnover.
The new category of companies will be able to enjoy some of the advantages that small and medium-sized companies currently have compared to large companies.
DI is positive, but hopes for more
The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) calls the initiative a positive first step.
- But we hope that more real burden reductions for companies are in store, says Rikke Wetendorff Nørgaard, head of European policy at DI.
- There are still far too many barriers that hinder companies' ability to grow in the European market. This is especially true for small and medium-sized enterprises, she says.
According to the Commission, around 38,000 companies in the EU could fall under this new company category. In addition, the Commission's proposal is intended to increase digitalization for companies.
Right now, according to EU legislation, companies must provide declarations that their products meet EU requirements, instructions for use and other things - on paper. According to the new proposal, this will now be digital.
- Paper documentation has been a heavy and cumbersome burden for many, and that is absurd in a digital age. But now we are finally entering this century. This is of course exactly the right development, says Rikke Wetendorff Nørgaard.
/ritzau/
Text, graphics, images, sound, and other content on this website are protected under copyright law. DK Medier reserves all rights to the content, including the right to exploit the content for the purpose of text and data mining, cf. Section 11b of the Copyright Act and Article 4 of the DSM Directive.
Customers with IP agreements/major customer agreements may only share Danish Offshore Industry articles internally for the purpose of handling specific cases. Sharing in connection with specific cases refers to journaling, archiving, or similar uses.
Customers with a personal subscription/login may not share Danish Offshore Industry articles with individuals who do not themselves have a personal subscription to Danish Offshore Industry.
Any deviation from the above requires written consent from DK Medier.
