Zofija Mazej Kukovič MEP yesterday hosted an EPP Group Hearing for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament on 'SMEs and industrial leadership beating the economic crisis'. The speakers discussed the establishment of a political environment for growth in Slovenia and Europe.

Mrs Mazej Kukovič's work in the European Parliament supports new employment opportunities, business growth and bold ideas of entrepreneurship: "Today more than ever, political decisions need to be fast. Growth and savings go hand in hand. We need to invest all our efforts into the growth of our economy, which heavily relies on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and on entrepreneurs."

Paul Rübig MEP, Rapporteur for SMEs in the European Parliament, emphasised that from a politician's point of view, it is important to make every effort to build an environment for growth. Franjo Bobinac, Director-General of Gorenje, a Slovenian manufacturer, said that Slovenia already has a lot of knowledge but it needs financial stabilisation and a better connection between industry and institutes. Professor Borut Likar, Director of the Slovenian Institute of Innovation and Technology, noted that Slovenia has great potential in innovation.

The second panel concentrated on High Technology for High Growth. Former President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek MEP, emphasised an interesting comparison: "SMEs are similar to doctors, they are not responsible for illnesses but they can cure them." Another very important issue to be considered is trust.

The MEPs agreed that we need to establish a system of healthy competition, where you can develop and help your business grow and where you and your employees can live decent lives. "We need to recognise that the quality of life that we have in the European Union is unique and rare. Most of the nations around the world desire our lifestyle. This is an ongoing opportunity to be acknowledged and also to be thankful. So, despite the challenges we are facing today, our lives are good. Whereas we need to have a global view and we need to look forward. Therefore this is the time for optimism, tolerance and co-creation. This is the time for entrepreneurs. This is the time for new, sustainable growth", concluded Mrs Mazej Kukovič.

Distinguished panellists who participated in the Hearing include: Gunnar Hökmark MEP (EPP Group), Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP Group), Bernd Reichert (European Commission, DG Research and Innovation), Dr Paul Ludger Weissenberg (European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry) and Jean Pol Wiaux (Recharge).

For further information:
Zofija Mazej Kukovič MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845138
Klemen Žumer, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-498-514589

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 270 Members and 3 Croatian Observer Members.