Bendt Bendtsen MEP and Paul Rübig, Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the SME Circle in the EPP Group, welcome today's adoption in the Parliament of a series of recommendations intended to give new impetus to growth and job creation in Europe's SMEs.

"Europe must focus on creating the best possible business climate for its SMEs. SMEs are Europe's most important growth driver. Making sure that our SMEs get better access to financing is a prerequisite to renewed growth, job creation and stronger competitiveness in Europe", said Bendt Bendtsen MEP after today's vote.

"It is absolutely necessary to support the continued implementation of guarantee instruments in the framework of the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP), the Financing Facility under FP7 and the Structural Funds (JEREMIE), JASMIN and Erasmus for young entrepreneurs. An impact assessment is a useful instrument to strengthen the functioning of these SME finance schemes. Moreover, a minimum of 20% risk capital should be obligatory up to 2020", said Paul Rübig MEP.

For further information:
Bendt BENDTSEN MEP, Tel: +33-3-88175125
Paul RÜBIG MEP, Tel: +33-3-88-88175749
Daniel Köster, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-487-384784

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.