EC helps chemical SMEs grappling with green laws

08 October 2007 14:59  [Source: ICIS news]

PARIS (ICIS news)--The European Commission (EC) tabled proposals on Monday aimed at helping small and medium-seized enterprises (SMEs) better implement European environmental legislation.

The proposed environmental compliance assistance programme is a set of measures with a focus on helping SMEs minimise the environmental impact of their activities and comply with existing legislation.

This programme should offer some help to small and medium-sized chemical companies struggling to implement the Reach rulings, which came into force three months ago.

It will channel financial resources towards SME support networks, simplify access to environmental management systems and promote greater awareness of environmental issues among these companies through training and the sharing of best practice.

Funding for the programme will come from the EU so-called LIFE+ funds (€5 million for 2007-13) with additional funds to be made available through the competitiveness and innovation framework programme (CIP) and structural funds.

"To successfully tackle the environmental challenges we face and to achieve our targets on greenhouse emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency, all European companies must be on board,” said EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas.

“Small and medium-sized companies are an integral part of Europe's economy and it is therefore vital that they play their part in making the European economy more sustainable."

Hungarian Chemical Industry associations director-general Ivan Budai warned on Friday that 20-30% of chemical SMEs in central and eastern Europe will not survive the impact of Reach.

($1 = €0.71)

By: Philippa Jones
+44 20 8652 3214

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