The committee adopted the report by Zita PLEŠTINSKÁ (EPP-ED, SK) amending - under the 1st reading of the codecision procedure - the proposed decision on the financing of European standardisation.
The committee stressed the need to ensure that SMEs, particularly small, micro and craft enterprises, are effectively able to apply European standards. These standards should therefore be designed and adapted to take into account the characteristics and environment of such enterprises. MEPs also called for "the drawing up of documents to explain, interpret and simplify standards, as well as the drawing up of user guides and best practice". This would benefit SMEs as well as business organisations in many Member States. The committee also wanted Member States to be encouraged to ensure proper national financing for standardisation tasks.
The report said that the European Parliament and the Council should be kept informed of the conclusion of any partnership agreement signed by the Commission and the European standardisation organisations. They should also be informed at least every five years of the outcome of the Commission's evaluation of the standardisation activities receiving Community financing in the light of the requirements of Community policies and legislation.