"This award repays those ideas that already help make Europe more competitive and will encourage plans aimed at creating a more favourable environment in Europe, within which entrepreneurship will be able to grow": Günter Verheugen, vice-president of the EU Commission, speaks of the "European Enterprise Awards" to the economic industries, the local authorities and the EU member states. The awards had been launched last year under the British chairmanship to "promote entrepreneurial spirit" through the "initiatives of the local and regional authorities". Verheugen points out "that the deadline for putting nominations forward is getting closer, as it is May 31st". The awards are given to five categories: "pioneering entrepreneurship", "support to enterprises", "reduction of bureaucracy", "investment in human capital", "responsible entrepreneurship". According to the EU Commission, "policies promoting entrepreneurship and establishing a favourable economic environment, especially for small- and medium-size businesses, are essential in a European Union that aims at standing up to the greatest challenge: boosting economic development and creating new jobs". For further information on how to submit your nominations, visit: http://europa.eu.int/comm/entrerprise.
