Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 19
In the economic booster package 2000 the introduction of a research allowance (FFB) of 10% for all further research expenditure according to the OECD definition, in addition to the existing allowance of 25% was decided.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 10
In July 2000, the Amendment to the Research Promotion Act was passed, creating the Council for Research and Technological Development. The task of this Council is to work out a long-term strategy for the research and technological development sector, to monitor its gradual implementation, to draft priority guidelines for national research and technology programmes, and to make recommendations for strengthening the position of Austria in international cooperative activities in the fields of research and technology.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 7
In addition to the creation of law drafting, technical and organizational requirements for the functioning of an open market, significant steps have also been taken with regard to the new regulatory authorities provided for under the Energy Liberalization Act. The authorities now entrusted with the accomplishment of the internal market in electricity are organized as follows: The supreme supervisory authority is the Federal Minister for Economics and Labour. The tasks of the Electricity Control Comp. Ltd, which became operative on 1 March 2001, are in particular: - to supervise competition, especially as regards the equal treatment of market participants by monopolies - to draw up and publish electricity price comparisons for final consumers  - to supervise unbundling - to supervise settlement agencies for transactions and the pricing of balancing energy The Electricity Control Commission, which is also provided for by the Energy Liberalization Act, has the following tasks in particular: - it is the appellate authority regarding decisions of the Electricity Control Comp. Ltd. - it approves the general terms and conditions of grid operators for using the transmission and distribution grids - it determines grid use charges
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 7, 8
Market opening for consumers of more than 20 GWh/a. The full liberalization of the Austrian electricity market as of 1 October 2001 offers all customers, including SMEs and private households, the opportunity to act in a competition-oriented market and to benefit from lower electricity prices in the liberalized market much more than hithero. Due to the complete opening up of the market and the resultant triggering off of competition mechanisms, electricity companies are now required to exhaust still existing streamlining and synergy potentials efficiently and effectively, to take appropriate steps in the field of company law and to pass on favourable conditions of purchase.
Cardiff Report 2001 Annex 2 p.2  Cardiff Report 2003 p.14
At the regional level, the Decree relating to the organisation of the electricity market was approved on July 17, 2000 for the Flemish region. (...) The regional Decrees deal essentially with electricity distribution (= 70 kV), and the promotion of sustainable energy.(...)The Flemish Decree specifies that all end-users with a consumption of more than 20 GWh are immediately eligible; all end-users with an annual consumption above 1 GWh will become eligible as of January 1, 2002; all high tension users, eligible as of January 1, 2003. Finally all end-users inclusive households will have free choice as of July 1, 2003 (Cardiff Report 2001). All customers in Flanders are free to choose their electricity supplier since July 2003(Cardiff Report 2003).
Cardiff Report 2000, p.7-8 Cardiff Report 2001 p.12
An action plan was drawn up early this year in order to reduce delays in transposing and implementing European directives and also to develop structural measures to avoid such delays in future. To that end a pro-active process had been defined to accompany each step in the transposition of a directive as soon as a proposal has been submitted. The implementation of this action plan has already begun to bear fruit: in December 1999, 181 directives were behind schedule (of which 93 were cases of late transposition and 88 were cases involving a dispute over the application of Community law). In the latest report from the Commissioner showing the situation on 22 September 2000, the number of directives not implemented had declined to 120 (58 cases of late transposition and 88 cases in dispute). Thanks to this plan Belgium went up to the 7th position in May 2000 (3.1% non-transposed directives) on the Single market scoreboard. [Cardiff 2001]:Between May 2000 and May 2001 Belgium's transposition deficit decreased from 3.1% to 2.4%. After the progress registered in 2000, however, especially in the reduction of cases of late transposition, the number of directives behind schedule has not significantly decreased (123 cases of infringement on 22 June 2001).
Cardiff Report 2001 p. 16-17 and Annex 2 p. 1-2
Cardiff Report 2001 Annex 2 p.8 Cardiff Report 2002 p.15 and Annex 4, p.43
The government decided in July 2000 to strengthen the separation between gas transport and trading activities within Distrigas: beyond the unbundling of internal accounts (operational since 1st January 2001) required by the Gas Law, gas transport and trading activities are to be managed in separate buildings and use separate IT systems. [Cardiff 2002] At the end of 2001, Distrigas was legally unbundled into two separate companies: a Transmission System Operator (TSO) called Fluxys and a commercial company retaining the name Distrigas. Although legally private, the State holds a golden share in both companies. This share gives the power of veto in matters of national energy policy.
Cardiff Report 2000, p. 11 Cardiff Report 2001, p. 16 Cardiff Report 2002, p. 11-12
The unbundling of the local loop and the setting up of a wireless loop will greatly contribute towards opening up the market to new operators. In October 2000, the Government approved a royal decree to organise the unbundling process. An offer will be made at the beginning of 2001, at which time negotiations will start. The setting up of a wireless loop will start before the end of 2000. Last but not least, the licensing procedure for the third generation of mobile phones is being launched in 2001. Four licences will be granted through an auctioning process.
Since the 1999 Electricity Law was implemented (...) major decrees of application were adopted (among which) the Royal Decrees of October 11, 2000 relative to the authorisation procedure for the construction of new generation capacity and new direct transmission lines;
Cardiff Report 2000, p.16 Cardiff Report 2001, p.20 Cardiff Report 2002, p.18
[Cardiff Report 2000]Clustering policies have been launched at regional levels (in Flanders, based on a sectoral approach (clusters and valley); in Wallonia based on key technologies, in Brussels, in the four strategic sectors of TECHNOPOL); [Cardiff Report 2001] More networking and sustainable partnerships between firms and with research centres are stimulated, particularly through clustering policies. At the end of 2000 in Wallonia, five pilot technological clusters have been set up, driven by firms and bringing together firms, research centres and universities.[Cardiff Report 2002] In 2002, for example, new cluster programmes have been launched in both Wallonia and Flanders in order to stimulate networking between firms.
Cardiff Report 2000, p 8 Cardiff Report 2001, p 2, 10 and 19 Cardiff Report 2002, p 19 and Annex 2, p 34 Cardiff Report 2003, p 11
(In 2000) The institutions in charge of simplification are trying to extend the use of the new information and communication technologies. In this context (one of) the main measures being taken (is) the possibility of declaring VAT in an electronic form by 2001; (in 2002) VAT Grouped e-declarations by VAT tax advisers or large enterprises are already possible through EDIVAT. E-declarations for other enterprises are now possible via INTERVAT but a digital certified signature is needed (February 2002)
Cardiff Report 2001, p. 20 Cardiff Report 2002, p. 18
[Cardiff Report 2001] Diffusion and transfer are still an issue today, especially where SMEs are concerned: greater visibility must be achieved of the various skills and services offered by intermediaries and also a better knowledge of firms' needs. In Flanders, the "KMO-Innovation" programme has been launched. Moreover, specific measures aimed at simplifying the subsidy structure for supporting technological innovation in SMEs have been adopted as part of a broader concept of innovation.
Cardiff Report 2000, p.14 Cardiff Report 2001, p.19 and Annex 2 p.17 Cardiff Report 2002, p.15 Cardiff Report 2003, p.16-17
[Cardiff Report 2001]: In 2000, the former autonomous public company was transformed into a statutory limited liability corporation and a holding company (Belgian Post Group) was created to supervise a number of subsidiaries (...). The postal network could be split into two high-performance business units: mail (letters) and retail (post offices). [Cardiff 2002-2003]: In 2001 the incumbent developed a strategic plan to prepare for future competition. This plan was updated in 2002 and involves, inter alia, the modernisation of post-offices and sorting centres and more efficient mail delivery. To part-finance these modernisations a 300 million euro capital injection has been made available by the State. This was approved by the EC, since it could not be considered as unwarranted state aid.(...). The tasks of universal service provision are set out in five-yearly management contracts with the State (...).To cover the costs incurred, the government pays the difference between the actual cost to the incumbent and the price to customers of these specific public services.
Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets Cardiff Reports Nov 2000-p.10, Nov 2001-p.14,  Nov 2002-p.10 and 19,  Nov 2003-p.10, Nov 2004-p.5
Cardiff Report 2000, p. 8 ; Cardiff Report 2001, p. 11; Cardiff Report 2002, p. 19; Cardiff Report 2003, p. 28; Cardiff Report 2004, p. 24
Thereto, an important awareness and information campaign on the ICT and the Internet has been staged at national level, in the course of this year. It was tailor-made for citizens, enterprises, in particular SMEs, and the youths and aimed at informing as many people as possible on the usefulness of the ICT with a view to encouraging them to get connected to the Internet. This campaign was conceived as a Road show in more than a hundred cities and towns accompanied by the distribution of a guide for Internet users. This action will be going on in 2001 : a specific campaign will target schools, with a view to making the youths aware of employment opportunities in the ICT; another campaign will more specifically be focused on SMEs. Other guides are to be published: legal guides for Web Sites developers and access providers as well as a guide for the dissemination of public information on the Net.
Cardiff Report 2002, p.13 Cardiff Report 2001, annex 1 p.1
Independent distribution system operators (DSOs) were nominated for Flanders in September 2002.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p.47
A new loan guarantee scheme (VakstKaution) was introduced on 1 August 2000. Under the scheme, the Fund can guarantee up to 75 per cent of a development loan raised from a bank by a small business.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 22
In December 2000, the National Telecom Agency introduced an interactive price guide that allows consumers to compare the prices of about 25 different telecoms offering a total of 200 or so different subscription types. The telecom price guide is updated whenever the telecoms companies change their prices or terms, so that it constantly provides an updated picture of the best offers in the market.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 10; Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 14
On 1 January 2001, the Danish book market was partially liberalised. Before, the liberalisation, publishers and booksellers had an exclusive right to publish and sell books; now anyone is free to publish and sell books in Denmark. The fixed-price system was also amended. On account of the amendment, publishers are no longer obliged to fix the price of new releases, but are at liberty to choose whether new releases should come with a fixed price, a recommended retail price or with no price indication whatsoever. The fixed-price system is due to be reassessed by the end of 2003.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p.18; National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 6
The amendment of the Competition Act in 2000 introduced to the effect that Denmark is now in line with the rest of the European Community. As a result of the amendment, the competitive authorities may set up conditions for a merger that may help prevent that the merger of one or more companies becomes an impediment to competition.
Product and Capital Markets in Finland Nov. 2002, p. 18; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 12
The Natural Gas Market Act came into force in 2000, thus transposing the Single Market Directive on natural gas. The Directive includes derogation for Finland allowing for the natural gas markets to remain unexposed to competition until Finland's natural gas network is linked to the network that connects the natural gas nets of other Member States and until there is more than one main provider of natural gas in Finland. The secondary market in natural gas was launched on 1 March 2003. Its share of the natural gas market was 0.6 per cent in 2001.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2002, p. II; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 3
Measures to promote entrepreneurship are being drawn up in a project on entrepreneurship launched in 2000. An independent evaluation of the project was published in autumn 2002. Numerous measures have been put forward during the course of the project, one example being a portal providing a payment service system for small employers which is currently being created under the auspices of the project. The service system allows small employers to manage all their responsibilities as employers in a centralised manner without the need for any other reporting to the authorities. The system will be launched in September 2003.
Economic reform in France in 2003 p. 20; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 17
It started on 10 August 2000 with the direct application of the European Directive on the liberalisation of the gas market (98/30/EC), with a transitional scheme which allowed effective access to the network of eligible customers, i.e. 120 endusers who represent 20% of the national market.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 27
By Decree of July 2000 (Decree No 2000-682 of 19 July 2000 (approving the standard agreement for the running of terminals in the autonomous seaports and amending the Seaport Code)), the autonomous Ports, with the status of public institutions, were authorised to assign the running of a terminal to a private operator. The latter then takes full or partial responsibility for the financing and management of the developments and equipment necessary to operate.
This reform allowed the definition of the supply of services to be assigned to an authority with a direct interset in local needs and detached from the transporter's internal difficulties. It gives the Regions full competence to determine the regional services desired and to put on contract with the SNCF their terms and conditions for implementation and supervision, their level of quality, their means of financing and the sharing of risks between licensor and concessionaires.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 17; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 14
The Act of 10 February 2000 organised the opening-up of the French electricity market by translating the European Directive on the internal market in electricity (96/92/EC). This has taken the form in particular of the creation of the Reseau de Transport de l'Electricite (RTE), a body which is independent of Electricite de France (EDF) in terms of accounting and organisation, and the Commission de Regulation de l'Electricite (CRE). As an independent administrative authority responsible for regulating the sector, the CRE has a staff of 96 people and a budget of EUR 12.17 million at its disposal in 2003. The Act also introduced a distinction between customers according to their level of consumption. Beyond a threshold, initially set at 16 GWh and subsequently reduced to 7 GWh by Decree of 5 February 2003, any consumer is authorised to make its suppliers compete and to negotiate prices and the terms of supply freely.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 21
In addition to this work aimed at simplification, a major effort to expand e-administration, which has already been going on for several years, is continuing in the framework of an e-administration programme covering the 2004-2007 period and providing for the implementation of 140 measures aimed at simplifying relations between government services and users, either firms or private individuals.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 50
The Immediate Action Programme includes the following measures: - The number of training places in the IT and media industry has been increased further. In 2000 alone, 25,000 new training contracts were concluded.  - The Federal Labour Office increased the number of participants in further training schemes to prepare them for employment in the IT sector by 10,000 to 46,000 between 1999 and 2000. - A further component in the Immediate Action Programme is a more flexible and practical structuring of further training in IT. For people who have passed initial vocational training courses in IT, for people coming in from other parts of the economy, and for graduates, the aim is to offer modular further training based on systematic building blocks. The aim is to provide further training which is oriented towards real work processes in the IT sector. The involvement of unions and management, of representatives from the sector and from companies, of experts from the IT manufacturing sector and from various user fields, ensures that consideration is given to the diverse skills needs. The restructuring of further training in IT is to be completed in Summer 2002. - The number of university graduates in the IT sector is being increased by an Immediate Action Programme for the further development of computer studies, funded with around EUR 51 million. - The "Green Card" is one element of the Federal Government's Immediate Action Programme and is contributing in the short term to meeting the demand for IT specialists. It is now possible to issue up to 20,000 "Green Cards" to foreign experts with an IT-specific university or college degree or similar qualification.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 17
The revision of the Equipment Safety Act, which entered into force on 31 December 2000, means that the market for the testing of equipment which requires supervision is no longer open only to the technical supervision associations (TUEVs) and their officially appointed experts, but also to other (licensed) test organisations of private experts.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 21
The Federal publishing house, Bundesdruckerei GmbH, was sold at the end of 2000.
The revision of the Auditors Code, which entered into force on 1 January 2001, modernised the professional rules applying to auditors and brought them into line with international standards. The revision focusses on the introduction of a peer review system for auditors and accountants. That represents an important step towards ensuring high audit quality in the interest of investors and other stakeholders, but also towards boosting the international competitiveness of German auditors.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 7
One key part of the reform of corporate taxation which has already taken effect (2001) is a reduction of the rate of corporation tax to 25% for retained and distributed profits. Including the solidarity surcharge and trade tax, the average tax rate for joint-stock companies is 38.6%. For the first time, unincorporated firms can deduct the trade tax from their income tax liability in a standardised form. The reduction amounting to 1.8 times the trade tax total means that most unincorporated firms are de facto freed from the trade tax.
National Report on Structural Reforms Noc. 2003, p. 18
In terms of direct support, the New Economy Development Fund S.A. (NEDF - TANEO) was established (Law 2843/2000 further amended by Law 2992/2002) as a VC 'fund-of-funds'. Its purpose is to co-finance the formation of venture capital funds, which will be investing in innovative businesses at early development stages. NEDF has contributed by 49.9% to setting up the first Venture Capital Mutual Fund for SMEs in the sector of the New Economy. The initial capital of this Fund amounts to EUR 24 million.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 6; National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2001, p. 15
The role of the Competition Committee (CC) has been significantly enhanced since the end of 2000 with the full implementation of Law 2837/2000 permitting it to attain a more balanced distribution of its activities concerning the control of market power concentration, the monitoring of agreements and abuse of dominant market position, and harmonised practices (L703/77). The CC under its own initiative inspected the non-violation of the above-mentioned law. In addition, the CC imposed substantive fines under the anti-monopoly law. Meanwhile, the Committee established a closer co-operation with the European Commission and the competition authorities of other member states.
Naational Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2001, p. 7
The Law 2867/2000, effective since 1.1.2001, is the new Framework Law in Greece concerning the telecommunication sector. It provides for the adoption of different executive Acts such as Ministerial Decisions and Presidential Decrees, in order to take into account the needs of an evolving market. It also provides a clear demarcation of responsibilities between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Regulatory Authority, the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT).
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 21
BASIS arises from a commitment by all levels of Government to improve the compliance processes that affect business in Ireland by delivering electronic information and services based around the 'life events' of a business e.g. business start-up and development, paying taxes and employing staff. The BASIS website provides business with a single access point to all Government information and services. The information is delivered with a consistent look and feel and focuses on the needs of the business community rather than the structure of Government. It brings Government information and services within easy reach of business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2000 p. 15, 30
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 12
Legislation introduced in July 2000 allows public and private sector pipeline developers to operate on the same basis. A number of private sector developers are actively pursuing the construction of new supply pipes.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 16; Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 20
The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 was enacted in July 2000. This Act, which has been welcomed by copyright-based industries as a European and world leader in the field of intellectual property legislation, brings Irish copyright law fully into line with the requirements of EU/international law on copyright and related rights.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 7
There was limited entry to the pharmacy profession due to strict limits on the number of university places. The Government has decided to increase the places on third level pharmacy courses by 50 a year and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has sought proposals form universities, institutes of technology and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to provide for this increase. The aim is for additional places to be available in Autumn 2001.
The market was further liberalised in January 2006, with the reserved area extended from 100g to 50g for all postal operators. This was provided for in Directive 97/67/EC.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 17
A Statutory Instrument fully implementing the provisions of Directive 97/67/EC which provides for the partial liberalisation of the postal sector and for independent regulation by the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation (ODTR) to oversee the development of future competition, was signed into law in September 2000. It is the function of the ODTR, inter alia, to ensure that the designated universal service provider, An Post, meets specified quality of service standards and provides a universal postal service at affordable prices to all users.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2000 p. 31
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2000 p. 33
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 20; Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2000 p. 30
The Electronic Commerce Act established Ireland as one of the first countries with a transparent and codified legal framework for electronic transactions. The Act, which provides for legal equivalence between traditional paper-based transactions and electronic transactions, provided a significant boost to Ireland's position in the international digital economy. The Act also provides the Minister for Public Enterprise with the power to make regulations regarding certification agencies and services.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 12; Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 14
The Commission for Electricity Regulation conducted Virtual Independent Power Producer (VIPP) auctions in respect of 600MW of non-Green and 40GWh of Green capacity during October 2000. The VIPP contracts facilitate enhanced competition in the liberalised electricity market in advance of independent power plants coming on stream. Those VIPP contracts lasted for one year but the same 600MW of capacity was re-auctioned in October 2001 and September 2002 and they will continue until February 2006 at least.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 11
In June and July 2000 the Director, following a competition initiated in 1999, awarded 4 broadband and 3 narrowband licences for fixed wireless point to multipoint access systems (wireless local loop licences) enabling operators to install new wireless infrastructures for the delivery of telecommunications services to customers.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 22
The Community Application of Information Technology (CAIT) Initiative has commissioned 71 demostration projects, which encourage and assist late adopters to utilise the new technologies in their everyday lives, be undertaken immediately. The lessons drawn from these projects will assist Government in developing solutions to ensure a fully inclusive Information Society in Ireland.  The objective of this initiative would be to fund demonstration projects that: - Encourage late adopter to engage with information and communication technologies in a beneficial way; - Empower communities to harness the benefits of the new tecnologies; - Employ information and communications technologies to overcome particular socio-economic barriers which exist for some communities.  The main points of the initiative are: - EUR 5.08m total funding; EUR 3.2m 2001, EUR 1.9m 2002; - 71 projects commissioned; - No one project to receive more than EUR 127,000 in aggregate; - Milestones / performance indicators agreed on a per project basis, taking the 3 point scheme above as strategic outcomes.  Project implementation will take place between 1 June 2001 and 31 Decemebr 2002.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 9
The Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles)(Amendment)(No.3) Regulations, 2000 provide a revised basis for taxi licensing. The new regulations remove all restrictions on the numbers of taxi licences that can be granted by local licensing authorities, and revoke all earlier restrictions of this kind.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 16, 30
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2000 p. 4, 14, 30
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2000 - page 6; Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 9
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 took effect from July 2000. While an overall cap on the number of licences, which can be issued, remains this Act significantly reduced barriers to entry to the licensed trade. The Act introduced a rationalisation of the manner in which new licences can be acquired through a uniform treatment of the application for a new license between rural and urban areas. Previous restrictions which were identified as barriers to entry to the market, such as the need to prove population increases and the prohibition on the use of a rural licence in a town or city, have been abolished.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 9
The Finance Law for 2001 (Law 388 of 23 December 2000) enacted tax relief for individuals who undertake a new artistic or professional activity, with the possibility, if fixed requirements are met, of paying a flat rate of 10 per cent on self-employment or business income for the first three years. For those qualifying, bureaucratic procedures are also streamlined, as they are not obliged either to register or to keep books.
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 18
The Electricity Power Exchange was launched last April, thus providing investors with certainties on the functioning of market-oriented price mechanisms in the sector.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 29
With the introduction of Regulatory Impact analysis (RIA) (Law 50/1999, Article 5, and the Directive of the Prime Minister, 27 March 2000, which laid down procedures and timetable), an "experimental" phase began, designed to refine methodologies and equip government departments to respond to this new need. Accordingly a "guide" to RIA experimentation was drafted, conceived as a support for those engaged in the analysis. The guide sets forth the logical passages forming RIA, offers conceptual frameworks and methodological suggestions.
Italy's Report on Economic Reform Nov. 2002, p. 6
The rules for self-regulation and reduction of administrative documentation have cut the number of certificates issued by the Chambers of Commerce to registered firms by 14 percent. (Law approved with Presidential Decree 445/2000).
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001, p. 24
To strengthen basic research, the Finance Law for 2001 created, under the Ministry for Universities, a Fund for Basic Research (Fondo di Investimento nella Ricerca di Base, FIRB) to finance the strengthening of public and joint public-private research facilities, to carry out basic research projects high in scientific and technological content, to create and enhance highly qualified public and private centres.
Italy's report on economic reform - 2001, p. 14
It is now possible to authorise qualified railway enterprises to engage in both passenger and freight transport over the entire national rail net. This possibility was introduced by Law 388 of 23 December 2000 (the Finance Law for 2001). The national or long haul system is thus now organised as competition "in the market", while in the regional and medium haul sectors, carriers compete "for the market". To date, nearly all the regions have signed service contracts with the regional transport division of Trenitalia, and complete implementation of Legislative Decree 422/1997, providing for decentralisation of local rail transport, is drawing near.
Italy's Report on economic refom - 2001, pag. 12
The legislative Decree for liberalisation established the key principles governing market opening. It imposes stringent requirements for accounting and corporate unbundling, opting for a regime of access to the network and to network services regulated by the Authority and thus accelerating the opening of a free market. Activities regulated are: transport and despatch, which are exercised through the pipeline network as part of the national natural gas system; storage, conducted under concessions (granted by the MInistry for Productive Activitiies) that cannot last for more than twenty years; distribution which is a public service assigned exclusively through public tender (for a period of non more than 12 years).
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, p. 6
One of the measures with the greatest simplifying impact for businesses has been the virtually complete abrogation of the procedure for ratification of corporate acts. The measure was introduced by Article 32 of Law 340/200 ("Simplifcation Act 2000") and reaffirmed in Law 366/2001, the corporate law reform enabling act.
Italy' s Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 5
The one-stop shop for firms (Presidential Decree 440/2000) has been strengthened as the single interlocutor for businesses, and the principle of a unique procedure for establishment, restructuring or expansion of a manufacturing or service unit (industry, hotel, store, shopping center, etc.) has been introduced. The time required to complete the procedure has been shortened.
Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2001, p. 15
During 2000, the introduction of preselection of operators and the portability of numbers contributed to stepping up competition in this sector.
Economic reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 11
The law dated 14 August 2000 concerning e-commerce was amended by a law dated 5 July 2004 (Memorial A. no 125 dated 16 July 2004). The purpose of this new law was to revise the law of 14 August 2000. The latter is the adaptation of Directive 1999/93/EC dated 13 December 1999 to Luxembourg law, concerning a Community framework for electronic signatures, of Directive 2000/31/EC dated 8 June 2000 concerning certain legal aspects of information society services and some provisions of Directive 97/7EEC dated 20 May 1997 concerning distance selling of goods and services other than financial services, which amend the Civil Code, the new Code of Civil Procedure, the Commercial Code and the Penal Code.
Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2001, p. 10
The law of 22 December 2000 on economic development of certain regions of the country entered into force at the beginning of 2001. It reduces the geographical coverage of eligible regions from 42.7% in 1997 to 32% of the resident population. It also establishes a unique ceiling for the maximum level of intensity of aid for regional applications at 10% of net aid equivalent. One of the major innovations of the law is that it introduces the possibility of aid for the creation of new jobs connected to a productive investment (in fixed capital).
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2002, p. 13
As from 2001, access to the local loop was unbundled. allowing the alternative operators to gain access to the traditional operator's network, in accordance with the European regulation of December 18, 2000.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 13
Since the law of 24 July 2000, relating to the reorganisation of the electricity market, came into effect, the ILR (Institut Luxembourgeois de Regulation), which until then had been in charge only of regulating the telecommunications market, has also been in charge of supervising the electricity market. The surveillance missions consist of:  - checking tariffs for transporting electrical energy throughout the networks; - checking network access conditions; - preventing all misuse of dominant positions, notably to the detriment of the consumers, and all predatory behaviour.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2002, p. 15; Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2001, p. 18
The law of 15 December 2000 transposes Directive 97/67/EC of 1997 on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service. The law adopts the same structure as the directive; that is to say it defines an overall postal services to the State. Thus, the law defines the postage of items weighing up to 350 grams as "reserved domain", while setting the criteria the criteria to be met by the various players in the sector. As is the case in the other network industries, the ILR is the independent regulatory authority on postal services isssues. Finally, the EPT is designated as the general postal services provider.
Economic reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 12;
The amended law of 24 July 2000 relating to the organization of the electricity market opened up the electrical energy market to competition. This is proceeding gradually and, during its initial phase, has allowed the biggest consumers to purchase electrical energy freely. The gradual opening up of the market will take place according to the following timeline:   Up to 31/12/2000 for final customers with annual consumption of 100 GWh, from 01/01/2001 to 31/12/2002 for final customers with annual consumption of 20 GWh from 01/01/2003 to 31/12/2004 for final customers with annual consumption of 9 GWh and Distributors with annual consumption of 90 GWh, as of 01/01/2005 for final customers with annual consumption of 1 GWh and Distibutors with annual consumpion of 1 GWh.
Progress report on product and capital markets in the Netherlands 2001, pag. 17
At the end of December 2000 the Telecommunications Council adopted the Regulation governing the separation of the "local loop". This means that the competitors of KPN, the former state monopoly, can now lease the lines between the district provider and the domestic connections of the customers of KPN. They can thus connect customers to their own network without themselves having to lay down connections. This separation of the local loop will probably lead to more competition.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002, p. 11
The interdepartmental project department for public procurement and tendering (PIA) began its work in 2000. Its purpose is to improve both procurement and public tendering within central government, by creating a buyers' network (putting purchasers and tendering companies in touch with one another), encouraging joint purchasing, providing assistance for this group and starting up discussions on public procurement.
Progress report on product and capital markets in the Netherland 2001 - p. 13; Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002 p. 12
The Gas Act in 2000 has set in motion the liberalisation of the energy sector. The wholesale market for gas and electricity has been liberalised since January 2001. And since January 2002, small businesses have also been free to choose their supplier.
Progress report on product and capital markets in the Netherlands 2001 - p. 16
The amendment of the Postal Act in 2000 reduced the monopoly treshold for letters from 350 to 100 grammes. Direct mail has already been fully liberalised.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2003, pag. 14
The regional bus and urban transport system will periodically be publicly put out to tender via temporary concessions. Since the Passenger Transport Act took effect, on 1 January 2001, a fair number of tendering procedures has been successfully completed. By 1 January 2006 all the regional bus transport concessions must have been allocated. The tendering procedure for urban transport will be started somewhat later to enable the restructuring of the municipal transport companies. All the urban transport concessions must have been allocated by 1 January 2007.
Progress report on product and capital markets in the Netherlands 2001, pag. 15
The Water Supply Act is currently being reviewed via a phased approach. The initial phase, the implementation of the EU Drinking Water Directive, was completed in the beginning of 2001.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2003, p. 20
In 2000 a subsidy scheme was set up by the Ministers of Economic Affairs and Education for public financed schools and institutions, for developing learning materials, courses on entrepreneurship (to be integrated in the curriculum) and other activities (short teacher training, seminars etc.), in all education sectors (primary school to university). From 2003 on the 'best practices' from the vocational and higher vocational sector have been selected and further elaborated, so that they can be copied more easily by other schools.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 10
The new Legal Regime for Electronic Commerce, which translates into national law Directive 2000/31/CE, ensures freedom of establishment and of provision of information society services as well as the liability regime of intermediary service providers. Provisions related to the conclusion of contracts by electronic means and network advertising are also included, therefore enhancing confidence of users in the system. The regime of unsolicited commercial communications, commonly known as spam, is addressed, establishing as a general rule the opt-in system.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 6; Report on economic reform 2002, p. 13
The tax reform undertaken in 2000, among other objectives, sought to reduce the tax burden for individuals (mainly those on lower incomes) and companies. It also sought to facilitate compliance with the law, through the establishment of simplified tax-payment systems.   In particular for Corporate Taxation (IRC), the adjustments attempted to achieve greater tax equity and neutrality between different economic entities, safeguarding the external competitiveness of Portuguese companies, the regulation of full-competition practices by multinational companies and those with special relations among themselves, allowing the tax administration to carry out the necessary tax adjustments, thus eliminating distortions in terms of competition; the reduction of the corporate tax rate (from 32% to 30%) and greater efficiency of the tax collection and tax systems; the increase in tax relief for R&D projects.  Lastly, in respect of small and medium-sized businesses, the introduction of a simplified system for direct taxes will contribute towards lower taxes and administration costs.
In addition to the vertical separation of the sector at institutional level, legislation has been published in connection with the liberalisation of certain segments of the market - particularly Decree-Law no 60/2000 of 19 April, concerning international rail transport - and concessions have been granted for urban transport (particularly light railways, and for the Eixo Norte-Sul (north south railway axis) in Lisbon's suburban area.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 8
The liberalisation of the fixed-line telephone service took place at the beginning of 2000. From 1st January 2001, it became possible to route local and regional calls via indirect access. In this way, a range of options is at the disposal of end users, who are now able to select or pre-select the service provider for local, regional, inter-city, fixed-line / mobile and international calls.
Granting of 4 new licences B2 for the establishment and operation of third generation mobile communications services
Progress Report on the reform od goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 9
December 2000 amendment of personal income tax rules to extend tax breaks on new technology investment to sole proprietors calculating their net income under the objective assessment system. Previously, this incentive was only available to SMEs liable for corporate income tax. Now 10% of investment and expense on upgrading access capabilities for online transactions and the use of ICTs for internal processes can be deducted from the gross tax charge.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 15
The June 2000 package contained important measures to enlarge competition in oil product retailing. One was to cap the market shares by sales point numbers of the dominant operators (Repsol and Cepsa). Both companies are respecting these limits.
Competition Service. Annual report 2000.
The Royal Decree 6/2000 (of 23 of June of Urgent Measures for strengthening the competitiveness in the good and services markets) reinforces and speeds up the procedure for merger control. It completes the process initiated by the Royal Decree 6/1999
RD 1890/2000 establishes the evaluation procedure for the mutual recognition of telecommunications equipment
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 61
SME Consolidation and Competitiveness Plan (2000-2006), tto finance ICT and innovation projects of interest to the small firm sector.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 18
The fruits of the year-2000 liberalising measures  (Specially of Royal Decree - law 7/2000) began to come visibly in 2001. September 2001, for instance, saw the effective opening of the local loop and the first of corresponding services are now up and running.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 21
The Law on the Universal Postal Service and the Liberalisation of Postal Services (July 1998), transposing Community provisions in this respect, was followed up by Law 14/2000 of 29 December on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures, which approved the transformation of public corporation Correos y Telegrafos into a state-owned enterprise.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 25
Provision of early-stage capital to technology-based companies. Law 6/2000 of 13 December, on urgent measures to stimulate household saving and the SME sector, has created two new finance lines for this type of business.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 54
Regulation 1955/2000, pursuant to Law 34/1997, requires that distribution companies be Spanish or belong to some other Member State and have a permanent address in Spain. Companies must make a series of deposits or guarantees (50 days' purchasese in the case of market agents), and have a physical presence or establishment in the country where the service is delivered, as well as meeting a series of safety and health protection requirements.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 13; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 14
Work proceeded this year on the regulatory development of Royal Decree-Law 6/2000, dated 23 June. Though final texts are not yet available, some of the main features will stand as follows:   - Incentives to encourage more producers into the special regime market, and new obligations on certain participants as a function of thir installed capacity. - Royal Decree on new variants of forward supply purchases. This provision will expand on variants of forward supply purchases, and will presumably benefit consumers by giving demand forces a greater say in power pricing and market operation. These two measure will exert a positive influence by perfecting the functioning of the wholesale market. - Just concluded is the reform and review of transmission and distribution network access feels to align them with the changed competitive framework in place since 1 July 2000. The new tariff structure will simplify access conditions while conferring greater transparency and legal certainty.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 7
Approval was given at end-2000 to increasing the resources available to competition law enforcement bodies. The result was a 20% rise in the Competition Tribunal budget, while the Competition Service was organisationally reinforced by the creation of a new administrative section.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden nov. 2001, pag. 17
With the aim of increasing teacher-to-student ratios, during the period 2001-2006, 17,5 billion SEK will be injected into compulsory education.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markes, Sweden nov. 2001, pag. 11; National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2003, p. 14
A new Natural Gas Act (2005:403) entered into force on 1 of July 2005. The law allows all none-household customers to choose supplier. By July 2007 thi is the case also for households. Technically the full market opening was regulated in the above mentioned act.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, nov. 2001, pag. 12
The legislative amendment in November 2000 strengthened the position of new operators of rail traffic procured from the state.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001 - 5
The Government has set up a Forum for Building Costs to follow up the various proposals put forward by the Building Costs Committee. The Forum works with increasing awareness and expertise among construction firms so that they can exert greater pressure on suppliers. (Government Bill 2000/01:26)
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2001, p. 10
On 1 May 2000, an amendment of the Telecommunications Act came into force. Licence holders of mobile telephone networks are now required to sell excess capacity in the network to companies who require such capacity.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001, p. 23
Measures to improve the functioning of the internal market include information campaigns to raise awareness of the National Board of Trade's role as a contact point and to promote cross-border public procurement with the aim of making companies more aware of its role.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001 - pag. 15
A new organisation for research funding was set up on 1 January 2001 (Government Bill 2000/01:3). The new organisation consists of fewer but larger authorities than previously, thus enhancing opportunities for mustering strength and undertaking comprehensive ventures. Of the approximately SEK 1.5 billion additional government grant for research during the period 2001-2004 almost SEK 700 million will go to authorities within the new organisation (Government Bill 2001/02:1 - 2002 Government Budget Bill)
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2001, p. 12
At the end of 2000, SJ was converted into several limited companies so that it could operate under the same terms as other railway operators.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform, Product and Capital Markets, November 2000, p11.
UK Government has produced revised guidance on the preparation of Regulatory Impact Assessments. Changes include placing a greater emphasis on providing clear guidance, on identifying non-regulatory options and on making clear the benefits of proposals. The guidance also makes clear that the Small Business Service (SBS) must be consulted on proposals that will affect small businesses.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p9
In telecoms, the UK strongly supports the review of the EC Directives applying to telecoms; and broadcasting networks and services. The time is right for a single regulatory framework for electronic communications that does not make arbitrary decisions on the basis of former technological differences. This is consistent with the UK's decision to establish a unified regulator for communications, as announced in the Communications White Paper in December 2000.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000, p14
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 7
A sound regulatory framework for gas and electricity markets has been created by the Utilities Act 2000. One of the main provisions of the Act is to set up a new, unified energy regulator, the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, whose principal objective is to protect the interests of consumers, wherever appropriate, buy promoting effective competition. The regulator is specifically charged to have regard to the interests of the chronically sick, the disabled, pensioners, consumers in rural areas and low income consumers.   In order to increase the regulator's effectiveness, the Act includes: powers for the regulator to impose financial penalties on companies that breach their licence conditions; provisions for standardisation of companies' licence conditions; and a procedure for collective modification of these conditions where necessary. The Act also creates an independent Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (known as Energywatch) to act as a vigorous advocate on behalf of consumers.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 6
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 18
In schools, the revised National Curriculum, introduced in September 2000, recognises the key role that ICT has both in the development of pupil's individual skills and in preparing them to participate in competitive world economy. It is now compulsory for pupils to be taught ICT from age 5 to 16, either as a separate subject or through pupil's use of ICT through other subjects. Pupils use ICT to find, analyse, exchange and present information, and learn how to make informed judgements about using ICT to best effect, and its implications for home and work.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform, Product and Capital Markets, November 2000, p34
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 11
In October 2001, major provisions of the Utilities Act were implemented to provide for the separation of electricity supply and distribution activities, barring the same legal person holding both an electricity supply and an electricity distribution licence.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 14
The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) was enshrined as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) outside the public sector by the Transport Act 2000. The transaction was completed in July 2001. The aim is to encourage the fficient and safe provision of services and provide access to private sector finance to ensure delivery of appropriate capital investment. The Civil Aviation Authority is now the independent economic regulator for NATS as well as for UK airports. In the latter role, it is undertaking its quinquennial review to set a price cap for five years from 2003 for BAA's South East and Manchester airports. This is a fundamental look at the existing regulatory regime to ensure that it provides the best incentives for investment to meet the demand for air travel and improve the quality of services.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p16
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 12
In April 2000, the UK Government established the SBS to provide a strong voice for small business at the heart of government, to ensure that support is targeted effectively at dismantling barriers to enterprise and growth and to assist small businesses with regulation. The SBS will act as a single 'gateway' in delivering these services to SMEs. It has the right to include its views in the published Regulatory Impact Assessments and its Chief Executive has direct access to the Prime Minister and sits on the Panel for Regulatory Accountability.   The SBS aims to enshrine the "think small first" approach in the regulatory culture. It seeks to be involved from the start in policy formation likely to impact on small firms, to ensure quality and timely consultation, alternatives to regulation when appropriate, sensible regulatory timetables, appropriate enforcement and easy to follow and timely guidance for samll businesses. It it also developing a way to measure the administrative burden of regulation on small business.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 36
The Transport Act 2000 gives local authorities the tools to meet some of the Ten Year Plan targets, for example they can introduce urban congestion charging or work place parking levies and can help to meet bus targets with quality bus partnerships.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 17
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform, Product and Capital Markets, November 2000, p35.
The UK 'Online Annual Report' summarises many of the key challanges for the UK. To respond to these challenges, the UK has announced:  - aiming for 6000 UK Online Centres offering access to the Internet in the community by 2002 - a network of UK Online for Business advisers providing support and advice for small businesses - working with the private sector on trust issues - providing incentives for the commercialisation of research through schemes such as the HEIF and a further round of the University Challenge Competition to provide 'seedcorn' funding for commercialisation of research
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 31
The UK's Electronic Communications Act 2000 implements much of the Electronic Signatures Directive. The Act is technology neutral, enables electronic signatures to be admissible as evidence in courts, and, together with the Finance Act 1999, enables existing legislation to be amended to facilitate the use of electronic signatures. The Act takes powers to establish a voluntary approvals scheme for commercial cryptographic service providers.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 9
OFTEL has already put a condition in British Telecom's license requiring it to unbundle its local loop to allow other operators access to its copper wires and introduce their own network upgrades. This condition came into effect on 8th August 2000. About thirty operators have applied for space in BT's exchanges, and the first unbundled loops should be available early next year.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Nov. 2000 p. 10
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform, Product and Capital Markets, November 2000, p13
Many UK companies are consistently investing less domestically than their international counterparts in a significant number of sectors. To encourage these, and other companies, to invest in innovation, the UK Government introduced a servies of new measures in Budget 2000: Capital Gains Tax relief; enterprise management incentives; and all employee share scheme. The Government also published new guidelines on what constitites R&D for tax purposes, giving both large and small companies a clear and comprehensive statement.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 6
The establishment of a Federal Procurement Company Ltd. (Bundesbeschaffuns GmbH), which takes over the central procurement responsibility for the entire federal administration, has been a further step towards reforming the public procurement system. In addition, the harmonization of federal and regional procurement is to increase free competition in the field of public procurement.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 29
The Austrian Economic Chamber abolished the registration fee for start-ups in 2001.
In the spirit of the "one-stop-shop" principle, SME and tourism promotion measures have been unbundled in the course of the reform of direct economic assistance. Since February 2001, the Austrian Hotels and Tourism Bank (OeHT) has been handling all toursim aid activities, while the BUERGES assistance bank has been responsible for all other economic sectors of the SME environment. This reform has helped improve customer satisfaction, on the one hand, and reduced administrative procedures, on the other.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 17
As from 20 June 2001, KommAustria issued 23 private licences for radio broadcasting for a 10-year term based on the Private Radio Act, which had also entered into force on 1 April 2001. In the second semester, KommAustria issued two more licences for private broadcasting and seven licenses for so-called event radios for a maximum term of three months. In 2001 there were thus some 60 licences in the field of private terrestrial radio broadcasting. Invitations to tender in the television sector were advertised on the basis of the Private Television Act which took effect on 1 August 2001.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 25
The Austrian Computer Society started the initiative IT4her in 2001. It informs females on IT career and training possibilities and organises campaigns to support family-friendly and compatible working conditions.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 8
The license to operate a settlement agency for transactions and pricing of balancing energy for the part of the control area that consists in the grid area covered by the transmission grid of the Austrian Power Grid Ltd. (APG) was granted to the "Austrian Power Clearing and Settlement Ltd." (APCS) on 4 April 2001. The "A&B Ausgleichsgruppen und Bilanzgruppen-Management GmbH" (Balancing Energy and Balance Group Management Ltd) recived the license for the operation of a settlement agency in the common control area of the States of Tyrol and Vorarlberg on 6 June 2001.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 16
With the Austrin Telecom Act (KommAustria-Gesetz a uniform regulatory institution for audiovisual media and telecommunications "Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (RTR)" was founded which also serves as liaison office for the Telecom-Control-Commission. This led the way to a convergence regulator for the overall sector of electronic communication.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2001, p. 11
Electronic business transaction (e-commerce) offer product markets wide opportunities in the internal market. The creation of a uniform Community framework for e-commerce is regulated by Directive 2000/31/EC. In the course of implementing the Directive on electronic commerce, the draft of an e-commerce law (ECG) was adopted as government bill and, after being passed by Parliament, is to enter into force on 1 January 2002.
In the field of e-Government, the Cabinet decided in June 2001 to set up an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Board with the aim to restructure the IT strategy of the Federal Government. This Board is directly accountable to the top government members. The Board's scope of activity extends to cross-sectional applications and infrastructures that affect several ministries and require hitherto undefined interfaces. The Board is composed of one representative of each federal ministry who has the requisite powers to ensure the implementation of ICT Board decisions within the ministry and to take over the function of internal Chief Officer.
Cardiff Report Nov 2001, p.10 and Annex 4 p.2 Cardiff Report Nov 2002, p.19 and Annex 2, p.32 Cardiff Report Nov 2003, p.11 NRP Implementation Report 2004, p.15
[In 2001] (Among) the initiatives on the agenda for the next few months (is) the electronic employment declaration (which) is scheduled for the end of 2001. [In 2002]By the end of this year and certainly by the end of the year 2003 the (following) electronic government plans will be realised: e-declaration of beginning and termination of employment (scheduled for early 2003); e-declaration of salaries and number of employees -this form is used for the calculation of pensions, social security contributions and holiday allowances- (scheduled January 2003); e-declaration of temporary unemployment and periods of company closure (scheduled for later in 2003). [In 2003] There have been new developments in several existing interactive electronic applications, such as the quarterly declaration to the Social Security (DMFA), the immediate declaration for employment use (DIMONA), the electronic message allowing the employer to inform Social Security of the appointment or dismissal of a worker in his company.
Cardiff Report 2001, annex 2, p. 3 Cardiff Report 2003, p. 14
In Wallonia, the Electricity Decree of 12 April 2001 creates also distribution network operators in which public authorities (i.e. municipalities, provinces) should own the majority of the capital.(Cardiff Report 2001). Independent DSOs in Wallonia and Brussels were nominated at the beginning of 2003 (Cardiff Report 2003).
Cardiff Report Nov 2000, p.8 Cardiff Report Nov 2001, p.15 + Annex 4 p.2 Cardiff Report Nov 2002, p.19 + Annex 2 p.32 Cardiff Report Nov 2003, p.11
At the regional level, the Decree relating to the organisation of the electricity market was approved on April 12, 2001 for the Walloon region. As to the region of Brussels-Capital, the Council of Brussels-Capital approved the ordinance on the liberalisation of the electricity market on July 13, 2001. The regional Decrees deal essentially with electricity distribution (= 70 kV), and the promotion of sustainable energy. The Walloon Decree indicates that all end-users with a consumption of more than 20 GWh are immediately eligible, including the auto-producers of electricity; the users of green electricity are also immediately eligible. The other eligibility thresholds will be determined later, further to the advice of the Walloon regulator. However, end-users with an annual consumption above 10 GWh will be eligible on December 31, 2002 at the latest while high tension users will be eligible on December 31, 2004 at the latest. As to the region of Brussels-Capital, the pace of the opening-up of the electricity market is close to the one of Wallonia.
The wireless local loop is an interesting alternative to the fixed network. (...) In order to encourage the development of this technology in Belgium, more capacity was made available in the national frequency plan: the royal decree of July 16, 2001 gives the authorisation to use these new capacities for the wireless local loop.
Cardiff Report 2001, annex 2 p.8 Cardiff Report 2002 Annex 4 p 43 Cardiff Report 2003 p.15
According to the new system (ammended Gas Law of July 16,2001) the gas transport system operator shall submit for approval to the gas regulator (CREG) its tariffs for connection to and use of the transport network and LNG infrastructure, and for ancillary services. The proposed tariffs should meet several principles (non-discriminatory, transparent, based on real costs, etc.). [Cardiff Report 2002]: the access tariffs proposed by the network manager have been approved by the regulator, i.e. the Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation, and have been published on 30 September 2002.[Cardiff Report 2003]: An important step in this segment of the gas industry is the availability of regulated tariffs for access to the transport network and to gas storage facilities from 1 November 2002.
Cardiff Report 2000, p.8 and annex 2, p.28
The recognition of the electronic signature as equivalent to a hand-written signature has implied legislative adaptations. These adaptations take up the principles of the directive 99/33 establishing a Community framework for the digital signature: legal effect of the digital signature, technological neutrality, accreditation system on a voluntary basis. Enable legal admissibility of electronic signature has first implied an adaptation of the civil Code. In complement, the Parliament is discussing a bill establishing the juridical framework of electronic signature. The aim is to assure that the signatures meet a number of technical safety criteria. This bill will also imply the organisation of an accreditation and management system of the certification service providers.
By September 2001, La Poste/De Post announced a progressive liberalisation following the European conditions confirmed at the last Council: in 2003, the threshold will be reduced to 100 grams and to 50 grams in 2006. At that time, more or less half of the Belgian postal incumbent activities (based on the turnover) should be open to competition compared to 34% today.
Cardiff Report 2001 Annex 1 p.8  Cardiff Report 2002 p.15 and Annex 4 p.43 Cardiff Report 2003 p.15
The Regions have power to regulate gas distribution. The European Directive 98/30/EC of 22 June 1998 on the natural gas market liberalisation have been transposed in Flanders by the Natural Gas Decree of 6 July 2001. The Flemish Gas Decree makes provision for a mandatory legal separation between network operations and gas sales to eligible consumers. Although the municipalities do not have a legal monopoly on the distribution of natural gas, it is organised in a way similar to the electricity sector. The networks are owned by 20 intermunicipal companies, the majority of which are co-owned by Fluxys. Municipalities confer exclusive rights on these companies to distribute gas within their own geographical areas. [Cardiff 2003] The full opening of the gas market has been implemented in Flanders since July 2003. (...) (the separation of the) distribution (and sales) has only taken place in Flanders -14 intermunicipal companies (are Distribution system Operators -DSOs)
Since the 1999 Electricity Law was implemented (...) major decrees of application were adopted (among which) the Royal Decree of April 4, 2001 setting the general tariff structure and the basic principles and procedures as regard to transport tariffs (...) The Belgian Electricity Law creates a regulated access to the electricity transmission network: eligible customers have the right to access the network at approved and published tariffs. For electricity transits and the internal transport of large volumes, a negotiated access is applied. According to the regulated Third Party Access system, the TSO shall submit for approval to the independent regulator (CREG) its network access tariffs. Waiting for the nomination of the independent TSO, Elia, the previous grid operator has published the main commercial conditions for providing access to its network to eligible consumers.
Cardiff Report 2001 annex 2, p. 3,5 Cardiff Report 2002 p. 13 Cardiff Report 2003 p. 8
Cardiff 2001, annex 2, p.3 Cardiff 2002, p.13
On July 16, 2001, a new Law has been adopted amending the 1999 Gas Law regarding, among others, the eligibility thresholds, the access to the network, the unbundling and the financing of Public Service Obligations. The amended Gas Law reduces the present eligibility threshold of consumers connected to the transport network to 5 million cubic meters per year equivalent to an opening of 58% of the entire market (the eligibility level in the 1999 Gas Law was 25 million cubic meters per year equivalent to an opening of 47% of the entire market). It allows freedom of choice to all consumers connected to the transport grid as of October 1, 2006 instead of October 10, 2010. Distribution will also be fully eligible by October 1, 2006; however, gas distribution companies are already eligible to purchase gas for its own eligible customers.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 47
In February 2001, the Folketing passed an amendment to the Act on the Danish Growth Fund. Up until now, the Fund has mainly served as a distributor of public subsidies. The amendment to the act increases the Danish Growth Fund's flexibility in setting up venture companies in collaboration with private market players. The Fund is intended to help make venture capital available in areas where it has only developed to a very limited extent.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 40
Regional contact points for entrepreneurs were established in 2001. The purpose of the contact points is to coordinate the efforts relating to entrepreneurs at the state and regional level to improve entrepreneurs' access to these public-sector offers. The contact points provide basic counselling in connection with the start-up of a business and they arrange courses for entrepreneurs, among other things. A total of 14 contact points have been established covering almost the entire country.
When taking the decision, the Agency - for the first time ever - took advantage of the option of reducing interconnect prices by comparing them with those of one single country. This option was included in telecommunications legislation on 1 July 2001. The decision concerned a reduction of TDC's prices for the setting up and operation of regional interconnection points and 2 Mbit/s interconnection capacity by 40 and 25 per cent respectively effective 15 January 2001. This decision was based on a comparison with corresponding prices in Norway, adjusted for product and country-related differences.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 26
As for passenger traffic, the first step towards increased market orientation was taken in 2001, when tenders were invited for the operation of passenger traffic in a limited area in Jutland. This public tender affects about 15 per cent of total passenger traffic, excluding the S-train sevices in the Copenhagen area, or 5 per cent in terms of passenger kilometres travelled. As a result of the public tender, DSB (the Danish State Railways) have implemented a remarkable efficiency-enhancing programme to become more competitive. The company's total overhead (management, etc.) have been cut by more than 30 per cent. In addition, it seems that the company's corporate culture has been altered significantly so that the company now focuses on competitiveness and customer needs.
European Charter for Small Enterprises - The Danish Response, p. 24
In April 2001 - Startguiden.dk - an entrepreneurial electronic portal was launched. Startguiden offers entrepreneurs and newly started companies one single entrance to information about starting up and running a business, by giving access to all related information across the public administration system in an extensive work of reference. Furthermore Startguiden.dk contains a number of services and products to facilitate various aspects of starting and running a business. Like for instance a daily online newspaper, supplying entrepreneurs with targeted news. A calendar with an overview of all local arrangements and courses for entrepreneurs. A panel of experts including for instance lawyers, auditors and public authorities, answering questions online within 24 hours. Startguiden will continuously be expanded with services and products sought-after by entrepreneurs. An application for networking and various e-learning modulars are first priority and are under development.
National REport on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 14
The former Tender Offer Act, which was replaced by the new 'Act on Invitations to Submit Tenders in the Building and Construction Sector' effective 1 September 2001, has also contributed to restricting competition. To protect small businesses especially, the former Tender Offer Act provided that it was illegal to solicit more than two informal offers for the same job. In addition, it was illegal to reduce an offer that was higher than another offer, and there were time limits for obtaining new offers. Under the new Act, there is no longer an upper limit of two offers, and the client may also choose to accept the offer with the lowest price or the financially most favourable offer. In other words, it is now possible to compete on both quality and price.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 19
In the spring 2001, Danish natural gas legislation was amended with a view to improving the framework through increased transparency. Instead of preparing separate accounts for the gas companies' commercial activities and infrastructure activities, such activities will be placed in two separate companies effective 1 January 2003. Instead of negotiated access to the transmission grid, access will be regulated starting 1 October 2003, and the conditions for using the existing gas stocks will be more transparent. The Danish Natural Gas Act thus complies with the European Commission's proposal for amendments to the Natural Gas Directive.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 11
Both the Danish state and the European Union ceased to grant subsidies to the shipbuilding industry at the beginning of 2001.
National Report on Economic Reforms 2001, p. 56
The corporation tax rate was reduced from 32 to 30 per cent starting in the 2001 income tax year.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 8
Legal provisions were introduced on 13 July 2001 to make small-scale entrepreneurship easier to manage. The provisions involve amendments to the Accounting Act, whereby according to the Directive on annual and consolidated accounts the thresholds for turnover and balance sheet were raised by almost twofold for small companies with an obligation to keep books. The amendment increases the number of companies entitled to produce simpler profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and notes. Moreover, small enterprises are no longer obliged to draw up separate annual reports. The new Accounting Act comes into force on 31 December 2001.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland, Nov. 2001, p. 3
Amendments to the Telecommunications Market Act passed in March this year aim to increase competition in local networks by creating a new right-of-use obligation in network operations whereby local teleoperators are obliged offer for hire their upper band subscriber lines.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 24
The capital guarantees provided by the Finnish Export and Guarantee Credit Agency (Finnvera Oyj) have been developed. The purpose of capital guarantees is to boost capital investment in growing and innovative SMEs. Capital guarantees serve as a guarantee for investors in case of investors' losses on the capital investment. Legal provisions on capital guarantees came into force on 1 September 2001. No government is involved in this activities.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2004, p. 12, Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2002, p. 12; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 4
March 2002 saw the commencement of work by a new special court of law, the Market Court. The new court, which replaces a similarly named predecessor, can prohibit the use of restrictive trade practices and order payment of sanctions. In addition, it can overturn decisions on public procurement, amend procurement procedures or order payment of indemnity. The objective of the reform is to guarantee the independence of the court and strengthen its available resources.
New provisions in the Companies Act that came into force on 1 April 2001 involved making constituent provisions and procedures easier, defining the duration of the term of Board members and allowing for shareholders to make unanimous decisions without holding formal meetings. Furthermore, provisions of the dissolution of limited companies were amended so that inactive enterprises can be removed from the trade register using a lighter procedure instead of having to resorting to liquidation proceedings.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 3
An electronic marketplace for public procurement was launched in 2001.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2002, p. II, 15; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 8
Administrative burdens connected to the registration of companies have been lightened by an information system jointly maintained by the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland and the National Board of Taxes. The system was set up in 2001. The following recommendations by the Commission have been incorporated into the system: - A single application: companies register with the authorities through a single application that contains the information needed by the trade register and the tax authorities. The application for the establishment of a new company is made at one service point. - One service point: Most applications are submitted by post, but the application can be submitted to the National Board of Patents and Registration, to local tax offices, or to local Employment and Economic Development Centres.  - A uniform identification code. Companies have only one, uniform identification code that is used by all authorities.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2002, p. 30
The revised Cooperatives Act came into force on 1 January 2002. The operational prerequisites for cooperatives will be streamlined with the conditions for business activities within the context of community legislation. The main distinguishing characteristics of cooperatives have been retained. The legal provisions will be brought closer in line with the Companies Act. Voluntary regulation will be increased especially when acquiring cooperative capital and other equity investment. Cooperatives can acquire funding by means of capital loans and equity shares, corresponding to capital loans and preferred shares in limited companies. By reducing the number of promoters and members to three, it will become easier to set up and operate cooperatives where the majority consists of private members. Furthermore, property or assets given as subscription in kind will be allowed. By making the regulatory regime more transparent and by emphasising the need for cooperatives to provide information, the position of the members, management, investors, creditors and other interested parties in cooperatives will be enhanced.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2002, p. 19; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland Nov. 2001, p. 13
A new Act on Postal Services came into force in 2002. The purpose of the Act is to ensure universal postal services throughout the country. Under the Act, a Government licence is required in order to set up postal operations. Where a licence holder provides restricted postal services only in densely populated areas, turnover is subject to a charge collected to safeguard postal services in sparsely populated areas. Because there is no enterprise currently providing restricted postal services, the charge has not yet been levied. One private company, Suomen Suoramakkinointi Oy has a licence for restricted postal services, but the company has not yet begun its postal operations.
Structural reform in France in 2004, p. 14; www.powernext.fr
Powernext, the electricity trading market, is continuing the build-up that began with its introduction at the end of 2001.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 24
Decree No 2001-1335 of 28 December 2001 establishing an ombudsman for the universal postal service and organising a procedure to process complaints made by users of the universal postal service.
Structural reform in France in 2004 p. 11; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 6
In particular, it uses leniency measures (authorised by the Law on new economic regulations dated 15 May 2001 and implemented since 2003) as regards formal anti-competitive agreements and tacit agreements and abuse of dominant position.
Decree No 2001-122 of 8 February 2001 assigning to the operator La Poste the execution of the universal postal service with the implementation of cost accounting dividing charges between reserved services and non-reserved services;
Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 18; Economic reform in France in 2001, p. 10
The legislative and regulatory framework ensuring effective competition on the market is now essentially in place following the latest transpositions carried out in July 2001 (Directives 90/388/EEC of June 1990, 97/13/EC of 10 April 1997, 97/33/EC of 30 June 1997, 97/51/EC of 6 October 1997, 97/66 /EC of 15 December 1997, 98/10/EC of 26 February 1998, 1999/5/EC of 9 March 1999 and 99/64/EC of 23 June 1999). On 1 January 2002, local exchanges were abolished, making it possible to extend the possibilities of-preselection or selection on a call-by-call basis of alternative carriers in the case of local calls.
Following on from the measures taken in 2000, on 17 April 2001 COSA (Commission for the Simplification of Administrative Procedures) introduced an online facility for setting up, modifying and closing down a company. As a consequence, these procedures are expected to be converted to a fully paperless basis by the first half of 2002.
Economic reform in France in 2003 p. 4; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 6
The New Economic Regulation Act (NRE) of 15 May 2001 introduced a new national system to control concentrations, which entered into force on 18 May 2002. Notification is now compulsory, prior to the operation and suspensory beyond a world turnover threshold of EUR 150 million for all the enterprises in question and where at least two enterprises involved each record turnover in France in excess of EUR 15 million. The investigation periods have been shortened. With a view to improving the transparency of the control procedure, the public authorities now publicise the transactions notified and the decisions taken by the Minister via a communique on the Internet site of the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and the Prevention of Fraud (DGCCRF).
The Commission for the Examination of Commercial Practices (CEPC) was set up on 4 April 2002, following the adoption of the New Economic Regulations Law on 15 May 2001, supplementing Order no. 86-1243 dated 1 December 1986. The aim is more effective prevention of abusive commercial behaviour, especially through the drawing up of charters of good commercial practices and uses. To perform its tasks, the CEPC has very wide powers of investigation, being able to examine any commercial document and interview anyone it thinks fit.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 9; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 11; Economic reform in France in 2001, p. 6
Public procurement law was revised on the basis of the Decree on the general reform of the Procurement Contract Code adopted on 7 March 2001 and applied from September 2001. The prime aim of this text was to simplify the entire system. The main principles of the reform are as follows: - simplification of procedures: the number of articles in the Code is reduced from 399 to 136. The regime has been simplified in the case of certain contracts, including social services and helathcare, while the thresholds are bought into line with those at the Community level (EUR 130,000 excluding tax for the State and EUR 200,000 excluding tax for the local authorities); - clarification and simplification of the law on public procurement: this is meant to widen access to public procurement contracts for the small and medium-sized business sector, especially by reducing the controls on applicants' tax and social security situation, and to make the procedures more transparent.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 4
In November 2001, the German government's state secretaries responsible for issues involving European integration adopted measures to further improve the speed at which Germany implements EU directives: - The transposition into national law of EU directives is a priority responsibility of all ministries. For this purpose, ministers and state secretaries are regularly informed of any implementation deficits in their respective ministries. At least once a year, the state secretaries responsible for European integration survey the overall picture of the implementation activities. - The activities to implement directives are to begin as soon as possible after a Common Position has been adopted or after political agreement has been reached in the Council. - In the negotiations or directives care should be taken to agree on deadlines that give sufficient time for transposition. - The implementation of the EU directives is fully monitored and notified to the Commission via a central contact office within the federal government.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 15
Access to the instrument of external economic promotion has been facilitated since February 2001 by an internet portal known as iXPOS; it brings together and networks information on business abroad, markets abroad and support measures, e.g. visits to the countries by business delegations, or contact events. The Federal Government, the Laender, numerous associations and chambers, as well as financial institutions are co-operating on this internet portal.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 54
The promotion of innovative network structures in eastern Germany in particular is being boosted by the new programme entitled "Innovative cores of regional growth". This can give support to training projects, industrial research and precompetitive development. A regional management is dealing with the establishment of the innovation concept and co-ordinates individual measues and projects. The aim is to develop self-sustaining networks of innovative companies, universities, and research and education facilities.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 31
The agreement between the associations of gas consumers and gas utilities of 4 July 2000 was, as envisaged, expanded and fleshed out by two supplements in 2001. These include rules on access to gas storage facilities, on the balancing of gas input/outtake, and on ensuring free choice of gas provider by the final customer, with the aim of enhancing competition further.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 6
The Tax Reform 2000 is supplemented by the Law on the Further Development of Corporation Tax Law, which enhances measures beneficial for small/midsize companies. It provides incentives for such firms to modernize obsolete structures and increase their international competitiveness. The possibility which the Law introduces of forming a reinvestment reserve (Section 6b of the Income Tax Law) makes it easier for small/midsize unicorporated firms to reorganize their share structures. Unicorporated firms will in future be able to transfer profits from the sale of shares in incorporated firms up to tax-free maximum of 500,000 euros to new shares in incorporated firms, but also to investments in buildings and depreciable movable plant. The deadline for reinvestment is generally two years; for buildings it is four years. The Law entered into force on 1 January 2002.
The First Law amending the postal act postponed the full liberalisation of the postal market from the 31st of December 2002 to the 31st of December 2007.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 15; Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 6
The elimination of the Rebates Act and Ordinance on Premiums on 25 July 2001 gave companies and consumers additional scope for price competition and negotiation. At the same time, these reform steps are the beginning of a comprehensive modernization of statutes governing unfair competition, harmonized throughout the EU.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 58
Much progress has been made on establishing a secure legal framework for electronic commerce. The new Signatures Act entered into force in May 2001. The new Signatures Ordinance is following in November 2001. The act to achieve formal equality between the electronic signature and the hand-written signatures entered into force on 1 August 2001. The rules on such equality in the public sector are currently being prepared.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 17
In 2001, the federal government's stake in Deutsche Telekom AG, including shares held by the KfW (Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau), was reduced to 43%.
The airport companies are continuing to be an important area of privatisation policy in 2001. Fulghafen Frankfurt/Main AG was succefully floated in June 2001. In the case of the other airport companies with Federal equity participation, the Federal Government will prepare the next steps in co-ordination with the other shareholders.
With the conclusion of the reform of public procurement law, Germany has comprehensively opened up its public procurement markets. The last step was the entry into force of the new Ordinance on Public Procurement on 1 February 2001. In accordance with European rules: - tenders are invited from all of Europe for every contract above the relevant threshold, - the award procedure is open and transparent, - companies from other EU member states are treated like domestic companies, and companies from non-EU countries also have a large degree of access to the German public procurement market, - the companies enjoy effective legal protection.   The implementation of the EU procurement legislation was completed with the Ordinance on Public Procurement, which entered into force on 1 February 2001. Amongst other things, it provides that, 14 days before the contract is signed, the contracting authority must inform every bidder of the name of the firm whose tender is to be accepted and of the reason why the company's own offer was not accepted. If this information is not supplied, the contract is null and void. This offers effective legal protection to companies which believe they were unfairly diregarded in an award procedure. The companies are making growing use of this legal possibility, thus increasing the pressure on the contracting authorities to adhere strictly to the rules.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 24
In 2001, the Regulatory Authority took three important decisions to create the conditions for more competition on the market for both voice telephony and internet access:  - The price at which DT AG has to offer "unbundled local loops" (the "last mile") to other companies was cut by 5%. - The conditions for line-sharing were stipulated in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council of December 2000. This means that DT AG must offer access subdivided into frequency bands; this creates good preconditions for more competition on narrow-band and broad-band internet access.  - DT AG was obliged to offer services in the subscriber network for the purpose of reselling (resale services). The appeal by DT AG for an interim injunction against this decision has since been rejected by the courts at two levels. The main proceedings are still pending.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 43
The laws to reform the civil-service and pay scales for public servants in universities (5th Act Amending the Framework Act for Higher Education, Act on the Reform of the Payment of Professors) entered into force on 23 February 2002. It reorganizes the requirements to be met by upcoming academics at universities and introduces a more flexible and more performance-based pay structure for professors. The introduction of the junior professorship is intended to ensure that young academics can teach and research independently from their early thirties on.
The "Knowledge creates markets" action programme, which was presented at the beginning of 2001, aims to improve co-operation between the business and academic worlds; it comprises the most important measures of the Federal Government to enhance the transfer of knowledge and technology between business and the academic world. A key element of the programme is an exploitation campaign, aimed to help scientific research findings make their way to the market more quickly.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 28
The Association Agreement Electricity II Plus of 13 December 2001, with a term extending to 31 December 2003, resulted in considerable progress toward improving competition on the German electricity market. The participation for the first time of the Confederation of German Consumer Organizations in the negotiations was an important step toward satisfactoraly solving problems involved in switching suppliers, above all in the small customer segment. Deficits of the Associations Agreement Electricity II that had become evident were overcome by more transparent TPA charges and greater flexibility in TPA notifications. On the basis of criticsm of large regional differences between the charges for using electricity grids, the new Associations Agreement II Plus specifies in greater detail the comparative market concept and includes a monitoring procedure.
In the period covered by this report (2001), the normal length of training for tax consultants and accountants was cut and the possibilities to cooperate in non-incorporated and incorporated firms were expanded. This makes it easier for one company to offer a broad range of services.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 5; Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 58
An example of the significance of internal market rules for companies and consumers is the framework directive on e-commerce. This measure was transposed by the Act on Electronic Commerce, which is in force since 21 December 2001. The Act is part of an overall package of new rules by which the federal government is creating a modern legal framework for this new economic sector. For teleservice providers domiciled in Germany, for example, the provisions make it clear that German law governs their activities even when they provide services in other EU countries. This gives legal certainty to companies and consumers and facilitates the provision of teleservies throughout the entire internal market.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 19
2001: Initial Public Offering (5.4%), Total amount raised EUR 90 million. 2002: New Offering (19%), Total amount raised EUR 510 million.
National Report on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 12; National Report on Structural Reforms dec. 2001, p. 18
In addition, Law 2929/2001 established a High Technology Business Ventures Fund (KESYT). The aim is to help young entrepreneurs in developing business initiatives and culture. Along with funding and incentives to seek out venture capital, KESYT aims at providing administrative support and advisory services.
Additional Offering (8%) of Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), Total amount raised EUR 650 million.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 4
Law 2941/2001, the main vehicle of this effort, now guarantees that a Public Limited Company with paid-up share capital of less than EUR 300,000 can register on a single day, without prior validation of its company statute by Public Authorities. This regulation affects almost 85% of all new S.As. The law also provides for a reduction in the number of start-up steps (from 13 to 9 for Public Limited Companies and from 10 to 9 for Private Limited Companies) and a lessening by 25% of the volume of the required documentation.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 10
The monopoly of the state in the electricity sector was officially abolished on February 19, 2001 when all high and medium voltage consumers became eligible to purchase electricity from the supplier of their choice. These customers represent approximately 34% of the Greek electricity market in terms of power consumption.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2001, p. 13
According to the Government's commitment Salonica Water Company was partly privatised in 2001, through an offering of 25% of its share capital on the Athens Stock Excahnge (ASE). The further privatisation, of another 10%, of the Athens Water and Sewage Company (partially privatised in December 1999 by a listing of 30% of its shares on the ASE) is planned for the near future.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 11, National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 11
In enforcing recent legislation (2932/2001), feasibility licenses were abolished, and a new system of contracts for the delegation of public service was established. Although market incentives failed to ensure an adequate level of services for a number of coastal lines, this new system (funded by a 3% tax levied on all tickets) has corrected this failure to a completely satisfactory degree. This law goes a long way towards full harmonisation to EU directives. The most important measures are the following: - Lowering the age limit of vessels after 2005 from 35 to 30 years until 2008. - Imposing obligations in order to meet extraordinary and urgent transportation needs or deal with matters of national security. - Retaining the right to intervene and modulate fares, when they are judged to be too high and contrary to the public interest. - Setting up the Coastal Shipping Council, where social and business actors in the field of coastal shipping will be presented.  - Establishing the independent Regulatory Authority of Domestic Sea Transport (RATHE).
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 46.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2001 - page 14
The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 2001, provided for full liberalisation of the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) market. Market opening will increase to 40% in 2002 moving to full liberalisation in 2005.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 15
The Commission for Aviation Regulation was established on a statutory basis in February 2001 following the enactment of the Aviation Regulation Act, 2001: The regulatory functions include: - Regulating airport charges and aviation technical services charges; - Approving arrangements for ground handling services at airports; - Arranging for the allocation between airlines of airport landing and take-off slots at airports where demand for slots exceeds slot availability; - Licensing Irish airlines under EU licensing regulations; - Administering the travel trade protection scheme through which travel agents and tour operators are licensed and bonded.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2002 p. 18
Enterprise Ireland in 2001 put out a call for tender to establish new funds to continue the development of the seed and venture capital market for SMEs in Ireland. The new programme was designed to bridge a different gap - to encourage the venture capital market and culture outside Dublin and in sectors traditionally more difficult to finance. In 2002 a second call for proposals was made to encourage the establishment of additional funds targeting the Seed and Early Stage market as it was considered that there was still a gap in this market segement. Total funding allocated by Enterprise Ireland under both calls will be EUR 96.5 million. This allocation will leverage an estimated EUR 400 million into venture capital for investment in early stage companies. Enterprise Ireland's investment ranges from 10% to 50%. Investment of 50% is restricted to Venture Capital Funds which are addressing specific sectoral areas that have difficulty attracting investment and to funds specifically targeting regional investment.
Supports joint Research and Development projects involving companies and third-level institues, where the bulk of research and development is carried out within a third level institute or a public research organization .  Funding is provided t the research performing body, which also receives support from the collaborating company.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2002 p. 14; Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 36
As part of the reform programme, the Railway Procurement Agency was established under statute in December 2001, as a new independent commercial State Body to provide transport services on a PPP basis in respect of light rail serice - the Luas - will be operated by an independent commercial operator - Connex.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2002 - page 16
The Industrial Designs Act 2001 was enacted in November 2001 and commenced on 1 July 2002. This legislation gives effect to the State's EU and international obligations in the protection of industrial design and its introduction further underlines Ireland's commitment to promoting product design and innovation in product markets.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2001 p. 10
Retail Planning Guidelines were issued by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in January 2001, following a public consultation process. The existing Directive which capped the floor space of supermarkets at 3,000 square metres was revoked simultaneously. The new Retail Planning Guidelines cap the retail floor space of supermarkets at 3,500 square metres in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and 3,000 square metres in the remainder of the State. They also contain a range of other floorspace caps a 6,000 square metre floorspace cap on retail warehouses. The Guidelines were issued following a detailed study by economic consultants which found that the caps of 3,500 square metres in the GDA and 3,000 square metres outside the GDA would have no direct effect on retail costs, since the available evidence is that economies of scale are exhausted at a size of approximately 2,000 square metres.
Progress report on reforming product and capital market in Ireland 2001 - page 12
A public sector portal (etenders.gov.ie) dedicated to public procurement has been set up. The portal is used to advertise public procurement opportunities and contracting authorities are actively encouraged to publicise contract notices and tender documentation which can be downloaded by interested parties.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001, p. 5
Measures enacted to ease and simplify the administrative burden on firms abolishing a set of tax and accounting requirements amounting on annual basis, to over 190 million obligations; the law (Law 18/10/01 n. 383) simplifies book-keeping procedures of account books and eliminates the taxes on that activity.
Italy's Report on Economic Reform Nov. 2002 p. 12
The sectoral Authority revised its directives (Resolutions 310/2001 and 311/2001) on accounting and administrative separation for companies operating in the sectors, with the objective of uniformity and transparency of financial accounts. Under these resolutions each business activity of a company must be managed independently, as if it were a separate company, and separate financial statements for each individual business activity must be drawn up.
Italy's Report on economic reform 2001, page 10
Public procurement has been reformed with a view to cutting expenditure and improving the efficiency of the public sector. The Government has fueled the introduction of elements of e-commerce through a project based on three principles: the promotion of the new economy, the independence of the public administration, and the simplification and innovation of procurement procedures. Public purchasing now proceeds through a single purchasing centre, Consip S.p.A.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 15
In the first half of 2001 the Ministry set the "General conditions of service" and approved the decree on the "Public postal service charter of quality". The general conditions define the procedures for supplying universal postal service in two distinct segments (letters and packages). The Charter of Quality rehearses the quality targets and the service's undertakings vis-a-vis customers, in a framework of transparency and simplifcation of service procedures. The Ministry of Communications set a ceiling of 5,16 Euro on the charge for shipment of ordinary packages (up to 20 kilos) within Italy under the obligations of the universal service obligation (Resolution of the Ministry of Communications, 18 April 2001).
Italy's Report on economic refom - 2001, page 10
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001, page 25
New rules have been fixed concerning intellectual property of industrial inventions which derogate from the ordinary law (Royal Decree 1127 of june 1939). Under the new law a researcher employed by a University or Public Administration whose institutional purposes include research enjoys exclusive rights to his own patentable inventions. The researchers stand for entitled not only to the paternity of his invention or discovery but also to the economic rights, which previously would have gone to his employer. To safeguard the public interest, if the inventor has not begun economic exploitation within five years of the patent, the exclusive property rights over the invention are transferred to the Public Administration.
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 12
For the Fuel distribution Network, the voluntary Network Rationalisation Plan, signed by the oil companies in 2001, ended in December 2003, as initially planed. However, due to the delay caused by the implementation of local legislations, in March 2004 the Antitrust Authority has extended the voluntary the Plan for another year.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 8
The scope of the Antitrust Authority's administrative action was broadened both as regards the abuse of economic dependency and as regards the conduct of firms operating services of general economic interest (Law 57 of 5 March 2001 (measures concerning the opening and regulation of markets)).
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 14
On 1 July 2001 Rete Ferroviria Italiana (RFI) was established to manage Italian railway infrastructure, its mandate being to ensure efficiency, safety, and technological development of the rail network. Thus the state railways have completed their economic, financial, and productive reorganisation.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, pag. 13
With a view to accelerating the upgrading of national transport infrastructure, with special attention to the South, the so-called Objectives Law was enacted. The infrastructures included in this programme of strategic public works projects are primarily national and their realisation is aimed at modernising the country and improving economic balance among Italian regions. The purpose of the law is to enable the Government to adopt a series of legislative instruments to simplify and speed up the procedures for awarding public works contracts for strategically important infrastructures.
Italy's Report on economic refom - 2001 page 11
Another important step to ensure greater competition, allow entry of new generating companies, and encourage investment was taken on 5 October 2001 with the approval of a Presidential Decree simplifying and accelerating procedures for the construction, modificaton or repowering of large-scale generating plants (those with capacity greater than 300 thermal MW), in complete observance of environmental protection rules.
Italy's Report on economic reform - 2001 p. 25
In October 2001 a Constitutional law was approved assigning legislative power in the matter of scientific and technological research and in support for industrial innovation to the regions; the central government retains only the power to set fundamental principles.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, p. 30
Constitutional reform has modified the assignment of powers in the energy field extending the jurisdiction of the regional governments. The regions have been assigned concurrent legislative powers and the production and distribution of energy at regional level is now under the exclusive jurisdiction of the regions.(The amendment of title V of the Constitution, begun with Constitutional Law 3 of 18 October 2001.)
Italy's Report on Economic Reform Nov. 2002, p. 12
Italy's Report on economic refom - 2001, p. 11
Finally, the Government enacted a decree-law (Decree Law 192 of 25 May 2001, converted by law 301 of 20 july 2001.) to safeguard reciprocity on the rules for market opening between the different EU member countries and not to cause distortions that could create asymmetries in the liberalisation and privatisation of the sector. The decree law places restrictions on the granting of authorisations or concessions. Specifically, if the applicant is controlled directly or indirectly by a national government or other public administration and has a dominant position in its own national market, its voting rights are limited to 2 per cent.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, p. 14
The local public transport sector will be affected by the reform of local public services called for by art. 35 of the Finance Law for 2002 which is expected to speed up the privatisation of public transit companies.
Economic reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 13
As a matter of fact, the law of 6 April 2001 on the organization of the natural gas market has opened up this market to competition. This is proceeding gradually and, during its initial phase, has allowed the biggest consumers to purchase natural gas freely.
On 21 June 2001, the ILR drew up the conditions for the provision of unbundled access to the local loop. On 26 September 2001, the EPT and CEGECOM signed a contract providing the latter company with leased access to EPT's local loop. The contract was drawn up in accordance with the financial, technical and commercial stipulations published by the EPT in its reference offer for unbundled access to the local loop.
Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 17
With regard to supporting the creation and assuming the management of enterprises, in 2001, the Ministry of Small and Medium Business, Tourism and Housing in conjunction with the Societe Nationale de Credit et d'Investissement, developed a procedure to bridge the gap formerly existing between entrepreneurs and financing for newly created enterprises or ones that were to be taken over. The mechanism is referred to as the "start up loan" and was established under the aegis of the SCNI. It complements existing creation and management control assumption aids in the traditional SME sectors. Its main characteristic is that there is no requirement for actual guarantees to colleratize loans that cover up to 40% of financing needs of young entrepreneurs.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 14
Since the law of 6 April 2001, relating to the organisation of the natural gas market, came into effect, the ILR, which until then was in charge of regulating the telecommunications and electricity markets, has also been placed in charge of supervising the natural gas market.  The surveillance missions consist of: - checking tariffs for transporting natural gas through the networks; - checking network access conditions; - preventing the misuse of dominant positions, notably to the detriment of the consumers, and predatory behaviour.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002, pag. 15
In December 2001 the Telecoms Council adopted the new regulatory framework for electronic communication services.
Progress report on product and capital markets in the Netherlands 2001, pag. 20
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 7
The year 2001 is being marked by adverse circumstances, which have conditioned the performance of the capital market. Against this background, the protection of public interests, on the one hand, and the aim of revitalising small shareholder segment on the other, meant that two privatisation programmes were undertaken, both with very specific characteristics. The first was the Public Sale Offer of BRISA - Auto-Estradas de Portugal, S.A.. This initiative generated great public interest, accounting for 84% of the share certificates issued, helping to maintain the liquidity of the market. The second operation was the direct sale of the State's golden-share in CIMPOR - Cimentos de Portugal, SGPS, S.A.. This operation involved the complete return to the private sector of the management of one of the internationalisation success stories of the Portuguese economy. These operations produced revenue of 547.7m euros.
Economic Reforms: Product and Capital Markets 2001, p. 2
In March 2001, the Commission for the Simplification of Legislation was set up. Its main tasks include: to carry out studies aimed at the simplification and improvement of the current system; to propose measures to improve for access to legislation; to identify cases where deregulation is appropriate; and to study and adopt new rules for the simplification of legislation;
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 15
Council of Ministers Resoultion no 75/2001 identified the pharmaceutical industry as a privileged partner and specified the conditions to support development and modernisation projects and enable development and innovation, R&D projects and the training and retention of highly qualified human resources, to establish a long-lasting partnership between the industry and institutions from the national scientific and technological sector.
Report on economic reform 2004, p. 9; Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 8
The option for the number portability, available since 30 June 2001, has increased significantly with 144.322 numbers on fixed service being ported, by the end of August 2004.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 6
In 2001, adjustments were made, with a view to underpinning taxpayer guarantees, simplifying procedures and speeding up tax procedures under litigation. In addition to this, the coercive tax-collection system granted more efficient means of operation, namely through the establishment of transparency measures in the area of executive sale.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 9
In August 2001, the access regime for mail operations, regulating the access of operators to free postal service within a competitive background, came into effect.
Report on economic reform 2004, p. 10; Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 8
The number portability in mobile services, available since January 2002, has been increasing consistently - at the end of August 2004, 36 837 consumers had used this feature.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 14
IT skills training is one of the key components of the national Information Society initiative. To this end, the following actions were developed:   a) introduction of a Basic IT skills Diploma (Decree-Law no 140/2001, of 24th April), which, from 2003, will be a component of compulsory schooling; b) publication of ministerial order no 1013/2001, of 21st August, which establishes the criteria for the accreditation of organisations that provide Basic IT skills Diploma; c) in respect of ongoing training, the goal of including Information and Communications Technology components in 50% of some ongoing training workshops was established.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 3; 10
In the energy sector, in January 2001, the Directive setting out common rules to the liberalisation of the natural gas market (Decree-Law no 14/2001) was implemented.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 12
Following the goals set out in the Lisbon Strategy, the Government has approved the Integrated Innovation Support Programme (PROINOV), taking regional and social cohesion into account and incorporating the development strategy and the priority aims to be met in the area of innovation, within the framework already set out by the PNDES, PDR and III CSF. The programme aims to coordinate the public policy that is to be implemented by Ministries, with a view to improving the communication interfaces between the participants in the system (publc bodies, universities, schools, R & D institutions, companies) in order to bolster the innovation system and ensure the subsequent productive application of scientific and technological know-how.
In addition to direct public financing provided as subsidies to business R&D, public support is also granted through tax benefits, which were substantially increased in 2001. The base deduction rate was increased from 8% to 20%, while the marginal deduction rate (based on the average of the two last years) increased to 30% for expenses up to 249,000 euro and to 50% for expenses up to 499,000 euro. The period of distribution of tax credits was also increased from 3 to 6 years.
Economic reforms: product and capital markets 2001, p. 3
Finalising of regulation (Decree-Law no 143/2001, of 26th April) in respect of special means of sale, namely sales through distance contracts, contracts signed at home and similar and automatic sales. An Internet site (www.dgcc.pt) was created, containing a wide range of information, mostly of a legislative and statistical nature, regarding trade and services;
Competition service. Annual report 2001.
Creation of the General Directorate of Competition. The chief of the Directorate will be dedicated exclusity to competition activities. The new directorate allows the allocation of more resources to the competition service.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 20 Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2004
The National Hydrological Plan (NHP) was approved by Law 10/2001 of 5 July, and takes as its frame of reference Directive 2000/60/CE, dated 23 October, on Cummunity water policy. The NHP is the cornerstone of water management planning in Spain, and establishes ground rules for co-ordinating plans for individual river basins. It also sets out measures to rationalise and optimise water resources, including support for desalination and recycling, artificial groundwater replenishment, R&D programmes, etc.  But the central axis of the NHP is the transfer of water from the Lower Ebro to parts of Levant and the south-east mainland, as a means to redress structural hydrological imbalances. Such water will only serve for designated purposes (never for new irrigation or to enlarge irrigated land) and its users will pay a levy to offset the costs of transfer (including the environmental cost of the assignor basin).   The Plan foresees EUR 18 billion investments in the next eight years (around 3% of GDP). State-owned hydraulic works companies can play a vital role by promoting private-sector involvement in the projects scheduled. In 2004 the Ebro water transfer plan was repealed by amending the National Hydrological Plan Law, through royal decree-law 2/2004 of june 18th. The repeal was due to the reorientation of water policy, and the transfer has been replaced by a number of more feasible, cheaper actions that will provide a better solution to the structural water deficiencies detected on the Mediterranean seabord. Over 100 new measures have been designed, including desalination plants and other actions aimed at saving water as well as improving management and re-use of water.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 11; Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 10
The Council of Ministers of 12 October 2001 approved Framework Regulations to the Government Contracts Law enacted in June 2000, which mark a major advance in regulatory quality in the government contracting sphere. The new rules transpose various relevant aspects of Community Directives while incorporating technical improvements and laying down objective criteria to detect disproportionally high or low auction bids.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 34
The Universities Law 6/2001 of 21/12/2001 establishes the legal regime and general operational framework to govern both public and private universities, now that education powers have been transferred in their entirety to the Autonomous Communities.   Its provisions will govern the foundation, certification, structure and legal regime of university institutions, alongside their governing and representative systems and their economic and financial functioning, building on the autonomy principle enshrined in the Spanish Constitution. In accordance with this same principle, it enlarges decision-making powers of the universities on staff and administrative matters and with regard to research programmes and relations with other institutions, which should undoubtedly contribute to raising their efficiency.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 39
Law 24/2001, of 27 December, on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures, set in motion a deep-seated reform of the system of preventive legal certainty or public authentication in order to streamline and modernise procedures and bring new technologies definitely on board. This legal text, whose implementing rules are under development, will have a positive impact on the speed and cost of economic transactions in Spain.  It enlarges citizen's access to information held in public registers, which may even be by telematic means. It also shortens the time allowed to complete entry formalities, and entitles citizens to request the substitution of any registrar exceeding such deadlines or refusing an inscription. Rules are laid down for lodging appeals against registrar decisions, including appeals to the executive authority. Other provisions target the incorporation of online authentication by introducing advanced electronic signatures for notarial and registrational purposes, the electronic issue of documents and computerised record entries. It text also reworks and raises the regulatory category of the disciplinary regime applying to registrars. Their facet as public servants is reinforced by establishing fines for delays in completing procedures or incorporating IT channels, or for delaying or denying information access. The goal of cheaper authenticating and registrational procedures is addressed by measures to abbreviate the documents requiring witnessing. Finally, the law establishes the binding nature of official responses, as a means to standardise the criteria of registrars and notaries.
The Spanish Competition Tribunal's legal regime has become an autonomous body (Law 24/2001). This transformation has increased considerably the financial resources dedicated to the Spanish Competition Tribunal, and will allow raising the human resources in the future.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 10
The main innovation in this respect is Royal Decree 541/2001, dated 18 May, which seeks to promote competitive tendering for telecommunications services, and to encourage the widest possible number of bidders, by establisishing override mechanisms for pro-incumbent inertia.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 12
The key measure in respect of corporate taxation in law 46/2002 amending personal income and corporate taxation is the abolition of the special fiscal transparency system. Other innovations are contained in Law 24/2001 of 27 December on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures: inter alia, raising of the turnover threshold for access to the special small-firm tax regime; the modification of goodwill amortisation periods to bring their accounting and tax treatment into closer alignment; reduction of the term required before bad debt provisions become tax deductible; extension of the tax deductions for scientific research and technological innovation to depreciation charges on fixed asset purchases, and changes to the tax system applying to the reinvestment of extraordinary profits.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 26
The reform of patents legislation, as approved by Royal Decree 996/2001 of 10 September, providing for the general application of the examination-based national patents system. The new system confers greater validity on the patents issued, which will thus have less risk of being overturned by the courts.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 19
One focus was the action plan to open up the shareholder base of CLH (Coporacion Logistica de Hidrocarburos) which handles sector logistics on a near monopolistic basis and was originally owned by the three firms with refining capacity in Spain. The said plan imposes a 25% ceiling on individual or corporate holdings, direct or indirect, in the company's share capital. Moreover, shareholders with refining capacity may not exceed a combined interest, direct or indirect, of 45%. By mid 2002, this combined interest had been brought down to almost 50%. And the sales pre-agreement concluded with Portuguese company GALP Energia would reduce their share further 5%-10% by the 2002 close. When this happens, the goals of the action plan will have been almost in theri entirety.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 11
Entrepreneurial spirit as a specific educational objective in primary and secondary schools (Law 10/2002 on Education Quality)
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 52; Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 9
Support will also come from the envisaged exemptions from the tax on economic activities, and the tax measures to favour new firm creation contained in the Law on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures for 2002, like the lengthening of the offset period for tax loss carryforwards (10 to 15 years), reduction of the time required before bad debt provisions become tax deductible, the removal of limitations on VAT rebates in respect of pre start-up expenses, and the larger scope given to the corporate income tax small-firm regime.
The Ramon y Cajal Programme, launched April 2001, offers indefinite contracts for researchers, in particular scientists doing post-doctorate work in Spanish or foreign centres. The programme aims to bring 800 researchers into the Spanish R&D system in the year 2001, en route for a targeted 2,000 in 2003. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of researchers working within the Spanish sceince and technology system.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 19
A Royal Decree approved and published in early November seeks to boost sector competition by tightening up the rules on airport slots.
Changes to the Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) which sets the prices and conditions to apply for other operators' access to Telefonica lines. The Telecommunications Market Commission has conducted an in-depth review of the RIO, in the light of Telefonica's cost accounts, and established a new model based on capacity. Another change is the option of sharing out interconnection resources. Finally, an automatic updating system will come into action (at the request of any party) whenever the General Interconnection Agreements are affected by regulatory changes or administrative or judicial resolution. This will foreseeably put the market on a more dynamic footing.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 25
Law 24/2001 revised the tariff review system for regular road passenger services under concession contracts. It establishes an objective mechanism, automatically applied and based on CPI-X formula, which simplifies the whole procedure while providing incentives for a better functioning market.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 24; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 15
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 24
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 8
A new regulation on the control of economic concentrations, (Royal Decree 1443/2001) that comes into force in 2002, adapts the procedure to intervening legislative changes and the antitrust experience acquired in recent years, while increasing its transparency and clarity. Measures to highlight are:  - Strengthening of legal certainty. Clarification of key concepts like economic concentration and control, changes in the method used to calculate company turnover in respect of the thresholds set for compulsory notification, in order to align it with Community practices. Reform of the rules governing takeover bids, with express inclusion of the proceedings before the Spanish competition authorities in the Royal Decree on Takeover Bids. - Procedural transparency has been heightened by publishing the Competition Service's reports on operations notified, once the Minister has decided on their referral to the Tribunal or, alternatively, their preliminary authorisation, and after assuring an adequate protection for companies' commercial secrets. Reports are posted on the website of the Directorate General of 2. - A communication to accompany the introduction of the new regulations sets out the essential elements of how concentration operations are analysed by the Competition Service. Its aims are to enhance the transparency of the procedure and provide a maximum of legal certainty to economic agents, to facilitate the planning of corporate mergers and to minimise their anti-competitive potential.
Progress Report on the refom of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 21
The consolidated text of the Waters Law got its parliamentary passage in July 2001. This legislation brings together and updates a host of previously dispersed norms and regulations. It also reinforces legal certainty in an area rife with regulatory changes in recent years, chief among them a new, more flexible concession regime (exclusive use of water is obligatorily under administrative concession), such that concession-holders can assign and, in some circumstances, trade their water use rights, and the liberalisation of destination activity.
Progress Report on the reform of goods, services and capital markets 2001, p. 24
In January 2001, the Government unveiled the Info XXI Initiative Action Plan (2001-2003), to co-ordinate the efforts of all relevant agents behind the development of the Information Society. The Plan takes on board the objectives set in the e-Europe initiative and the "e-Europe 2002" Action Plan, and comprises more than 300 actions and projects in the above four areas. It has been resourced with some 6 billion euros from central government funds (around 1% of GDP) for the period 2001-2003.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001 - pag. 4
The swedish government is introducing measures to promote imports to Sweden to increase competitive pressure and lower the Swedish price level.  Government Bill 2001/02:1 - 2002 Government Budget Bill
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001, pag 4
The block exemptions for retail chains set out in the Competition Act ceased to apply as of 31 May 2001. Instead, the Government has adopted general block exemptions for vertical agreements, i.e. agreements between firms at different links of the distribution chain.
National Report on Economic Reform on the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2002 - pag. 16
In 2001 was introduced support for the purpose of arranging internet connections with high transmission capacity in sparsely populated areas that do not attract commercial investment. These efforts continue in 2002 (Government Bill 2002/03:01 - 2003 Budget Bill)
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001 - pag. 3
In order to promote cross-border public procurement, the National Board of Trade has elaborated its "Borderless Business" project and built up procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001, 8
In order to increase the possibilities for small and medium-sized enterprises to take part in public procurement procedures, more far-reaching requirements regarding the advertisement of public procurements below the threshold values were introduced on July 2001.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets nov. 2001, pag. 15,16
In September 2001, the government put forward a bill to further enhance R&D and the innovation system in Sweden. With the aim of promoting links between universities and the business sector, it is proposed that all universities and university colleges be given the opportunity to set up holding companies. The government also proposes that SEK 570 million be injected into industrial research institutes during the period 2002-2005. Part of this contribution is to be used for restructuring research institutes so that they become fewer larger and more competitive internationally. The institutes are to contribute to the development of new growing areas of industry and are to act as a link between universities and the business sector especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
National Report on Economic Reform on the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2002 - pag. 8; National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2003, p. 8
In October 2001 was launched "The Entrepreneur's Guide" an interactve web site were entrepreneurs can search for information and ask questions about tax regulations and permits. It is a collaborative project between thirty or so central government authorities and bodies.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden nov. 2002, pag. 4
The new act on pharmaceutical benefits sets out new terms in order for pharmaceutical products to qualify for inclusion in the subsidised system. Products are reviewed with regard to their cost efficiency and marginal benefits. At the same time rules regarding the substitution of pharmaceutical products are also being introduced. The government has also set up the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board, a new authority with responsibility for subsidisation and price control. The previous system based on reference prices has thus been abolished. (Government Bill 2001/02:63 - The new pharmaceutical benefit system)
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2001 - pag 11
As the electricity prices rose significantly during the first half of 2001, the government appointed a commission to highlight the competitive situation on the electricity market (Directive 2001:69). The commission completed its work by 1 december 2001. The Commission concluded that the Swedish electricity market is well functioning. Although, the ommision pointed out some areas for improved monitoring in order to promote the competition such as a more explicit role for the national regulator as regards cometition on the electricity market.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, nov. 2002, pag. 10
In order to improve the situation for tenderers, the Public Procurement Act has been harmonised with the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the "Alcatel case" (Government Bill 2001/02:142). The amendment entails that a procurement may be reviewed during a period of at least ten days from the date of the decision to award the contract. At the same time the expiry of the secrecy requirement surrounding tenders has been changed from when the agreement is signed to when a decision is taken regarding the supplier and tender. In 2001, further provisions were introduced into the Public Procurement Act making it possible for the procuring unit to invite tenders or applications to tenders in electronic forms.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2001, p. 9
In March 2001, the Riksdag voted to introduce changes to promote the use of number portability. From 1 September 2001 onwards, number portability regulations also apply to the mobile market.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, november 2002, pag. 6; National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2003, p. 7
A bill to improve the effectiveness of fighting cartels was adopted by the Riksdag. The new rules mean that an enterprise that reveals a cartel, thereby facilitating the Swedish Competition Authority's investigation, will be awarded a remission of the competition damages fee. The bill also treats the issue of whether to make infringements of competition rules a criminal offence. (Government Bill 2001/02:167)
In order to promote the spread of broadband, businesses and property owners have received a tax reduction for broadband connections since 2001.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p4
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p6
Many potential entrepreneurs are dissuaded from starting new businesses by the perceived costs of failure. In the July 2001 White Paper Insolvency - A Second Chance, as part of the Enterprise Bill, the Government is committed to taking forward reforms, including  - a new regime under which the cost and stigma will be substantially reduced, while the sanctions to protect against the dishonest and unscrupulous will be reinforced - improving the prospects for company rescue by ensuring that company insolvency is conducted in the interests of all creditors, both secured and unsecured, and through an updated and streamlined process of administration - ending Crown preference, which enables certain tax debts to be paid first in an insolvency
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p42
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2000, p41
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 12
The New Electricity Trading Arrangements ('NETA') replaced the Electricity Pool as the wholesale electricity market in England and Wales in March 2001. By establishing a market based or bilateral contracts, NETA has introduced genuine competition into wholesale electricity trading.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 43
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, 2001, p15
In March 2001 the UK Government announced proposals to boost the opportunities for competition in the water industry in England and Wales, bringing customers the prospect of more choice, keener prices and better services. The announcement proposed to license new entrants into the market for production and retail activities. Companies will be given clearer rights to enter the water market, providing the opportunity for innovation and efficiency gains to give customers better deals. The UK Government will continue to ensure that public health, the natural environment and the high quality of drinking water is safeguarded, and that water services remain affordable for customers.
UK Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital markets, December 2002, p7
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) launched the Gateway Programme in February 2001 to deliver value for money improvements in major government construction, IT and public finance initiative projects. This is a review that Government departments can request the OGC to undertake, although the Government has agreed that this process should be mandatory for all large, compex and/or novel projects. The OGC Gateway programme has been designed to provide structured, independent reviews of procurements throughout the project cycle.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 9
In April 2001 the Regulatory Reform Act came into force. The act allows Ministers to use secondary legislation (Regulatory Reform Orders) to reform primary legislation in order to remove or reduce compliance costs.    The Act helps to tackle over-complex, over-lapping and over-burdensome legislation and the Government has already announced over 50 potential reforms using the Act. These include the reform of fire safety laws, simplifying laws about weights and measures, and allowing schools to provide out-of-school childcare for their own pupils and other children.
United Kingdom Progress Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets 2001 p. 41
The Government recognises the importance of providing targeted help and support to facilitate the establishment of new businesses. In June 2001, it announced that the Small Business Service (SBS) would consult on a comprehensive strategy to bring together the different activities designed to support business start-ups. Development of this strategy will form a major part of the Government's cross-cutting review of services to small business in preparation for the 2002 Spending Review.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 58
The Council for Research and Technology Development has earmarked special funds of about EUR 70 million for these programmes. In a first round, tenders for a total of nine research and technology programmes in the fields of information and communication technology, traffic engineering, aviation and space engineering, and sustainability were invited in April 2002. Total funding for the first round amounts to approx. EUR 30 million; a second round funded with approx. EUR 40 million will be launched.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 11; Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 10
On 1 October 2002, the terms of reference of the four financial support institutions set up within the Ministry of Economics and Labour and the Finance Ministry - the BUERGES Foerderbank, Finanzierungsgarantiegesellschaft m.b.H. (FGG), Innovationsagentur (IA) and the company labour market promotion - were merged into the Austrian Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft m.b.H. (AWS). The Austrian Business Service (AWS), the new federal business promotion institute was established in 2002 and has two main promotion priorities, namely start-ups and SMEs, especially innovation and technology oriented ones.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 9
At the same time, a number of additional adjustments were made in an amendment to the Cartel Act (Kartellgesetz) to ensure the effectiveness of the above mentioned measures. In particular, a Federal Cartel Attorney (Bundeskartellanwalt) was installed at the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney is bound by instructions of the Minister and - together with the Federal Competition Authority - acts as a "public party". This new function should on the one hand compensate for the former authority of the Cartel Court to initiate proceedings ex-officio that has been abolished since its accordance with the rule of law was considered doubtful, and should on the other hand also ensure political accountability in competition proceedings. Provisions were made to ensure that the interaction of both institutions should benefit competition. Other new elements in the Cartel Act to be mentioned are: - The social partners are no longer official parties. In most proceedings they will however have the authority to take legal action ex-officio; - The "Joint Committee for Cartel Matters" was abolished; - The prohibition principle in case of market abuse was introduced; - Criminal responsibility no longer applies in sanctions. A catalogue of administrative fines was introduced, increasing fines up to 10% of the annual turnover which is in line with international practice; - Mitigation for whistle blowers is being provided.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 18
With the ordinance on universal postal services (in effect since 1 March 2002) the Postal Service as a universal service provider (and, hence, as company charged with ensuring the basic provision of postal services) was for the first time given essential service parameters: - transportation must be ensured for letters up to 2 kg and parcels up to 20 kg - in order to guarantee the access to postal services an areawide netwok must be maintained and minimum opening hours must be observed - by end-2004, 95% of letters must be delivered within one day after the day of dispatch  The definition of a universal service obligation in the regulation was of paramount importance for the provider company because it also provides the framework within which structural measures may be taken by the company or must be taken under the regulation. These are essentially:  - post office mergers (closures, approx. 630), development of new forms of operation (agency system and mobile post office = rural delivery); aim: cost reduction - investments in logistic centres to improve delivery times (see quality aim above).
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 24
The FIT-IT program was launched in 2002 with a budget of 10 million EUR for 2002/2003. It is a targeted support program for IT and aims at funding projects with a potential of resulting in product development within three to eight years. The program is initially designed to post three calls within a two year period. The current program call focuses on "Embedded Systems - IT development". Eight co-operative projects (firms and research institutions) with a total cost of 1,4 million EUR were selected for funding from the first call. The second FIT-IT call yielded funding decisions of further 3 million EUR for six research projects. The program further aims at education/training, program evaluation, networking as well as promotion of the relationship with EU-initiatives.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 14
An amendment to the Natural Gas industry Act (Gaswirtschaftsgesetz, Fed. Law Gaz. No 148/2002) of 23 August 2002 provides, among others, for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for natural gas. To utilise synergies, the field of competences of the Electricity Regulatory Authority shall include the natural gas sector as well.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 14f
A major amendment to the Trade Act (Gewerbeordnungsnovelle 2002) entered into force on 1 August, 2002. It contains improvements for the business sector and in general allows for easier access to several professions as followed:   - No more qualification requirements for the retail sector (Handelsgewerbe). This greatly facilitates access to self-employment since approximately a third of new businesses in Austria is belonging to this sector.  - Significant reduction in the number of trades requiring additional examination before launching the business; no more requirement of special permits. - Qualification requirements may alternatively be met by practical experience.  - Upgrading of partial trades ("Teilgewerbe"): Partial trades are now allowed to employ more than 5 workers and train apprentices. In general, partial trades require a lower degree of qualification.
Shortening of procedures by exploiting synergies (regional planning and legislation governing civil engineering projects (Betriebsanlagegenehmigung), avoidance of duplication of effort by consolidating procedures): reducing from three to two administrative entities (Instanzen.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 40
A new program has been launched in September 2002: protec 2002+ is aimed at fostering the transfer of technologies for SMEs. The objective is to improve the innovative output of enterprises (new products and ideas) in qualitative terms, to facilitate access for SMEs to external resources, especially those of research institutions (universities, non-university research institutions, polytechnic colleges), improve their internal innovation management, and increase the level of innovation of SMEs through co-operative models, innovation networks and platforms of model character and supra-regional impact. The program will be in force until 2006; in the first run (2002/2003), 5,18 million EUR should be distributed in form of cash allowances. Protec 2002+ consist of 3 lines: protec-TRANS, protect-INNO and protect-NETplus; each of them having a different focus.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 13; Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 10
Since July 1, 2003, a new federal public procurement law is in force applying to the federal government, the states and the municipalities, which includes comprehensive regulations for the range below the common EU threshold values. The system of legal protection was newly adopted for the purpose of a tight and efficient procedure of inspection. It remains still decentralised, although it was further harmonised. Furthermore, the new federal law stimulates new general conditions for the utilisation of electronic mdeia and the application of new technologies in the area of public procurement (e.g. equality of traditional paper transmission of tender documents with electronic transmission; introduction of electronic auctions). The new Federal Procurement Act (Bundesvergabegesetz) entered into force for the federal level on on 1 September 2002. For the Laender it was gradually phased in from 1 January 2003 in a process that should be completed no later than 30 June 2003.
The allowance will be raised from 10% to 15% as part of the package for "youth, employment and education" adopted in September 2002.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2002, p. 8
The new law came into force on 1 July 2002. An essential element of the reform is an independent investigation agency, the Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehoerde) that was established under the new Competition Act (Wettbewerbsgesetz). By filing the appropriate motions, the Competition Authority takes steps against violations of competition law. The Competition Authority is also responsible for executing European competition law which will contribute to enhancing the coherence between national and European competition law. It will be headed by a Director General who, as laid down in the constitution, is not be bound by instructions. The newly established Competition Commission (Wettbewerbskommission) acts as an advisory body to the Federal Competition Authority. Its tasks include drafting expert opinions on general 2 issues as well as annual proposals on the main fields of action of the Federal Competition Authority. It can also submit recommendations on applications for merger projects. Tasks of the Federal Competition Authority include:  - Investigation in cases of assumed or alleged restraints of competition and taking steps against them by filing motions to the Cartel Court (Kartellgericht);
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 10
The amendment of the Austrian Gas Act in 2002 already comprised the major changes of the European Commission's new Directive for Gas (2003/55/EC, June 2003). Industrial clients and individual households gained from the liberalisation of the gas market as industrial prices went down by 15%, those for consumer by 4%. In comparison to EU-15, Austria's industrial prices are lower than average, consumer prices slightly above average.
The research bonus was raised from 3% to 5% in September 2002.
Cardiff Report 2000 Annex 1, p.8 Cardiff Report 20003 p.15
The Regions have power to regulate gas distribution. In Wallonia, the decree organising the gas market was adopted in December 2002 and secondary legislation is under discussion, including the eligibility timetable.
Cardiff Report 2002, Annex 2, p.32 Cardiff Report 2003 Annex  p.29 Cardiff Report 2004 p.11,13 Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 57 Lisbon Progress Report 2007 p.30
[In 2002]: The notaries will be able to complete the obligations to be met when establishing a company directly and electronically through a Universal Messaging Engine and a connection between the network of the Notaries' Association and the network of the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises. [In 2003]: The preparatory work (...) carried out in close cooperation with the Royal Association of Belgian Notaries and the Ministry of Justice, has been finished. [in 2004]: At present a start-up project is running and this will be fully accessible to notaries on 1 January 2005. [In 2006] Since 1 June 2006, (...) an electronic window or "e-depot" at the notary's ensures the electronic exchange of the data necessary to the launching of a business. Concretely: the notary appends his electronic signature to the authentic copy of the company's deeds and sends them electronically to various data banks of the FPS Justice Department, the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises and the Belgian Official Journal (Moniteur belge). This system reduces the waiting time necessary for the creation of a business to 3 days. This simplified procedure is at present accessible in three notary's offices. [In 2007]: A pilot project was initiated in April 2007 allowing a number of notaries to enjoy an e-filing application system so the administrative procedures involved in a business set-up now take three days to complete.
Cardiff Report 2002 p. 12 Cardiff Report 2003 p. 12
[Cardiff Report 2002] From October 2002, number portability is fully operational with additional information to end-users when they call off-net; [Cardiff Report 2003] In mobile telephony, number portability, which has been in force since 1 October 2002, has helped to increase competition between the three operators.
Cardiff Report 2002 Annex 2 p. 35 Cardiff Report 2003 p. 25 NRP Progress Report 2006 p. 32
Cardiff Report 2002 p. 36 Cardiff Report 2003 p. 26
"Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets" (Cardiff Report) Nov 2002 p. 31, 37 "Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets" (Cardiff Report) Nov 2003 p. 19
Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets (Cardiff Report) Nov 2003 p. 11
On November 2002 the federal Internet portal "belgium.be" was opened. This portal gives a unique access to a large amount of public information and several electronic services provided by public administrations.
Cardiff Report Nov 2003 p. 8-9 Cardiff Report Nov 2002 p. 1 Cardiff Report Nov 2000 p. 11
The reform of corporate taxation (CIT), which was adopted at the end of 2002 and came into force on 1 January 2003 will reduce the common rate of CIT from 40.17% to 33.99% (i.e. 33% plus the crisis surcharge). The reduced rate applying to SMEs (taxable profit < 25,000 euro) will be lowered from 28 to 24.98% (i.e. 24.25% plus the crisis surcharge). Several fiscal expenses were reduced and certain loopholes in the tax system were closed, which will result in a broader tax base. Some of the measures introduced: - A revision of the depreciation rules - The introduction of a 10% withholding tax on gains obtained through the sale of assets; - The abolition of the deductibility of some taxes paid to the Region. Other measures for SMEs are: - Incentives for self-financing: SMEs are now entitled to a partial tax exemption (not exceeding 37,500 euro per taxable period) in respect of reinvested profits. - No penalty will be imposed on SMEs within the first three years after they are set up if their prepayments of income tax are not made correctly this tax measure is thus specifically aimed at start-up businesses).
The EU railway directives have always been followed strictly. The liberalisation has gone no further than strictly prescribed by the EU. Hence, in the accounts of NMBS/SNCB network and capacity management have been separated from train operations, but the company has remained a single whole. (...) A new law, approved in March 2002 (...)provides for the separation of public from commercial activities in the accounts of NMBS, and a new management structure.
At the federal level, the government has adopted a measure to encourage scientific research: as of October 2003, employers (universities, high schools and national scientific research funds) will be exempted from depositing half of the payroll tax relating to the incomes of researchers assistants and PhD researchers into public funds.
Cardiff Report Nov 2002, p 19 and annex 2, p 34 Cardiff Report Nov 2003, p 11
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2002, p. 17
In August 2002, the Government introduced its action plan for simplification of rules and administrative relief. The action plan sets out 198 proposed simplifications, aimed at providing administrative relief for citizens and businesses and abolishing unnecessary public-sector rules. Some of the proposals may be immediately implemented, while others must be analysed in detail. All ministries will work on the proposals related to fields. They are also responsible for ensuring that new simplification ideas are developed on an ongoing basis. The Government will also ensure that areas are continuously selected for analysis of possible cross-ministerial simplification of legislation and administration. The proposed simplifications to benefit businesses include an analysis of the possibility of giving small businesses access to simpler VAT and tax payment procedures. The Government also aims to reduce the administrative workload of businesses by removing their obligation to withhold back payments to public authorities from the pay of their employees.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 34, 37
The EU directive package was adopted on 14 February 2002. The package integrates a number of directives on access/interconnect, supply obligations and authorisations. As far as competition enhancement is concerned, the directive package has spawned a new interconnect regime, deviating significantly from the existing regime. In future, providers boasting a strong market share will be subject to interconnect obligations. The National IT and Telecom Agency will determine which providers are to be subject to this obligation based on a specific market analysis. Thus the number of obligations and how extensive they are to be will depend on the specific market situation.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 35
The Danish Public Procurement portal (DOIP) is an electronic marketplace to which both private and public purchasers and their suppliers have access, and whose functionality, interface, security and transaction costs are regulated by the public sector, although the portal will be operated and developed by a private company. The portal gives the user one common IT infrastructure with one common set of standards for trade. The portal is to support the purchasing processes where a business and its suppliers exchange electronic data in the form of orders, invoices, payments, etc. as well as the processes involving the business' retrieval of information from purchasing agreements and list prices in electronic form. Consequently, there is substantial potential for increased efficiency in the form of reduced purchasing and transaction costs through the improved use of framework agreements and full of partial automation of the infromation flow between procurement and financial systems and suppliers' order and payment systems. At the same time, the portal will simplify processes, since purchasers and suppliers will only need to integrate with a single portal.
Structural reforms on the Danish product and capital markets 2001, p. 41
The reform programme "Welfare and Free Choice", launched in May 2002, was the Government's initial bid on how to enhance the freedom of choice. The reform programme focuses on enhancing the quality of public-sector services through free choice in areas such as childcare, elderly care, assisted living facilities, hospitals, etc. In detail:  - Free choice of housing for the elderly, etc., and improved terms and conditions for non-profit organisations for the elderly and disabled. The act took effect on 1 July 2002. - Act on free choice between private and foreign hospitals or medical specialists in case public-sector hospitals are unable to offer treatment within two months. The act took effect on 1 July 2002. - Possibility for municipalities - subject to individual and specific assessment - to pay for the medical treatment of citizens in a private hospital or clinic in Denmark or abroad. The act took effect on 26 March 2002. - Possibility for municipalities to decide whether they want services pertaining to preventive health care schemes for children and young people to be carried out by municipal employees or private suppliers (doctors, visitng and other nurses, etc.). The act took effect on 1 October 2002.  - Possibility for municipalities to decide how to plan visiting nurse care programmes, including whether to use privately employed nurses. The act took effect on 1 May 2002.  - Free choice for the elderly to decide whether they want home help to be provided by municipal home-helpers, a private business or a person of their own choosing. The act will take effect on 1 January 2003.  - Free choice of rest and nursing homes and assisted living facilities across municipal borders. The act took effect on 1 July 2002.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2002, p. 27
Aiming to enhance collaboration between businesses and public-sector research institutions, the Government in its report "Improving Competitiveness" introduced an attractive tax credit scheme. The scheme, which is a pilot scheme to apply in 2002 and 2003, took effect on August 2002. Under the scheme, businesses may achieve a tax credit of 150 per cent for payments made to public institutions, provided the payment is made as part of a collaboration on a research project or a research school.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 12; Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 18
In 2002, the Danish Competition Council was given better opportunities to comment on competition restrictions under public law; the fines imposed for violating the Act were increased to bring the Danish level of fines in line with that of other EU countries; and the rules governing control inspections were enhanced, among other things.
National Report on Economic Reforms Jan. 2002, p. 29
Moreover, an industrial innovator scheme will be established in 2002 under which a person with BA or MA degree and work experience is hired for 18 month by a company. A university professor is tutoring the project.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 20
On 26 Novemebr 2002, the Council (Competitiveness) adopted Council Conclusions, targeting the efforts to reduce government subsidies and their distorting impact on competition. With the adoption of the Council Conclusions, the Council has launched more specific and binding efforts to introduce economic analyses in the field of government subsidies.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 34
2002 saw the launch of Handlingsplan for e-handel 2002 (action plan for e-commerce 2002). Through a series of initiatives, the action plan aims to increase the consumers' confidence in eComerce, encourage efficient procurement in public sector institutions and encourage private enterprises to integrate eCommerce in their business procedures. A special public procurement portal has been set up.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 26
With its Konkurrenceevnepakke, the Government has implemented a series of significant rules simplification initiatives, reducing the administrative burden on the corporate sector. Among the initiatives are abolition of security organisation requirements for a total of some 18,000 small companies; postponement of the requirement for companies to enrol in the occupational health service, meaning that approximately 80,000 businesses were exempted from the requirement and relieved of a significant administrative burden; earmarking of an DKK 20m allocation for development of IT solutions to reduce the administrative workload of companies.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2002, p. 43
Public procurement portal Udbudsportalen.dk to which municipalities and private businesses can log on for guidance, information and tools for inviting tenders/submitting tenders for public-sector contracts. The portal was launched in May 2002.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 30
A new Railway Act came into force on 15 March 2003, transposing the so-called Single Market Railway Package. Under the Act, the internal international transports of EU Member States can be provided by a rail enterprise which conforms to the provisions of the Act and has received a licence in an EU Member States. Domestic passenger and cargo traffic as well as traffic to and from Russia have not been opened up to competition.
Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 11
The creation of "neighbourhood investment funds" (fonds d'investissement de proximete", structured in the form of venture-capital funds, is intended to permit the collection of local savings for the benefit of SMEs. This measure forms part of the plan in favour of economic initiative tabled in December 2002.
Under the Decree of 30 April 2002, it is possible to conclude contracts electronically and some administrations already have recourse to electronic procedures for their procurement. The dematerialisation of public procurement currently covers three possibilities: to be able to send the administration's specifications via the Internet; to be able to receive the suppliers' bids via the Internet (for that matter, dematerialised offers must be accepted from 1 January 2005 in accordance with the European directives); to be able to select a supplier on the basis of electronic Dutch auctions.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 29
In November 2002, the government announced a plan for the period up to 2007 for a "Digital Republic". This plan involves two bills (Digital Economy Confidence Promotion Bill and Electronic Communication and Audiovisual Communication Seervices Bill). The plan's overall aim is to influence supply by:  - releasing the energies of all operators and especially entrepreneurs: an interactive guide on aid to operators of the ICT sector was put on-line on the site internet.gouv.fr in order to make access to aid more transparent and easier; - supporting innovation in the ICT, which are becoming a national research priority. Efforts will relate in particular to be applications linked to the new generations of mobiles, to wireless communication technologies on local networks, to the new protocol IPV6 and to the technologies for securing the networks and on-line procedures.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 14; Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 10
The loan to take over a business (PRE), launched as an experiment in the second half of 2002, is designed to facilitate the takeover of a business with fewer than 10 employees by a natural person or by another very small enterprise.
Economic reform in France in 2002, p. 26
The State, in combination with the Caisse des Depots et Consignations and the EIB, in 2002 set up the Co-investment Fund for Start-up Firms (Fonds de Co-investissement pour les Jeunes Entreprise or FCJE). With financial resources of 90 million euros, this fund is intended to act as pump-primer alongside, and at the request of, venture-capital funds, notably in sectors (such as biotechnology) where private funds are most difficult to mobilise. The FCJE invests in French technological firms less than seven years old operating in a wide range of technological sectors, including, in particular, ICT, electronics and nano-technology. A particularly substantial effort is planned in favour of the life sciences.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 26
The minority opening (49.5%) of the capital of the Autoroutes du Sud de la France group to private individuals and institutional investors, which took place on 28 March 2002, marked a new phase in the motorway reform process.
The status of the Competition Council, set up by Order of 1 December 1986, was strengthened in 2002 since all the Council jobs now appear in the Finance Act under their own budget chapter. This reform provided the opportunity for the Council to sign a management agreement with the Personnel and Administration Modernisation Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. The Council therefore now has full management autonomy, which is in keeping with its status of independent administrative authority and will give it all the necessary responsiveness.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 25; Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 24
The compromise on future liberalization measures reached with the 7 May 2002 Postal Service Directive was implemented without delay in German law by amendment to the German Post Act of 16 August 2002. In keeping with the Postal Service Directive, the act provides for the lowering of weight and price levels in the reserved segment as a two-step process: on 1 January 2003 from 200 to 100 g or triple the standard rate, and on 1 January 2006 to 50 g or the 2.5 times the standard rate, as well as earlier than scheduled elimination of the monopoly on departing, cross-border letter deliveries.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 11
On 22 May 2002, the Bundestag passed the Act concerning the Testing of Company Idenitifcation Numbers. The many numbers that companies must use for identification purposes in communication with various agencies are to be replaced by a single number applicable for all agencies. In cooperation with firms, the testing began in October 2002. After the testing, the nationwide numbers are to be introduced insofar as possible by 1 January 2005.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 30; Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 44
A campaign package was adopted in 2002 by the joint federal and state committee for education planning and research promotion and is designed to improve teaching content and methodology through detailed programmes at Federal and state level. It is currently being implemented by the Government and the states in the following areas:  - Enhancing skills in mathematics and the natural sciences, - Improving speaking, reading and writing skills, - Systematic promotion of migrant children, and - Improved early-stage, individualised support.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 32; Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 34
In the interest of strengthening the supervision of competition in the field of rail transport, the German Bundestag enacted new statutes on 21 June 2002. Upon suspicion of discimination in the granting of rail network access, the Federal Railway Administration can officially intervene, whereas previously it was able to take action only after receiving complaints. At the same time, the instruments available to the Federal Railway Administration in this context, which previously had not been comprehensively defined (e.g. information rights, fines), are now set forth in legal statutes.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 33
While two of Germany's most important aviation markets, the European Union and the United States, have been liberalized, 20% of the passenger volume is accounted for by more or less regulated markets in other regions. A major step toward opening up these markets is the Act to Facilitate Market Access in Aviation, which went into force on 1 September 2002. This legislation allows free price formation in international scheduled air traffic. The previously practiced rate-approval system is being replaced by a requirement for aviation firms to notify prices to the authorities, who can then disallow the rates. The transportation obligation under public law has been rescinded; the legal obligation under private law to accept contracts has been retained; and the employment of flight equipment with foreign registry has been safeguarded. These provisions relieve aviation of the charges due in connection with the previously required approvals.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 41
The 7th amendment of the Water Resources Act, which entered into force on 25 June 2002, provides for sustainable cross-border water management as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The Water Framework Directive is the first European environmental legislation to make comprehensive use of economic instruments. Apart from an analysis of the economic significance of water use, the Directive calls for cost-covering prices of water services including environmental and resources-related costs.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 44
Ongoing nationwide reporting on education is indispensable to further develop the education system in Germany. For this reason, the German Bundestag on 4 July 2002 called upon the establishment of an independent advisory council and the publication of a national education report every two years.
With the 24 August 2002 amendment of the Trade Regulation Act, further progress was made on updating statutes and deregulation. The core element of the amendment is the revision of the Act' labor-law provisions, which were modernized and freed of obsolete rules. Numerous prohibitions and permit and notification requirements such as Trade Regulation Act's licensing obligation for starting a health insurance organization were rescinded. The procedure for registering a trade was revised and made "Internet-capable".
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 21; Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 18
On 3 May 2002, the starting shot was fired for the first federal procurement process conducted fully electronically. The e-procurement platform, set up in the framework of the "e-tendering" pilot project, thus demonstrated its ability to function in practice.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 25
The Postal Act, which was amended in 2002, forms the national regulatory framework that facilitates this competition in the interest of growth, employment and consumer-oriented products and services.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 15
On 5 July 2002, a conditional ministerial exception was issued to permit E.ON AG's acquisition of a majority interest in Ruhrgas AG; the exception was confirmed on 18 September 2002 under stricter requirements. Such an exception is possible under German competition law if the public good produced by the merger outweighs the competitive disadvantages associated with the merger project. In the case of E.ON/Ruhrgas, the ministerial exception safeguards longterm deliveries of natural gas at attractve prices, in particular from Russia, and thus strengthens supply security in Germany. To offset the competitive drawbacks of the merger on the domestic markets, the decision was tied to major requirements. They cover, in particular, the obligations to sell the vertical stakes held by both companies, to separate network operations and the natural gas trade at Ruhrgas (legal unbundling), and to release gas to tangibly increase competitors' access to resources.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 29
The conclusion of the Associations Agreement Gas II by the gas industry associations on 3 May 2002 signifies further success in having fucntional TPA in the liberalized gas market. The Agreement entered into force in 1 October 2002 and will expire on 30 September 2003. The new Agreement contains a simplified, now two-stage, TPA model with distance-related rates at the long-distance gas level and a postage-stamp tariff for local gas firms. In addition, the factors determining TPA charges were outlined in a more transparent and less complicated manner. The Associations Agreement contains a number of efficient (also by internation comparison) TPA arrangements, such as storage access at the long-distance gas level and balance offsetting. By contrast, there are still deficits in other arrangements. The associations are therefore called on to continue negotiating and work out rules that are competition-friendlier, less complicated, and more transparent, especially in terms of the TPA system and the determination of charges. The federal government's TPA Task Force will closely observe the negotiating process and keeep abreast of the ongoing status of negotiations.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 10
A pilot project will be launched in 2003 to support the corporate generation change in eastern Germany with a "generation change premium" amounting to 20,000 euros. With this premium, and a capital contribution of the same amount by the senior owner, the successor qualifies for a DtA loan of up to 120,000 euros.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Sevices and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 22
In the market for mobile telephony, customers will have the possibility as of November 2002 to retain their telephone number upon switsching providers (network provider portability under section 43(5) of the Telecommunications Act.) The change is thus made easier and competition takes on a greater dynamic.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 18
On 11 September 2002, the federal government adopted a draft first Ordinance to Amend the Public Tender Ordinance. The Bundesrat approved the draft ordinance on 18 October 2002. This statute sets the timetable for opening up the market for regional transport networks providing short-distance passenger transport by rail. Accordingly, for short-term contract of up to three years, transport services may be awarded once without a bidding procedure. For longer-term contract, this possibility is available only if a significant part of the required services expires and a contract is thereupon awarded as part of a competitive process: in such cases, the contract term must not exceed twelve years.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 13
The implementation of two directives (Directive 1999/42/EC of 7 June 1999 and Directive 2001/19/EC of 14 May 2001) has made it easier for citizens of EU countries to start their own businesses in the craft sector. Instead of the job experience required under previous regulations, or supplementary to such experience, interested persons can submit examination results, certificates, or other documents displaying qualifications earned in other EU countries. The corresponding ordinance went into effect in October 2002.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 15
The Act amending the Postal Act of 16 August 2002 goes beyond the requirements of Directive 2002/39/EC: Deutsche Post AG's exclusive licence will expire on 31 December 2007, even though the Directive only requires a decision to be taken on further steps in 2009 by year-end 2007.
Furthermore, the 18 January 2002 Law to Amend the Postal Services Transformation Act created the basis for the federal government to sell its majority interest in Deutsche Post AG stock.
In September 2002, the Flood Victim Solidarity Act entered into force. The tax measures (increase of corporation tax rate from 25.0 to 26.5% for 2003) contained therein and the Reconstruction Assistance Fund will help companies in particular to cope with the conesequences of the flood catastrophe.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 9
For small and start-up ideas in the service sector, a "micro loan" has been available since 1 October 2002. Start-up entrepreneurs and firms with staffs of up to ten persons are eligible to receive maximum amounts of 25,000 euros in a quick and unbureaucratic manner. For the entrepreneur's bank, the micro loan offer the attractive feature of an 80% liability release.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 27
The abolition of the so-called 'university teachers' priviledge (Hochschullehrerprivileg) in early 2002 means that higher education institutions are now entitled to exploit the inventions of their staff.
The statues governing the profession of auditor were amended and modernized and adapted to international requirements. The licensing of persons and companies was transferred to the auditor chambers at the beginning of 2002 as part of strngthening the process of self-administration.
A further amendment of the Framework Act for Higher Education, which entered into force on 15 August 2002, introduced the internationally known bachelor's and master's diplomas as regular university degrees.
National Report on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 12
As far as the legislative framework is concerned, two pieces of recent legislation are being implemented (law 2992/2002 for the deduction of R&D expenditure from taxable profits, law 2919/2001, which provides incentives for the exploitation of new technology parks and high-tech incubators). It is expected that tangible results from this type of initiatives will be achieved in the medium term.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 19, www.tempme.gr
With a view to facilitating access of SMEs to capital, the Guarantee Fund Facility Scheme (TEMPME) for Small and Very Small Enterprises has been established. The fund has an initial capital of EUR 100 million (provided in September 2003) and will be able to offer guarantees for loans up to EUR 2 billion. In particular, the fund will cover 50% of the guarantees required by financial institutions (e.g. banks) for loans, with the remaining 50% equally split between banks and the relevant enterprises. It is estimated that more than 40,000 enterprises will take advantage of this Fund.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 17
In terms of institutional reform, Law 2992/2002 includes provisions for the establishment of Venture Capital Mutual Funds (VCMF or AKES). The main purpose of AKES is to offer investors:  - a more flexible legal structure for investing in venture capital: contrary to the corporate structure of the Greek Venture Capital Company (GVCC or EKES), AKES will operate on the basis of contracts signed by the manager, the depository and the shareholders. The partnership structure of this contractual arrangement provides more flexibility to investors, since they do not have to comply with the formailities of a societe anonyme-type of structure. - a more appealing tax treatment: as opposed to EKES, investors in AKES will enjoy full tax transparency, having no tax liabilities for the (distributed) capital gains.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 9
The recently approved Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) 2002 marks a significant improvement of the former RIO. These improvements refer, but are not limited, to the services that have been included in this RIO 2002 and their prices. An audit by an independent auditor of the interconnection prices concluded that the prices for call origination / termination (local, single / double transit) are cost-oriented.
National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 6
In order to expedite administration procedures for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the government has passed in the Parliament a new law that simplifies the underlying legal framework. Articles 12 and 13 of the Law 3049/2002 on "Privatisation of Public Enterprises and other Provisions" stipulate that the Hellenic Centre for Investment (ELKE) assumes new responsibilities. ELKE is responsible for issuing licences of granting approvals, which are necessary so as to proceed with the realisation of investment. In cases where delays occur, ELKE submits a relevant report to the Investment Promotion Committee (IPC) based on the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The IPC's major task is to follow up the procedures for licence issuance. A provision for a monitoring mechanism of the work carried out in IPC is also established with the Interministerial Investment Committee (IIC). The chairman of the IIC is the Minister of Ecomony and Finance, while other members include the Minister of Development, and other pertinent ministers of the cabinet.
In June 2002, EETT issued a Regulation regarding the introduction of NP in the Greek telecommunications market. NP for fixed telephony and non-geographical non-mobile numbers will be available from 1 January 2003, while NP for mobile telephony numbers will be available from 1 July 2003. A centralized reference database for NP will be used to facilitate the provision of the service.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 8; National Report on Structural Reforms Dec. 2002, p. 9
A new telephone numbering system was adopted at the end of 2002. The advantage of the new system is that each customer can be provided with more than 80 telephone numbers. This way, customers can keep their old number independently of the provider they use. This innovation will intesify competition for the consumers' benefit.
National Report on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 7; National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 11
The new oil market law (3054/2002) and a complementary Ministerial Decision (9840/2003) allow all companies to import oil products directly, provided that they meet their stock holding obligation (facilitated by non-discriminatory access to storage capacity). The basic feature of the new legislation are: - A new licensing system is established, with an individual license for each kind of activity. Vertical integration of activities is permitted, but firms are also allowed to specialise in some of them. - A system of transparent management of storage facilities is established. Firms specialising only in trade are exempted from the obligation to retain emergency reserves, while access of third parties to certified storage facilities is ensured. - Incentives for mergers are provided to firms specializing in trade activities. - Consortia or cooperatives of service stations are granted access to refineries and are allowed to import final goods from other countries. - Incentives are provided for taking up environmentally friendly technologies in service stations and during the tranport of fuels. - The role of the Regulatory Authority for Energy is strengthened.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 21
2002: Initial Public Offering (16%), EUR 464 million raised, Secondary Offering (12%), EUR 350 million, 2003: Additional Offering (15.57%), EUR 636 million.
2nd Annual Progress Report OCt. 2007, p. 57
The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) was set up to provide advice and support in all areas of Early Childhood Education (0-6 years). This includes developing targeted interventions on a pilot basis for children who are educationally disadvantaged and children with special needs. In 2006, it published it's National Quality Framework Siolta which aims to develop a national quality framework for early childhood education applicable in a variety of settings where education and care are integrated.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2002 - p. 4
A Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002 was signed into law in April. Its primary purpose is to provide for the establishment of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) as the indepedent regulatory authority with responsibility for the natural gas sector in Ireland (in addition to the Commission's existing responsibilities for the electricity sector). The relevant regulatory powers were formally transferred from the Minister for Public Enterprise to the Commission on 30 April 2002. The Act ensures a level playing field for public and private sector operators in the natural gas market; it also provides for greater liberalisation of the natural gas market.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 12
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) was established on 1 December 2002 in accordance with the provisions of the Communications Regulation Act, 2002. The Commission consists of a three persons regulatory authority which replaced the earlier one person structure. There has been substantial growth in the regulatory workload and the nature of the tasks and rulings which have to be implemented have become increasingly complex and qualitative.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 11; Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2002 p. 10
The strategy for promoting and facilitating eProcurement in the Irish public sector agreed by the Government in April 2002 is being implemented. The strategy covers the central Government sector, the health, education and local authority sectors, and non-commercial state-sponsored bodies. These represent about 60% of the total public procurement market. It is recognised that most savings and benefits arise from more effective procurement management rather than from the use of electronic commerce alone. The current emphasis, therefore, is on procurement management reform. This includes developing structures and organisational capacity from within existing resources to manage procurement in a way that maximises savings and benefits and increases efficiency through the use of cost effective technologies.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2002 - page 9; Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 10
The Competition Act 2002 brings competition and merger control law together and implements significant changes. Part 3 of the 2002 Competition Act, which deals with the control of mergers and acquisitions, commenced on 1 January 2003. Under the new provisions, responsibility for examining and deciding upon mergers other than "media mergers", has been transferred from the minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the Competition Authority. Since 1 January 2003, therefore, decisions on all non-media mergers are made solely on the basis of competition criteria and are taken by the Competition Authority.
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2003 - page 18; Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2004 p. 10
The European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations (S.I. No. 616 of 2002) which transposed the provisions of directive 2002/39/EC was enacted by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on 19 December 2002. The new regulations continue the process of liberalisation of the postal market in that from 1 January 2003 the market for postal items which weigh more than 100g and where the value of the item is more than 3 times the basic tariff is open to competition. From January 2004, outbound cross-border mail will be fully liberalised and the regulations provide for further liberalisation, in accordance with the EU Directive, in 2006.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 10
Public interest criteria were introduced in 2003 (via the 2002 Act) in relation to merger regulation of media businesses. In this regard the Minister has retained a public policy role in the decision making process. In the case of a merger involving a media business, therefore, the Competition Authority determines the impact on competition while the Minister carries out a public interest review. However, the Minister cannot overturn a determination of the Authority on competition grounds. The public interest criteria on which the Minister makes a decision are listed in the legislation and, essentially, they relate to media plurality and cross media ownership issues.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 78
The School Completion Programme (SCP) encompasses both primary and post-primary levels focussing on young people between the ages 4 and 18 years. It is designed to deal with issues of both concentrated and regionally dispersed disadvantage and discriminates positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. The programme is funded on a multi-annual basis under the National Development Plan (NDP) and was assisted from the European Social Fund (ESF) up to 2007. In total 124 SCP project sites, comprising 222 post-primary and 466 primary schools participate in the in the Project strand of the School Completion Programme, targeting approx. 36,000 young people of school going age, both in and out-of school. The school Completion Programme aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education access, participation and outcomes.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 15
On 1 January, 2003 an Order came into effect, which introduced a new consumption threshold of 500,000 standard cubic metres (reduced from 2,000,000 scm), above which customers are eligible to source their own gas, and have it supplied to them at reasonable cost and on transparent and non-discriminatory conditions through the Bord Gais Eireann (BGE) network. The reduction increased the level of market opening in the industrial/commercial sector from 62% to 75% bringing the total number of industrial and commercial sites eligible from 100 to 250.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2002 p. 11
Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) had been delayed by legal proceedings, mainly concerned with pricing for access by other operators to the "local loop". However, in April the regulator approved prices for access and the legal action was discontinued. Those prices apply retrospectively, but also - to provide certainty to the industry - until end-March next.
Progress Report on Reforming Product & Capital Markets in Ireland 2002 p. 7
There was major change in the pharmacy sector. The Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement) Regulations, which governed the award of public General Medical Service contracts to pharmacies, were revoked early in 2002. Those Regulations had restricted establishment of pharmacies on the basis of population served and minimum distance between competing retail outlets.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, pag. 29
The Finance Bill for 2003 contains provisions relating to technological innovation. First, it institutes a fund for technological innovation projects in government and in the country, with an endowment of 100 million euro for 2003. To hasten the spread of the electronic ID card, the bill also provides that departments and government units themselves can procure the needed funds through conventions with banks and by sponsorship agreements. Finally, the Minister for Innovation and Technologies is granted a series of powers for guidelines, for planning, evaluation and coordination, to improve the effectiveness of public expenditure on ICT and to direct this investment according to a coordinated, integrated strategy.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, p. 19
With regard to the implementation and introduction of corporate taxation reform, in the 2003 Financial Law, the Government introduced a number of streamlining and cost-cutting measures for tax management purposes to rationalise the previous corporate tax situation, by introducing measures to resolve outstanding tax disputes and to make it possible for companies to settle their tax positions (including direct and indirect taxes) for a certain number of prior years by paying a percentage of the tax already due.
Italy's Report on Economic Reform Nov. 2002, p. 31
In line with the indications expressed by the Government in the Economic and Financial Planning Document, the Authority refined the regulations governing the natural gas industry, designing a system of guarantees for free access to the gas pipeline network (Resolution 137/2002, issued on 17 July). The deliberation, which also contains the rules for defining the network code, establishes the criteria governing priority of access to gas under "take or pay" contracts. From the standpoint of non-discrimatory access to the network, after the split-off of Snam Rete Gas from ENI, 24 users (producers, wholesalers, final customers) have been given access to the transport network.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, p. 18
In August 2002 the National Space Plan for 2003-2005 was approved. Italy's new space policy focuses strategically on projects with important spillover for italian industry, especially SME's. At the same time the Plan opens up major prospects for european cooperation in space programs. Operationally, the Government's action has taken three directions: 1) support for basic research; 2) support for industrial research; 3) specific actions in the south of Italy.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, pag. 26
A contribution to improving the conditions of supply was made by the Decree Sblocca Centrali introducing a fast track procedure for new generating plant following which about 70 applications for authorisation were submitted to the Ministry for Productive Activities for a total of about 40000 MW.
Liberalisation of the sector continued thanks to the Community transposition law for 2001 empowering the Government to implement a series of EU Directives on EU railways development, railway licenses, tariffs and safety certificates.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, p. 15
Institution of the "Single Fund for under-utilised Areas" and introduction flexibility into resource allocation and management.
Italy's report on economic reform 2002, p. 19
To make electronic transactions and online public services more secure the digital signature has been perfected and disseminated. In February 2002 the EU Directive 98/26/EC on electronic signatures was transposed into Italian law (Legislative Decree 10/2002) and Italy is one of the european leaders in this field with a total of 500,000 digital signatures already registered. In addition, a plan has been initiated within the public administration for the distribution of at least 20,000 digital signatures for internal communications.
The telecommunications Authority intervened in May 2002 with a resolution containing "measures to guarantee the full implementation of the principle of equal internal and external treatment by operators who have substantial market power in fixed telephony" (Resolution 152/02/CONS). It requires Telecom Italia S.p.A. to offer the same supply conditions and prices to competitors as to its own subsidiaries and divisions.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 17  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	19 December 2002, Financing memorandum 2002/000-620.01.01-2002/000-620.08.01. Lithuania National PHARE programme 2002, Part III Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2002 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/fiche_projet/work/2002-000-620.01%20to%20620.08%20Lithuania%20National%20Programme.pdf?CFID=54&CFTOKEN=49845173c09e7d9b-B0D48873-A323-E48A-4AF1D1169F4B2CC6&jsessionid=0601bbcb9c6115b654f1  	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Project Fiche, 2002/000-620.01.01. Support ot Business Development Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2002 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/fiche_projet/work/2002-000-620.01%20Business%20development.pdf?CFID=54&CFTOKEN=49845173c09e7d9b-B0D48873-A323-E48A-4AF1D1169F4B2CC6&jsessionid=0601bbcb9c6115b654f1
In the beginning of 2004, the Business Development Support project was launched under the PHARE 2002 Economic and Social Cohesion Programme. According to the project, EUR 4m was allocated for subsidising business projects. The project aimed to support companies to introduce innovation and e-business, to support private tourism activities and facilities, to provide public services to business (information, advisory services via Business information centres, business incubators and science and technology parks), to ensure provision of public tourism services (information, image creation) and public tourism infrastructure. Project proposals could be submitted for two schemes: Direct Support to Businesses (innovation and e-business projects) and Direct Support to Private Providers of Tourism Services. The total allocation was shared equally by the two subsidy schemes, i.e. EUR 2m each.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 16
The transposition of Directive 2002/39/EC amending Directive 97/67/EC required an amendment to the law of 15 December 2000 on postal services and postal financial services. The amendment created by the law of 20 December 2002 amending the law of 15 December 2000 on postal services and postal financial services sets the weight and price limit of reserved postage at 100 grams and at three times the price for the first weight category as of 1 January 2003. As of 1 January 2006, these limits will be set at 50 grams and at two and a half times the price for the first weight category.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 18
Since intellectual property is a key factor in innovation and R&D, the European LIIP project (Linking Innovation and Industrial Property) was launched as early as 2002. The objective of this project, which is part of the 5th R&D framework programme, is to develop products, (guides to good practices), aimed at raising the awareness of intellectual property, which have been especially adapted to SMEs/SMIs and also to ensure their distribution.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 8
The law of 30 July 2002 regulating certain trade practices, penalising unfair competition and transposing Directive 97/55/EC of the European Parliament and the Council amending Directive 84/450/EEC on misleading advertisement to include comparative advertisement, came into effect in mid-August 2002. The objective pursued by the revision on business practices is twofold. On the one hand, the new text transposes Directive 97/55/EC of the European Parliament and the Council Directive 84/450/EEC on misleading advertisement to include comparative advertisement into national law while, at the same time, completing certain existing provisions to make them totally compatible with the provisions of the 1984 Directive, which had not been transposed, as the existing Luxembourg provisions were deemed sufficiently close to European standards. In addition, a revision of provisions relating to trade practices was necessary in order to update legislation to cover the development of business practices and new sales techniques, current thinking in neighbouring countries concerning sales promotions, bonus sales and clearance sales, as well as work of the European Commission.
Economic reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2002, p. 12
The draft bill on public markets brought before the Chambre des Deuptes on 17 February 2000 introduces a reform of the public markets. The State Council has given its third opinion on this draft bill and it should shortly be submitted for vote to the Chambre des Deputes. The stated objectives of the said reform can be summarized in these terms: simplification and clarification, codification and computerization.
Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 14
The recent reform of the Business and Company Register (RCS - Registre du Commerce et des Societes) is an important advance in the area of administrative simpification and is a sustainable improvement process. Among the major objectives for reorganizing the RCS included upgrading computer resources, promoting information sharing and, in a later phase, collecting information electronically. The computer equipping process will include firstly data entry of all files currently active with RCS and secondly the automation of requisition and publication procedures. In the future, it will be possible for everyone to electronically obtain detailed information concerning any physical or legal person registered with the RCS.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002 p. 21
On 1 January 2002, the government widened the opportunities for state-guaranteed loans. Such loans are intended for (start-up) companies that cannot offer enough security to their banks. Following these recent changes, banks can now finance start-up companies more effectively. One improvement that has been made is to extend the period in which a business is designated as a start-up company from one to five years. The definition of a "start-up company" and the guaranteed cover for such companies has also been widened.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002, pag. 16
The SIT is the Netherlands' response to the recommendation contained in the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines 2002 to increase the technology exchange between public and privately financed research. To promote this a subsidy scheme has been developed to improve co-operation and the exchange of ideas relating to technology start-up companies between universities and private players.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2002, pag. 10
"Quadros Programme": cofinances the hiring of staff with a university degree in technological areas in small and micro enterprises.
On the 12th June 2002, the Reference Interconnection Offer in 2002 was published and all prices regarding the call origination, call termination and transit came into effect on the 1st May 2002, with retroactive effects.
Report on economic reforms 2002, p. 16, 48
In the 6th January 2002, the Communications Institute of Portugal (ICP) was renamed ICP - National Authority for Communications (ICP-ANACOM). With new statutes, ICP-ANACOM acts as an Independent Regulatory Authority, aiming at the regulation, supervision and representation of the telecommunications sector and the postal services;
The programme "Ciencia Viva", envisaging Primary and Secondary Schools, stimulates the demand for training in these areas; curricula restructuring of Primary School, enters into force in 2002-2003 and includes the reinforcement of technological and experimental teaching in order to promote the learning in scientific and technological areas; increased demand of training actions for low-education adults in order to promote the acquisition of basic competencies;
The Education and Training Courses were regulated in 2002. They are oriented to 15-18 years old students with insufficient schooling or without any form of professional qualification; they have a vocational curriculum, with a scientific and technological component (information technologies, specific technologies). In addition, the Technological Specialisation Courses - post-secondary, non-higher education courses - are aimed at integrating the objectives of professional qualification and integration into work, while also allowing for the continuation of studies.
A Framework for Financial Incentives with two new instruments was set up under the scope of the Operational Programme for the Economy (POE) - convertible financing and capital risk syndication fund. These instruments give priority to financial support based on capital risk schemes, seed capital, through partnerships between financial institutions and venture capital. The protocols signed with financial institutions speeded up the approval of financing for projects in the scope of POE.   - Convertible Financing, consists of a loan that can be covered into corporate capital; - Capital Risk Syndication Fund, allows partnerships between public and private entities to become shareholders of SME.
Since the beginning of 2002, and in the context of the liberalisation of the internal energy market, ERSE has extended the eligibility criteria to all medium, high or very high voltage consumers, allowing them the right to freely choose their electricity supplier through the acquisition of the statute of non-binding customer. There are 20 thousand customers under the above-mentioned criteria, almost 45% of total national consumption. On the 30th August 2002, the list of non-binding consumers has reached 1,000, while in September 2001 it was about 36.
The Decree-Law n 104/2002, of 12th April, establishes a simplified regulatory framework for public procurement and its adaption to the information society through the use of electronic instruments for public procurement. In short, it is now possible the electronic purchase of goods by the Public Administration, thus contributing to its rationalisation and to a decrease in bureaucracy and costs involved in public purchases. The information concerning the procedures for public procurement contracts is available at the Internet.
During 2002, the access to the fixed net of the incumbent telecom operator was improved, through the reduction of financial and physical barriers and by preventing anti-competition practices. A large set of instruments was used: the decrease on the tariffs of interconnection and the rental of circuits; the review of the reference proposal for local loop unbundling; and the establishment of competition conditions for ADSL services (Asymmetric Digital Subsriber Line).
Report on economic reform 2003, p. 42; Report on economic reform 2002, p. 22
The NEST programme (Ministerial order nr. 1518/2002, of 19 December) aims at stimulating the creation, start-up, development and run-up of enterprises of technological basis under the form of anonymous society.
Marine Science and Technology Projects funded under the 6th Framework Programme of the European Community, an independent statistical overview by EurOcean, 2009. Completed by: Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.28.
In May 2002, the Regulation for the Operation of the Fixed Telephone Service was modified to include instruments that ensure a permanent and continuous service supply to final consumers and simplify procedures when changing the service supplier, thus promoting the development of competition within the market;
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 24 www.sepi.es
The main activity of Transmediterranea is the transport by sea of passengers, vehicles and cargo in the Balearic Islands, the Gibraltar Strait and the Canary Islands.  After a public tender procedure, the privatisation was approved by the previous owner, SEPI, a state owned holding company, on 30/07/2002, and this was authorized by the Council of Ministers on 20/12/2002.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 22
The second SLO approved April 2002 marks a complete overhaul of price setting for loop access services, with reductions exceeding 30%. This second SLO is also clearer and stricter about guarantees, and offers greater security as regards the form, conditions and costs of service provision and the formalities involved, leaving the least possible room for discretion and anchored firmly on the principle of non discrimination. In fact, the new procedures have speeded up the unbundling process, such that 886 unbundled loops were in service in October 2002 alongside 100 switchboards with signal delivery out of the 117 applied for.
In July 2002, the Telecommunications Market Commission (CMT) approved a 17% price cut for interconnection terminating on the networks of the two mobile operators declared dominant in the end market.
Amendment of patent legislation in order to introduce the EU Directive 98/44 of biotechnology inventions.
Order CTE/711/2002 establishes the conditions for the provision of the telephone directory enquiry service
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 6
A more efficient tax treatment of electronic commerce in the act of transposing Community legislation. (Law 53/2002, of 30 December, on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 28
Law 34/2002 on Information Society and e-Commerce Services, approved on 11 July 2002 and incorporating Community regulations, is a cornerstone text for the promotion of the information society in Spain. Its core purpose is to provide greater legal certainty to users and providers, in the process overcoming barriers to the use of internet and other interactive services.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 23
Ministerial Order 601/2002 of 14 March creates a new kind of licence for the so-called Virtual Mobile Operators. The entry of these new agents, it is hoped, will put the market on a more dynamic footing, urge development of new services and applications and allow operators to optimise their network investments. The first such licence was granted by the CMT on 30 July 2002, and the holder must arrive at a voluntary commercial arrangement with operators runnning their own mobile access network.
Publication of the Code of Conduct for the provision of premium rate services
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 17
Work concluded on developing an integrated economic system for the gas sector with the presentation and approval, in March 2002, of three Ministerial Orders supplementing the Royal Decree of August 2001, which established a calculation mechanism for network access tolls and a remunerative system based on costs. The three principal goals pursued were: to provide incentives for the entry of efficient competitors, to increase competition and to foster infrastructure development. For these reasons, the framework established is based on the costs of third-party use, while envisioning the joint planning of the main pipeline network.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 4
Clarification of deadlines for review procedures on Competition Service (Servicio de Defensa de la Competencia, SDC) acts. The time limits are now among the tightest in the EU (Law 53/2002, of 30 December, on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 15; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 25
A freed-up tariff regime (Royal Decree 366/2002, of 19 April). Refernce tariffs have been abolished for freight haulage and for discretionary bus transport services. With this step, prices are fully liberalised.
A CMT Resolution approved on the 5th of September 2002 establishes the list of carriers that according with the Telecommunications law should be condidered as incumbent carriers on the following national markets: Fixed telephony services Mobile telephony services Interconnection services and circuit leasing services.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 15
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 29
Law 10/2002, of 29 April, amends patent legislation to incorporate Directive 98/44/EC provisions on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions. In line with this legal text and the relevant international treaties, a new definition has been drawn up of which inventions will be patentable, alongside conditions for the deposit of and access to biological material and other indispensable means to promote investment in this innovation sector.
Progress Report on economic refornm of product and capital markets 2003, p. 17; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 27
The process of liberalising postal services and opening the sector to competition has continued throughout 2003, following on from Law 53/2002, of December on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Measures, which transposed the provisions contained in Directive 2002/39/EC. Spanish legislation goes beyond the strictures of the above Directive, for instance, in the opening up to competition of city mail and direct advertising services. It also circumscribes the weight ranges reserved for public operators in the intercity delivery of letters and postcards to a limit of 100 grams as of 1 January 2003 and 50 grams as of January 2006. Furthermore, it prohibits the cross financing of universal services in the non reserved sector from the revenues raised in reserved activities, except where such funds are required to meet specific universal service obligations linked to the contested segment.  The law also regulates the regime to govern postal service prices (authorised for reserved services, free for non reserved services), and makes it incumbent on universal service providers to exercise transparency and non discrimination on applying special prices to companies, the senders of mass mailings or the mail handlers of various clients. These prices must factor costs saved with respect to fullservice standard deliveries. Finally, postal operators must put in place transparent, simple, cost-free procedures for user complaints in respect of the postal service delivery regime.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 30
Another measure of note is Royal Decree 601/2002 of 28 June, which regulates and opens preferential credit lines from the Science and Technology Ministry (STM) to risk capital entities investing in new or early-stage (less than two years' operation) high-tech companies. This line supplements the NEOTEC Initiative launched by the STM through the Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnologico e Industrial to facilitate the creation and consolidation of technological enterprises.
Operator pre-selection facilitates competition via indirect access and is therefore a key means for entrants to build up client mass. A new CMT circular approved July 2002 brings important novelties on this score: inter alia, the extension of services eligible for pre-selection to include network intelligence calls; a four-month instead of a two-month bar on client recovery moves by the access operator, and a greater symmetry in inter-operator dealings. Portability data likewise reflect a consolidation of pro-competition mechanisms. By mid September 2002 almost 350,000 fixedline numbers had been switched between operators, predominantly from Telefonica to cable operators, and over 530,000 mobile numbers.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 15/16
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 35
The provisions of Law 10/2002 of Educational Quality (Ley Organica de Calidad en la Ensenanza, LOCE) continue to be implemented. The latest royal decrees out regulate the LOCE calendar and the curriculum. The implementation of the Law will guarantee greater student participation by means of a more flexible system. Continuing education is a top priority for the LOCE, which will enable all citizens to gain a basic school certificate and enter Occupational Training or Baccalaureate (Bachillerato) studies with no further academic qualifications. To this end, education departments will co-ordinate and collaborate with other government bodies involved in adult training, in particular department and offices.
Support to entrepreneurship, raising the percentage deductible for reinvesting profits.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 14
Royal Decree 841/2002, approved in August 2002 pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 6/2000, sets the stage for more special-regime producers to be drawn into the power production market by laying down an incentive system for their participation, and regulating the figure of the selling agent who can group the bids of smaller-scale producers. These measures will support greater competition in the power production market by increasing the number of offerors; improve system efficiency by equipping special-regime producers to step in when pool prices start signalling shortages, and enhance supply security by way of new informational requirements and the incentive given to tighter forecasting of the power these producers place on the network.
Royal Decree 958/2002, of 13 September, on fuel storage installations in general-interest ports seeks to spur competition in the sale of oil products in port authority precints. This follows on from the package of liberalising measures passed by the Government in June 2000.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 7/8
Note, finally, the enactment of Law 1/2002 on Co-ordination of Powers between Central Government and the Automous Communities in competition matters, and the roll-out of a decentralised enforcement system for anti-competitive conduct legislation. Under this system, the Autonomous Communities will have their own competition authorities to investigate and sanction restrictive practices impacting at a regional level. To date, two Autonomous Communities, Madrid and Catalonia, have set up their own Competition Services, to which funds and staff have been directly assigned. Catalonia also runs its own Competition Tribunal. As remaining Autonomous Communities get their own competition bodies off the ground, they will gradually take on a part of the investigative and penalty functions of the central government authorities, thus freeing resources for ex officio action in the areas deemed of most concern.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 14; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 22
Telefonica de Espana has submitted a Plan to replace rural access lines (Telefonia Rural de Acceso Celular) by available lines which assure Internet access capability to all subscribers in rural zones, as provided in Law 34/2002, of 11 July on Information Society Services.
Progress Report on economic reforms of product and capital markets 2002, p. 23
The goal of stimulating competition in fixed telephony services was addressed by a package approved in September 2002. Main measures were the modification of the price cap for 2003 with rental charges dropped from the basket of final fixedline services. However, remaining basic telephone services have been capped at CPI-4 en 2003, assuring further reductions in service prices. The difference is that the price cap system will cease to channel tariff rebalancing in its final stages, since experience shows that market prices have reduced more steeply than the price cap imposed. Other measures introduced lay the groundwork for virtual loop leasing, that is, the issue of a single bill to pre-selected users, and set out to increase competition in government purchasing of telecoms service.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, nov. 2002, pag.12
In May 2002, the government resolved to introduce special regulations concerning subscriber information in the Telecommunications Act. The purpose is to enhance compliance with the requirement concerning the availability of comprehensive directory services as stipulated in the Voice Telephony Directive (98/10/EC).
In the spring of 2002 the Government initiated a project with representatives from the business sector, social partners and universities. The project aims to formulate an aggressive strategy for a coherent innovation policy. The primary objective of such a strategy is to transform new knowledge form universities and university colleges into enterprises and growth.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2002, p. 3
A new network for problem solving in the Internal Market - SOLVIT - was set up in July 2002. SOLVIT is an electronic and Internet-based progression of a network of contacts created in 1997 to deal with obstacles to free movement in the Internal Market. The shared database contributes to increased transparency in the problem-solving process.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2003, p. 12
The first is the preselection reform completed in February 2002 by covering local telephone services. This change has now levelled the terms under which operators conduct business and has enhanced competition in the national telephony service.
National Report on Economic Reform: Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, nov. 2002, pag. 8
The Swedish Patent and Registration Office and the National Tax Board have adopted "Kontakt-N", a web page aimed at considerably simplifying the process of starting up a business. As part of the ongoing development of the "Kontakt-N" project, efforts are now being intensified to achieve a fully electronic application procedure. (Skr. 2002/03:8, Government report on the simplification of rules)
National Report on Economic Reform on the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2003 - pag. 9
To make it easier for start-up companies, payment of the preliminary tax, income tax, social security contributions may be deferred for three months, beginning with the 2003 tax year. (Law on changes in the tax payment act)
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, nov. 2002, pag. 13
In 2002 the Riksdag resolved to amend the Electricity Act. The amendments will entail stricter requirements pertaining to grid operations and the supervision of such, as well as new criteria for assessing the fairness of network charges. (Government Bill 2001/02:56)
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2003 - pag. 17
The National Agency for School Improvement was established in March 2003. It has national responsibility for developing the use of information technology in schools.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and labour markets, November 2002, p15
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 26
UK Progress report on economic reforms: product and labour markets, November 2002, p14
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) process has been amended to include the need to consider the impact that new and existing regulations can have on competition. There is increased prominence of sustainable development issues, and additional guidance on the Small Firms Impact Test and on alternatives to legislation. Revised guidance will be published in December 2002, following a 12 week period of open consultation, and will bring together guidance on domestic and European proposals.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 32
In retail banking following an inquiry by the UK Competition Commission into the supply of banking services to SMEs, Ministers accepted in March 2002 a number of recommendations designed to improve competition in this market. These included measures, which came into effect in October 2002, to ease the process of switching accounts and a requirement, which will come into force on 1 January 2003, for the largest four banks to pay interest or offer free banking on SME current accounts in England and Wales. The remedies will be reviewed three years after implementation, or earlier if there is evidence of sufficient improvement in competition in the market
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 10
UK progress report on economic reform: product and labour markets, November 2002, p25
To widen the vocational choices available to young people and increase participation in work-based learning, the Government has reformed, strengthened and expanded the Modern Apprenticeships scheme.  - a target for 2004 that 28% of young people should enter an apprenticeship by the age of 22 - an entitlement from 2004 to an apprenticeship place for all 16 and 17 year olds with 5 or more GCSEs incuding maths and english - a national framework to ensure world class standardsm with a network of high quality Apprenticeship Agents to help more employers deliver apprenticeships - three year marketing campaign to promote apprenticehips to young people and increase take up - a national modern apprenticeship taskforce to champion the MA scheme and report on key policy issues
UK Progress report on economic reform: product and labour markets, December 2002, p20
Following a public consultation in summer 2002, the Government intends to introduce greater competition in the supply of water for large commercial users in England and Wales, to encourage further innovation, greater efficiency and keener prices. The proposals would see new entrants licensed to compete with the appointed statutory water undertakers by using their own source of water, assessing the statutory undertaker's network to transport the water to a customer or by buying water from the statutory undertaker to supply a customer. Proposals will be implemented through the forthcoming Water Bill.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 17
The Government is acting to stimulate broadband, particularly in rural and remote areas of the UK. In November 2002, the Government launched the UK Broadband Task Force whereby a broadband expert will be introduced in each of the English regions and Devolved Administrations to stimulate economic development and enhance the delivery of public services through the extension of regional and local broadband services.
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002-2003, p. 21
Under the Enterprise Act, professions are now subject to the same competition rules as other sectors of the economy.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 12
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002-03, p. 10; UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 48
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p. 11; UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 21
In 2002 the credits were extended to large companies and subsequent Budgets have announced further improvements to the schemes, resulting from Government's continuing dialogue with business. For small and medium sized companies the tax deduction for R&D is increased from the usual 100 per cent to 150 per cent. Large companies are given a 125 per cent deduction.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 11
Budget 2002 took modernising measures to remove distortions and ensure that the tax system reflects commercial realities. In Budget 2002, the Government introduced a new regime for taxation of intellectual property, goodwill and other intangible assets to encourage companies in the new knowledge-based economy; and an exemptions for gains on most substantial shareholdings.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002, p. 11
Budget 2002 reduced the small companies rate of corporation tax to 19 per cent and the starting rate of corporation tax from 10 per cent to zero, providing further support to new and growing companies.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002, p. 23
The Laptops for teachers scheme was launched in 2002 and will equip 100,000 teachers over the next two years.
Increased competition has also reduced the need for regulation, and price controls were removed from domestic gas and electricity supply.
Increased competition has also reduced the need for regulation, and price controls were removed from domestic gas and electricity supply in April 2002.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets, November 2002, p24
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 22
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002, p9. Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p25.
The reforms introduced by the Enterprise Act 2002 provided the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) with increased resources and a duty to be more pro-active in promoting competition and identifying those markets where competition may be distorted or restricted. It also improves the mergers regime and introduces a new legal framework for market investigations in which criminal sanctions can be imposed on those engaged in hard core cartels. The new provisions come into effect in spring 2003.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets Dec. 2002 p. 14
In 2001, the Prime Minister called for departments to draw up a Regulatory Reform Action Plan; which was published in February 2002. The Plan is wide-ranging and covers reform across all sectors, it brings together 268 proposals for change that will benefit businesses, particularly small businesses, charities and the voluntary sector, the wider public sector, and individual citizens. The measures in the Plan will be delivered through a variety of means, including primary legislation, regulatory reform orders and revisions to regulations as well as through better guidance, simplification of administrative processes or electronic delivery.
UK progress report on economic reform: product and capital markets, December 2002, p10
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002-2003, p. 14
The Government has extended access to the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme to include previously excluded sectors including retail and catering. This should assist firms that lack a track record or collateral and which are seeking debt finance.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 8
A commission was established, dealing with questions of content, organisation and other problems in connection with the transposition of EU-directives. Delegates responsible for transposition were nominated within the relevant authorities. They should have a complete overview of the corresponding requirement for transposition and serve as contact points, in order to contribute to identify and solve possible conflicts of competence as well as eventual content problems in transposing EU-directives.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 13
Following recent efforts on the European level to reduce the administrative burden for enterprises, Austria, too, has set several initiatives in this field. The current Administrative Innovation Program VIP 3 (started in summer 2003) mainly focuses on the following four topics:  - concentration of public services on core fucntions and streamlining of processes; - "stronger citizen orientation" and quality management; - output oriented administration; - development anf management of personnel.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 37; Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 10
- Incentives to promote own capital, especially in the case of non-incorporated small and medium-size enterprises, by taxing non-distributed profits up to 100 000 EUR with half of the average tax rate instead of the marginal rates will increase financial stability of business markedly.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 15
The new 2003 Shop Opening Hours Act has entered into force early in August 2003. It comprises the following essential new provisions: A scope for shop opening hours is set from Monday 05.00 a.m. to Saturday 06.00 p.m.. Within this scope, the provincial governor can define the daily shop opening hours by regulation. If he does not make use of this authorisation, the shops can be kept open from Monday through Fridays between 05.00 a.m. and 09.00 p.m. and on Saturdays between 05.00 a.m. and 06.00 p.m.. Yet, the total time of opening hours may not exceed 66 hours per week. However, the provincial governor can establish a weekly total opening time of up to 72 hours in consideration of local needs and/or special regional and local circumstances. The principle of closed shops on Sundays and holidays is maintained. The previous exceptions will remain.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.23
Launching information technology applications and solutions in the public interest on the market. (Continuing the broadband initiative as started in 2003)
As a reaction to the transposition deficits of member states regarding the internal market directives (see the internal market scoreboard from May 2003), the amended federal law on ministerial competences (Bundesministeriengesetz 2003) provides for a clear responsibility concerning better coordination and a timely and complete transposition of the European Union directives.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 16; Structural reforms on the product and capital markets 2003, p. 13
In 2003 the e-government Platform was established, consisting of all relevant political representatives of federal, regional and local level as well as private and public institutions. The Platform lays down the implementation framework and the general objectives of e-government. At operational level, the e-government Platform is assisted by the e-Cooperation Board.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 7
In 2003, a comprehensive reform package to create a more competitive structure of the Austrian Railways was approved by Parliament.  It consists of: - separating the railway infrastructure from the sales area; - further separating the sales area in goods traffic and passenger traffic with own economic responsibility; - application of the labour constitutional law on railway companies; - the annulment of the exception of railway employees from the general employee law.
Structural reforms on the product and capital markets in Austria 2004, p. 8
With the full transposition of the European set of directives concerning telecommunications - the New Regulatory Framework (NRF) - into Austrian national law in 2003, Austria took another step towards a more appropriate regulation of the telecom market. This substantial move towards more competition brought about significant changes in the following areas:  - The four existing markets of the previous open network provision regime (ONP) were broken down into a total of 16 relevant telecommunications markets according to the Recommendation of the European Commission (2 markets are still pending). The competitive situation for each of these markets is evaluated by the regulatory authorities. In non-competitive markets companies with significant market power will be identified and appropriate measures will be taken. Moreover, consultations on the assessment of significant market power and the imposition of remedies shall be held with the public, other European regulatory authorities and the European Commission.  - Innovations were introduced in the field of user rights, like call barring, information about specific value-added services numbers and free of charge itemized billing.
Cardiff Report 2003, p.17 and Annex p.27
In full conformity with the 2001 EU requirements, the market for international freight services on the Belgian section of the Trans European Rail Freight Network (TERFN) was opened on 15 March 2003. This section covers large parts of the Belgian network of main lines. (...)European railway companies offering freight services may now enter the Belgian main lines and major industrial and port branches. To assure the best conditions, safety rules for the infrastructure and its use are forthcoming. Decisions are taken on the conditions for the delivery of railway licenses and safety certificats, just as is had been for capacity assignment and access pricing. The transposition of the interoperability directive gives room to better facilitate entry of European railway companies to the Belgian network.
The Act of 22 April 2003 and the Royal Decree of 15 May 2003 providing for its enforcement create and organise a new category of collective investment undertakings, called private PRICAFs, which should bring an appropriate response to the demand from private investors. A private PRICAF, not quoted on the stock exchange, is a kind of closed-end collective investment undertaking (public limited company, limited partnership or partnership limited by shares) that collects capital from companies and private citizens. Its lifespan is not intended to exceed twelve years. This new instrument should contribute to the creation and perpetuation of SMEs, as their financing sources will become more diversified and better suited to their needs.
"Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets" (Cardiff Report) Nov 2003 p. 19
The Flemish authorities have concluded an innovation pact with researchers and firms, determining how they will work together to achieve the objective of investing 3% of the gross regional product of Flanders (GRP) in R&D by 2010. In particular the Flemish government is committed to increasing, each year until 2010, the budget devoted to science and innovation by at least 60 million euro. This is only 0.3% of the total expenditures by the regional government, but involves a rough 10% increase in expenditures on science per year.
Economic reform of the products, services and capital markets -Cardiff Report Nov 2004 p. 11 and 13 Cardiff Report -Nov 2003 p. 11  Cardiff Report -Nov 2002 p. 2, 20 and Annex2, p. 32
Cardiff Report Nov 2002, p 19 and annex 2, p 35 Cardiff Report Nov 2003, p 10 NRP Progress Report 2007 p 30
[Cardiff 2003] In the government agreement of July 2003, several new specific actions are planned (among which) the general introduction of the Electronic Identity Card. The experiment with the electronic ID card (eID), which started in April 2003, is being made in eleven municipalities. The government will evaluate the test at the end of this (2003) or the beginning of next year. In the coalition agreement of July 2003 it is stated that the eID will be rolled out to all citizens (older than 12 years of age) by 2007. [2007 Progress Report]: More than two thirds of Belgian citizens posses an eID (100% diffusion is foreseen for 2009). The eID makes a digital signature possible, while it also enables an identification. This enables the development of securized electronic services by the private and public sector. The federal government made an inventory of the use of eID http://map.eid.belgium.be.
At federal level, the reform of Belgium's operational and advisory standardisation structures is continuing giving new impetus to the standardisation process by involving players more closely in drawing up standards at national, European and international level (law of 3 April 2003). The Board of Directors and Management Committee of the Standardisation Office are now operational.
The Royal Decree of 12 March 2003 relating to the conditions for the use of railway infrastructure has set up a Rail Office allocating railway infrastructure capacity and charging infrastructure fees, i.e. a public body, and a control body called the Rail Institute. Applicants or railway undertakings can refer a case to the Competition Council if they consider themselves to be victims of unfair treatment, such as discrimination resulting from decisions taken by the railway infrastructure manager, the Rail Office (allocation body) or by the Minister, that are not related to their contractual rights and obligations. The Rail Institute will be responsible for: - drawing up and submitting to the Competition Council an investigation report for any case referred to this Council;
The Programme Act of 8 April 2003 created a new fund, the Start-up Fund, as a subsidiary of the Participation Fund (public). The Start-Up Fund may grant subordinated loans to natural persons - included unemployed job seekers - and legal entities who wish to create their own companies or have started their professional activity less than four years previously. In order to finance its operations, the Start-Up Fund is allowed to receive contributions supported by the State budget. It can also take out loans, which can be accompanied by a State guarantee. Complementarity may develop between private PRICAFs and the Start-Up Fund. There are common characteristics with a SBIC ruling.
Cardiff Report Nov 2003 p. 7, 13, 16 Cardiff Report 2002 p. 12 Cardiff Report 2001 p. 16 Cardiff Report 2000 p. 11
As from May 1, 2004, the scope of services reserved to Ceska Posta has been restricted (Act No. 305/2003 Coll.), whilst respecting the limits set in Directive 2002/39/EC.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 15
In connection with the National Budget 2004 it has been decided to lower the volume based rate on packages to beer and soft drinks with 80 pct. from 5 January 2004. The distortion in favour of bottles compared to cans is reduced from app. 0,50 DKK to app. 0,10 DKK. This is expected to increase the competition in the beer market, since many foreign beer brands only is produced in cans. At the same time it has been decided to change the beer levy from levy classes to a sliding scale depending on the alcohol level. These amendments are expected to increase competition and reduce cross border shopping. Similar effects is expected from the 1 October 2003 reduction of the soft drink levy.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 19
Moreover, it has been decided that the natural gas market will be fully openend to competition. As of 1 January 2004, the fixed settlement system for decentralised CHP plants will be abolished and energy producers will subsequently be able to sell electricity in the liberalised market.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 30
Seeing that this is not in agreement with the liberalised market, it has prompted the Governement to prepare a bill to be submitted to the Danish parliament in October 2003. Under the bill, CHP plants will be required to sell their own output in the free electricity market starting in 2004. Sale of their output in the market will induce the CHP plans to respond to market prices. In turn, whis will provide for more efficient electricity supplies; better utilisation of CHP plant capacity; and a more stable and transparent electricity market, characterised by keener competition. The premise of the new bill is that subsidies will remain unchanged, provided that operating conditions also remain unchanged. The subsidies will subsequently be adjusted in line with market price developments.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2002, p. 27; Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 41
The Government has implemented a reform of the Danish university sector and has tabled a proposal for overhauling sector research. The aim of the university reform was to strengthen university management and open up further to representatives from outside the universities, so as to ensure closer interaction between universities and the surrounding world. With the overhaul of sector research, the Government wishes to strengthen free research and to provide the basis for enhanced interaction between universities and sector research on research, innovation and education.
Since the last year, two new Danish group exemptions have been granted, corresponding to the EU group exemptions for insurance contracts and vertical agreements in the motor vehicle sector.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 44
With the Danish Regional Growth Strategy from 2003, the Government joined forces with local and regional parties in launching a targeted initiative to strengthen economic growth and establishment of communities in the outer regions, for instance by enhancing the framework conditions for innovation, entrepreneurship and human resources.
Strutural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 22; Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 33
In April 2003, the Danish and European competition authorities, on the one hand, and the DONG and DUC partners, on the other, concluded an agreement to the effect that the DUC partners are to sell additional gas volumes to companies other than DONG and that the three DUC partners are to individually sell their portions of the gas volumes offered for sale. Aiming to enable the DUC partners to produce and sell additional volumes, while at the same time enabling DONG to sell the natural gas volumes that the company - due to competition - is unable to sell in its former market, the DUC partners and DONG have joined forces to establish and put into operation a new offshore pipeline from the Tyra West platform to the NOGAT pipeline with a view to exporting gas to the Netherlands.
Structural reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2003, p. 20
Moreover, ELFOR, in concert with Forbrugerinformationen (Danish consumer information), has launched the website elpristavlen.dk, allowing consumers to browse through information on the current prices charged by electricity trading companies and PSO (Public Service Obligation) companies. Prices are calculated based on an average consumer profile for the customer, thus ensuring comparability between the prices shown. Prices vary depending on whether the individual customer has entered into a fixed-price agreement to protect himself against electricity price fluctuations, or whether he wishes to opt for time-varying electricity prices over the year.
The rules governing marketing of pharmaceutical products have been liberalised, so as to allow advertisement for certain types of pharmaceutical products on television and in magazines, etc.
Structural Reforms on the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 26
The corporate portal Virk.dk was launched in September 2003. The aim is to make relevant information from all public authorities and a number or private companies available on the portal, thus enabling much administration to conducted through www.virk.dk.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 28
In October 2003, the Government decided to continue the liberalisation process by inviting tenders, in the period up until 2014, for at least half of the traffic volume purchased by the Government, excluding remote and S-train (metropolitan train) traffic. At the end of this period, between 30 and 45 per cent of overall train traffic volume purchased by the Government will be put out to tender.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 19, 37
Administrative changes include the establishment of a new National Rail Authority. The new authority will be in charge of invitations to tender for public contracts for train and ferry traffic, planning of new infrastructure projects, and management of coordinated and security considerations in the sector.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 37
25 July 2003 saw the abolition of the requirement for annual price reductions in the minute rate for domestic telephony, the reason being that competition had been found to be efficient in this field. At the same time, a number of telecommunications rates were frozen, so as to prevent rate increases in areas with inefficient competition. By 1 October 2004, it will be assessed whether or not there is a basis for abolishing further price regulation.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 27
In January 2003, the Government published its action plan Promoting Entrepreneurship - a plan of action. The initiatives set out in the action plan especially target improving the framework conditions for education, entrepreneurial culture, guidance and finance. As part of the initiatives under the action plan, the Government will set up an entrepreneurial fund, designed to facilitate access to venture capital for new businesses in their early stages. The aim is to establish a capital baes of approximately DKK 0.5bn, private investores providing at least half of this amount. The fund is to invest in new growth companies in their earliest stages of development. Moreover, entrepreneurial culture will be put on the agenda of the Danish education system and company access to advice will be broadened. Restructuring of the public-sector corporate service is designed to ensure that entrepreneurs and small businesses are offered professional corporate service, whatever their sector and geographical affiliations. Finally, the Government seeks to make it easier to re-start a business through an amendment of the Danish Insolvency Act.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 42
Aiming to exploit the full potential of the reforms implemented in the university sector, in sector research and in the research council system, the Government in 2003 submitted an action plan for enhanced interaction between the corporate sector and public-sector research and education institutions. The Government has earmarked DKK 275m for the initiatives contained in the action plan for the period between 2004 and 2007. Broadly speaking, the aim of the initiative is:   Create more incentives for interaction. The aim is to make the interaction between companies and knowledge institutions more attractive. The Government proposes that the scheme should be extended, providing added incentive for particularly SMEs to participate in collaboration projects with public-sector research institutions. SMEs should, therefore, be allowed a 150 per cent deduction on their research expenditure when participating in a collaboration with a public research institution.    Create the framework for new networks between the corporate sector and the knowledge institutions. The aim is to establish closer and more direct contact between companies and knowledge institutions, so as to further personal relations between the parties. One way to achieve this objective is through funding of knowledge networks.  Create a better framework for technology transfers. The aim is to create new, more coherent ways to organise transfers of technological and research-based knowledge between companies and knowledge institutions. One route to realising this objective is through a new act on technology transfers, designed to enhance the possibilities of universities to commercialise their research results.   Focus on the corporate sector's knowledge needs and requirements. The aim is to focus efforts, thus ensuring world-class research environments in tune with company requirements. A new roadmap for the allocation of strategic research funds is designed to help achieve the objective.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 43
Reform of primary and lower secondary school establishing common national targets for the educational putcome for each year group. The act took effect in August 2003 and will be gradually implemented until August 2005.
In October 2003, the Government took its next step towards enhancing the framework conditions for the entrepreneurial and self-employment cultures with the launch of its action plan Et samfund med plads til det frie initiative. In this action plan, the Government launches a series of new principles to underpin its future self-employment and entrepreneurial policies. Under the action plan, a better financial basis should be provided for starting up a business. The education system is to be opened up to provide better access for young people to get in contact with the corporate sector. Moreover, a stop should be put to unnecessary differential treatment of the self-employed relative to pay earners. This action plan set out more than 30 new initiatives, among them the establishment of an Entrepreneurial Academy to offer credit transferable courses in entrepreneurship and innovation to students at all educational levels. The possibility of saving up to start your own business should be enhanced through an overhaul of the establishment account scheme. Moreover, the conditions for employee share schemes are enhanced by raising the limit for allocation of employee shares from DKK 8,000 to DKK 20,000 a year.
Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 41
The Government has implemented a reform of the research council system, aimed at maximising society's benefit from the appropriations to public-sector research. A central element of the reform is a more coherent appropriation system. A new strategic research council is to be established to enhance interdisciplinarity, while at the same time ensuring increased interaction between public and private-sector research. In 2003, an appropriation totalling DKK 715m has been earmarked for strategic research in the period 2003-2005. Starting in 2004, funds for strategic research are to be allocated by the Strategic Research Council.
Denmark's National Reform Programme 2005 p. 11  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Strategi for digitalisering af den offentlige sektor 2007-2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Den digitale taskforce Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Den digitale taskforce Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: CityCopenhagen Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://modernisering.dk/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Peer review of E-Government in Denmark Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	OECD Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	OECD Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Paris Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://modernisering.dk/
On the 17th of February 2004, the Danish government and the municipal authorities published a new e-Government Strategy. The strategy and the underlying action plan constitute the guidelines for the process of digitalisation until 2006. In this strategy, the government and the municipal authorities present a vision of the role of digitisation in creating an efficient and coherent public sector with the level of service, the citizens and the companies in the centre. In 2009, a steering committee decided to reprioritise the resources, and the implementation of a new and revised e-Government Strategy for the time period 2007 - 2010. The background for this change is that the resources should support the most central initiatives in the strategy, thus, supporting an increasing level of digital communication in the public sector. Finally, the purpose is to meet the public goal of an effective digitalisation in the public sector.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 24
The objective of the Government's economic policy is to create a framework that will foster company start-up, growth and internationalisation. To this end, the Government has launched an Entrepreneurship Policy Programme that seeks to ensure the stable and predictable development of the operating environment of businesses as well as to raise Finland among Europe's leading countries in terms of operating conditions for entrepreneurship. The Entrpreneurship Policy Programme is divided into the following five sub-areas:  1. Entrepreneurial training and consultancy 2. Establishment, growth and internationalisation of enterprises 3. Entrepreneurial taxes and charges 4. Regional entrepreneurship 5. Business-related legislation and functioning of the markets.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 26
The objective of the new Communications Market Act, which came into force on 25 July 2003, is to promote network business, television and radio operations as well as content provision. Under law, telecommunications companies having considerable market dominance would be obliged to offer user rights to their capacity for mobile connections or other similar smart cards.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 45
In June 2003 the Government submitted to Parliament a bill on a new Bankrupcty Act. The new Bankruptcy Act would supersede the bankruptcy legislation currently in force, which dates back to 1868. Numerous amendments have been made to the Bankrupcty Code, particularly in the 1990s. Despite them, a fairly large part of the legal sanctions of the Code are still in force in their original content. Practical bankruptcy procedure has nevertheless been shaped by legal practice as well as by the actions in recent years of the Bankruptcy Ombusman and the recommendations of the Advisory Board for Bankruptcy Affairs, which assists the ombudsman. The objective of the reform is to put in place bankruptcy legislation that fulfils modern requirements. The new Bankruptcy Act would not cause significant changes in the existing bankruptcy procedure or in the position of creditors or debtors. As an alternative to a cancellation of bankruptcy, there would be nevertheless be a so-called official assessment in which receivership is transferred from the creditors to a public liquidator appointed by the Bankruptcy Ombudsman.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 33
The objective of the Government's Information Society Policy Programme is to boost competitiveness and productivity, social and regional equality as well as citizens well-being and quality of life by making use of ICT throughout society. The programme will aim to maintain Finland's status as a leading provider and user of ICT. The programme will be based on close co-operation between the public and private sectors. The Information Society Programme comprises the following eight sub-areas:  1. Telecommunication infrastructure and digital television 2. Citizen's information society capabilities and ways to boost the use of information society services 3. Training, working life, research and development 4. Electronic services in pupblic administration 5. Social services and healthcare 6. Electronic commerce, digital contents and services 7. Government IT-services 8. Legislative measures
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 28
An amendment to the Electricity Market Act, aiming at making it easier to change electricity supplier, came into force on 1 September 2003. Following the legislative reform, separate service charges for changing an electricity supplier are forbidden when at least one year has elapsed from the previous change of supplier. At the same time, the opportunity to invite competitive tenders has been extended to consumers who buy their electricity from a landlord or a housing company. The reformed Electricity Market Act also contains provisions on compensation for interruptions of electricity supply. The operator of the distribution network must pay the electricity consumer compensation for a period of outage lasting at least 12 hours. The legislative reform furthermore imposes on the national grid operator with overall system responsibility an obligation to develop the system.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2004, p. 11; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. VI
Competition between operators has been boosted by introduction of phone number portability in June 2003.
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 13; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 21
From 2005, the corporate tax rate will be lowered from 29 per cent to 26 per cent. The tax reform will strengthen the international competitiveness of Finland's corporate taxation. It is expected that the lower tax rate will stimulate capital expenditures and economic growth.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 20
In accordance with Directive 98/30, which required a market opening of at least 28%, on 10 August 2003 the elgibility threshold was lowered by decree to 83 GWh/year, allowing theoretical opening-up of the market to 1200 sites, i.e. to 37%.
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 25
The Government has decided to step up the effort devoted to the training of young researchers in 2004, raising appropriations for this purpose by 8% to bring them to EUR 305 million. The research grant for doctoral student was increased by 4%, making a total rise of 15% since 2002. At the same time, 200 new post-doctorate contracts and 1160 new CIFRE training course agreements (300 more than in 2003) are to be created.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 50. (25.04.2010)  National education board instructions  http://www.education.gouv.fr/bo/2004/19/MENE0400927C.htm (25.04.2010)
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 21; Economic reform in France in 2003 p. 8
Furthermore, within the framework of the Law dated 2 July 2003 enabling the government to simplify the law, new measures for administrative simplification have been drawn up, with the principal objective of reducing the time taken by heads of firms to deal with administrative formalities. In particular, administrative procedures have been streamlined by the abolition of the administrative authorisations required before exercising certain activities, such as sales of bankrupt assets, professional exhibition and fairs and trade exhibitions open to the public. In addition, the conditions for establishment and exercise of certain professions have been simplifies. This is true for foreign traders, hairdressers, approved brokers, commercial travellers and chartered accounts. The aim of the simplification also covers the statistical obligations imposed on firms through the reduction in sample size, frequency and the obligatory nature of surveys.
The Act (Act of 3 January 2003) also covers access by third parties to the gas transmission grids, the end of GDF's import and export monopoly and the separation of the various activities of the integrated groups for accounting purposes: transmission, distribution, storage, natural gas installations and other activities apart from natural gas.
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 21
The Law in favour of economic initiative dated 1 August 2003, all of whose provisions are now in force, constitutes a major step both in terms of administrative simplification and stimulation of the spirit of enterprise.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 49 Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 25
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 16; Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 21
In conformity with the provisions of the Law dated 3 January 2003, the CRE made pricing proposals on 24 July 2003 for the use of natural gas transmission systems and liquefied natural gas installations, and similar proposals in December 2003 for the utilisation of distribution systems. These proposals are based on the system of input output pricing recommended by the Madrid Forum of September 2003, making it possible to encourage transparency and limit the possibilities of discrimination. The three transmission system operators have been applying these prices since 1 July 2004.
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 19; Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 26
The Decree of 7 March 2003 on the use of the national rail network translated into national legislation the Community Directives (1st railway package) organising free access to the national network for railway companies of other Member States holding a licence and safety certificate, for international combined transport of freight and international freight services, as well as for groups of railway companies (for international services). Since March 2003, international freight traffic is therefore open to competition within French territory.
On 25 May 2003, the government published a circular to specify the rules applicable to trade negotiations in the concern for better control of the trend in promotional discount margins. The fact that these have swollen in recent years results from a shift in the negotiations between supplier and distributor from volume discount to promotional discount: negotiations no longer focus on the price of the products sold, but more on the remuneration for the services offered or demanded by the retailers. Under such a negotiating system, the selling price gets closer to the cost price, with the retailer being remunerated by the supplier paying a margin for services rendered, which is no longer in keeping with normal commercial dealings. Consequently, the rise in promotional margins has been accompanied by a slowdown in price competition, to the detriment of consumers and SME suppliers. This circular, whilst reaffirming the principle of the ban on sale at a loss and recalling that it is the general conditions of sale which must serve as a basis for commercial discussions, stresses that it is possible to differentiate in prices without resorting to abusive discrimination. It is a matter, in the long run, of allowing a gradual, controlled transfer of part of the promotional discount margin to the volume discount margin and of relaunching fair, dynamic competition which is favourable to consumers.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 13
To meet the R&D target of 3% of GDP by 2010, with 2/3 financed by the private sector, the government has introduced a certain number of measures designed to encourage private sector research efforts. These measures are grouped in an "Innovation Plan", which will be adopted under the 2004 Finance Act. It provides for: - the creation of a status of one-man business angel company. This measure is designed to increase the number of business angels, of whom there are 3,000 to 4,000 in France, whereas there are as many as 50,000 in the United Kingdom and between 300,000 and 500,000 in the United States; - the creation of a status of "young innovative enterprise" granted to companies set up around R&D and innovation projects which bear heavy investment and development charges before placing their products on the market and achieving profitability; - new targeted aid in favour of innovation: exemption from trade income tax for R&D equipment; acceleration of the declining balance depreciation with an objective to attain a rate of 40% in the first year for fixed assets related to scientific and technical research; a renewal of the Research Tax Credit; - to support the research efforts of enterprises: this measure is designed to harness the results of research and investments made in research projects more effectively. Three methods of harnessing are encouraged simultaneously: the partnership contract between public and private research to transform an idea into a product placed on the market; and the creation of young innovative enterprises.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 15
One of the important measures of the Economic Initiative Promotion Act is the increase in the turnover thresholds giving entitlement to the total exemption from capital gains tax of small one-man businesses in the case of transfer or closing down. The thresholds of EUR 152,600 for commercial activities and EUR 54,000 for services are raised to EUR 250,000 and EUR 90,000 respectively and beyond these thresholds the Act introduces a gradual tax scheme. These measures are supplemented by provisions granting tax relief on transfer free of charge to encourage entrepreneurs to transfer their businesse during their lifetime by donation to their children or, in their absence, to the employees. Furthermore, the basis of assessment of the 4.80% tax on transfers of shares of the capital is reduced by an allowance equal to EUR 23,000 recalculated at the percentage of the shares of the business capital transfered.
The opening-up to competition was confirmed by an Act of 3 January 2003, which defines the framework for the regulation of the gas market. It also extends the powers of the Commission de Regulation de l'Electricite to the regulation of the gas market: the Commission becomes Commission de Regulation de l'Energie (CRE).
Structural Reform in France in 2004 p. 17
The Law relating to public telecommunications service obligations and France Telecom, adopted on 31 December 2003, among other things introduces the principle of competitive attribution of universal service missions, hithero attributed by law to France Telecom, whose statutes have now been modified.
Economic reform in France in 2003, p. 32
Possibility, for the first time in France, but as is done in all the leading scientific countries, to recruit flexible at post-doctoral level. Hence, from 1 January 2003, the EPST (public institutions specialising in science and technology) or EPIC (industrial and commercial public institutions) in partnership with the universities and business community, can recruit 266 young post-doctoral researchers of French or foreign origin, in any discipline and at any time during the year, on fixed-term contract for a maximum of 18 months and for an amount of EUR 1600 net per month;
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 23
Introduced in the spring of 2003, the Government's bureaucracy reduction initiative aims to continue the systematic removal of bureaucratic burdens in Germany. Concrete projects have been developed to eliminate superfluous structures. The main instruments of the initiative are deregulation and the introduction of simplified, IT-based procedures. It focuses on the following five areas of activity: the labour market and self-employment; the business community and SMEs; research, technology and innovation; civil society and volunteering; services and civic duty.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 30
The Federal Government's investment programme Zukunft Bildung und Betreuung has granted EUR 4 bn to the federal states for setting up and expanding all-day schools in line with demand. Within just one year (2004) of signing the administrative agreement the investment programme has led to a considerable increase in the number of all-day school programmes. The Government has implemented a number of projects to support the states in continuing to implement the programme and in developing curricula for the all-day schools.
Structural reforms on the goods, services and capital markets in Germany in 2001 p. 34
The existing protection of intellectual property has been expanded with the amendment of copyright. The stipulations in the EU Directive on copyright in the information society as well as two so-called "WIPO agreements" have been transposed into national law.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 24
Since 9 July 2003, customers have been able to permanently preselect an alternative network provider (preselection).
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 14
In order to make the procurement of goods and services more efficient in December 2003 the Federal Government adopted a seven-point programme that should be fully implemented by the end of 2005. It obliges all Government departments that award orders to publish their notices electronically on the Federal Administration's Internet portal at www.bund.de and to start using the electronic award platform that was launched in May 2002.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 28
A complement to BundOnline, a joint strategy entitled DeutschlandOnline has been developed to provide services at federal state and local level. The Minister Presidents of the German federal States approved this joint strategy on 26 June 2003.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 27; Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2002 p. 27
With the "First Act Amending the Energy Industry Amendment Act" of 20 May 2003, the state regulatory framework for the system of negotiated TPA practised in Germany was further enhanced. Decisions taken by cartel authorities in respect of transmission and the level of network rates are now immediately enforceable as the legal norm. Furthermore, the elimination of the lignite protection clause for eastern Germany has strengthened competition in eastern Germany.
Structural Reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2004 p. 29; Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 23
The Third Act amending the Creaft Trades Act (Handwerksordnung) and other relevant regulations of 24 December 2003 reduced the number of those crafts that still require a master's (Meister) certificate and licence in order to work independently down to 41 (Annex A to the Craft Trades Act).
Since 25 April 2003, telephone customers have been able to make cheaper calls in the local network by selecting their provider on a call-by-call basis.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 21
As part of the "pro-small business" campaign, which was presented in January 2003, the starting conditions for entrepreneurs are being improved by raising the turnover tax threshold for small companies to EUR 17,500 and the compulsory bookkeeping threshold from EUR 260,000 to EUR 350,000 for turnover and from EUR 25,000 to EUR 30,000 for profits.
In August 2003, a law entered into force preventing telephone customers from being unreasonably exploited as a result of the abusive use of so-called premium rate numbers with the area code 0190 or 0900. This has enhanced transparency regarding the use of these call numbers without disproportionately restricting the supply of services via these numbers. To this end, the Regulatory Authority has provided a search engine on its homepage that enables customers to find out who is responsible for providing the individual 0190 numbers.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 37
Implementation of the "Structural Innovations in Education" action framework, which was agreed between the Federal Government and state governments on 17 June 2003 and which aims to enhance the quality of education. The priority areas include the fostering of language, reading and writing akills, the promotion of skills in mathematics and natural sciences and the provision of assistance to migrants.
Structural reforms on the Goods, Services and Capital Markets in Germany in 2003 p. 22
The current range of training and advisory services for start-up entrepreneurs will be supplemented by the "GruenderService Deutschland" (Service for Start-up Entrepreneurs in Germany) campaign: the range of advisory services provided by Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Chambers of Crafts, the KfW banking group, employment offices and other partners is to be concentrated and, at the same time, improved. Since July 2003, the project has been running in three regions (Berlin, Leipzig and Neubrandenburg) on a trial basis. It is planned to make the experience gained during the trial run available to the partners involved, to enable them to establish services nationwide as part of the "GruenderService Deutschland" campaign by the end of 2005.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 9
Law 3175 voted in July 2003 amends Law 2773/99 and aims at adapting the national market to the new institutional framework set up for the internal electricity and natural gas markets, following the adoption of the package of relevant EU directives. Another aim is to develop and boost competition and make use of the experience gained from market developments so far. The most important changes introduced by the new law are the following:  - The establishment of an Organised Daily Electricity Market, from which suppliers and eligible customers are obliged to purchase electricity, and which will be managed by the Hellenic Transmission System Operator S.A. (HTSO). HTSO will also be managing load distribution in real time and operate existing interconnections. - Abolition of the mandatory identification between Producer and Supplier. - The development of a Power Availability Contract mechanism, supervised by the HTSO.  - The definition of eligible customers (all non-household consumers by 01.07.2004, all customers by 01.07.2007), in accordance with the new package of Community Directives on the internal market.  - As of 1/1/2005, all electricity producers can sign contracts with natural gas suppliers or importers of their choice. At the same time, DEPA is obliged to provide access to the system of transfer, storage and condensation of natural gas to third parties according to published price lists.
National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 7
Efforts are underway in order to strengthen the efficiency of the Hellenic Competition Committee. A new organisational scheme has been approved (PD 169/2003), thus enabling the Committee to double its personnel and upgrade its quality. Financial independence for the Committee has been secured and, therefore, only the issue of collaboration with other sectoral regulatory authorities needs further legal clarification.
National Report on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 6,7; National Report on Structural Reforms Nov. 2003, p. 9, 10
A new law was adopted in 2003, which reforms market settings providing, among others, for asymmetric measures against the incumbent Public Power Corporation (PPC). PPC is excluded from the tender procedure for the first 900 MW, as far as capacity availability agreements for new generation capacity are concerned.
National Report on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 6
Law 3185/2003 aimed at ensuring harmonization of the Greek legislative Directive 2002/39/EC (the weight and price limits of services pertaining exclusively to the Universal Service Provider were, among others, modified accordingly).
National Reports on Structural Reforms Okt. 2004, p. 7
According to law 3175/2003, all electricity generators, including cogenerators with consumption above 25 million m3/year, are becoming eligible consumers starting from July 1st, 2005.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 186
This programme is aimed at ensuring gradually the availability of communal Internet access points and e-Hungary Points in every settlement in Hungary within reasonable distance, where citizens are allowed access to info-communication facilities, computers and Internet either free or at maximised prices. (Some 1400 settlements take part in the programme (80% of the population). Different entities have won support for implementing 3032 e-Hungary points. In spring 2006 citizens had almost 500 points of access to such facilities and technical support for filing their tax return by electronic means.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 17
In summer 2003, the Department of Transport introduced Service Level Agreements with each of the three operating companies in the CIE (State-owned bus and rail) group. These new agreements detail the quantity and quality of services to be provided by each company in the context of the Exchequer subvention of public transport services. The new agreements also include targets and reporting arrangements and provide for greater transparecny and accountability in the use of public money.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2003 p. 19
In May 2003, SFI announced substantial research investment of EUR 42 million over five years, in three new centres for science, engineering and technology (CSETs). These awards go to researchers in Irish universities who can make Ireland an international leader in key strategic areas through collaborations with scientists and engineers in industry.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 10 NRP 2005 p. 31
The market was fully opened in February 2005. All electricity consumers are free to choose their licensed supplier. This timetable is in advance of over two years on the July 2007 deadline set down in the second EU Electricity Directive (2003/54/EC).
Progress report on reforming product and capital markets in Ireland 2003 - page 13
In a bid to boost competition in the market, since July 2003, mobile phone subscribers can keep their mobile number and prefix when they switch network operators. The changeover process is free of charge.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2004 p. 11
The development of a functioning and competitive all-island electricity market continues apace. Co-operation between the Departments and Regulators in Ireland and Northern Ireland on energy matters is taking place under the auspices of a Joint Steering Group established by Ministers from both sides in July 2003.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2004 p. 19
The NDFA was established in 2003. The role of the NDFA is to: - provide advice to State authorities, including Government Departments, to assist them in evaluating financial risks and costs of public investment projects; - assess optimal financing for public investment projects (including Public Private Partnerships) such as those set out in the NDP and other infrastructure priorities; and - in certain circumstances, raise finance for public investment projects.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p.12
An independent Commission for Taxi Regulation was established in September 2004. Taxi licence numbers nationally have increased from 3,934 at November 2000 to 25,695 at end December 2003, following liberalisation of the taxi market.  Access is now based on qualitative requirements alone.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets in Ireland 2004 p. 13
A new integrated awareness programme, Discover Science & Engineering, was launched in October 2003; the programme aims to raise the level of student uptake of science subjects at second and third level, to promote a positive attitude towards careers in Science, Engineering and Technology and promote a greater understanding of science amongst the public in general.
Italy's report on economic reform, 2004, p. 24
The Government reformed the local public services in order to respond to increasing pressures from the EU Commission to harmonise italian legislation to European competition rules. The main innovations contained in the new legislation is that the responsibility for the provision of service is given alternatively to: a) a joint stock companies selected by competitive bidding; b) a mixed companies, if the private member has been selected through a competitive system; c) companies owned by local authorities on the condition that the local authority exercises over the company a control similar to the control exercised over services supplied by the local authority itself and that the company performs the most important part of its activity with the same local authority. Moreover, the direct assignments of services has been limited to a transition period (until 2006) after which the new concessions have to be tendered through an open bid.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, p. 31
The Legislative Decree transposing Community Directives has been adopted introducing a number of innovative measures. These include the introduction of an open access regime throughout the national railway network to train operators possessing a licence compliant with EC law, which apply to provide goods and passenger domestic and international services, and the initial introduction of what is to be known as the authorised applicant to permit companies other than train operating companies to acquire railway capacity, under the instrument of the Framework Agreement. Other important innovations are the extension of the liberalisation principles to the regional railway systems linked to the national rail network, and the introduction of the obligation on the infrastructure manager to guarantee the supply of essential services for the exercise of rail transport to railway operating companies.
Italy's Report on economic reform 2003, p. 12
The new rules regarding e-commerce were harmonised with the Community legislation by introducing the principle of protecting free circulation of professional services throughout the Union. This means that services can be offered electronically by individuals living in other EU Member States. The exception to this rule are the exercise of public powers as well as the public order and public health considerations.
Italy's report on economic reform 2004, p. 18
This law (Law 290/2003 converting the Decree 239/2003 on "Urgent measures for the security of national electricity system") has granted an exemption (ranging from 10 to 20 years) from the regime of the third party access to the grid, up to 80% of the newly installed transmission capacity. The exemption will affect those, other than the electricity transmission infrastructure company, investing in electricity interconnections with other countries. With the same law the return on investments has been raised to more market-oriented levels. This should provide greater incentives for investing in the sector and facilitate its privatisation.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, pag. 65
Beginning with the school year 2003/2004 the Decree (no. 61 of 22/07/2003) introduced a number of innovative subjects into the curricula of primary schools, by increasing computer literacy and the teaching of English.
Italy's report on economic reform Oct. 2004 p. 28
The tax reform (Legislative Decree n. 6/2003) has considerably modified the corporate taxation system, with some effects that could influence the private equity and venture capital transactions: - the new IRES includes a very important role of the "participation exemption" clause whereby gains generated by the sale of permanent participations will be exempted, while the capital losses relative to such holdings will not be deductible; - the introduction of the "participation exemption" limits the deductions of interest charges relative to stakes owned, called "pro-rata"; - the tax reform also introduces the "thin capitalization rule" that limits the deduction of interest expenses relative to inter-company loans for the portion of suc interst which exceeds the ration 4:1 (only for 2004, the ratio is 5:1) between financial debt and equity. The rule is subject to several conditions and exceptions; - the 19 percent substitutive tax on capital gains from the sale of business concerns or "qualified" stakes held for more than 3 years has been abolished; - mergers and demergers become totally tax neutral; - the company groups can opt for a domestic tax consolidation system (for resident companies) or for a worldwide tax consolidation system (marked by the presence of a resident controlling company).
Italy's report on economic reform 2004, p. 15
To specifically reduce the technological gap between the North and the South of Italy, the Integrated Package of Aids for innovation (PIA - Pacchetto Integrato di Agevolazioni) has been made operational in 2003. It is a definite intervention to finance articulated industrial projects contemplating both investments in R&D and productive investments (machinery, equipments, etc.)
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 30
Italy's report on economic reform 2004, pag. 33
One measure envisaged by the Italian Government to stimulate private research (Legislative Decree 269/2003 converted in the law 326/2003, so-called Tecno-Tremonti) provides incentives to companies that invest in R&D as well as benefits for the hiring of researchers and loans for high achieving students. For the financial year 2004 it is possible to deduct from the taxable income the R&D costs, including those for obtaining a european computer driving licence in addition to the normal depreciation allowance.
Italy's report on economic reform 2004, p. 16
In the telecommunications sector the approval of the Electronic Communication Code was the last step in the process of transposition into national law of the EU directives on electronic communications.
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), p. 28
Italy's report on economic reform Oct. 2004, p. 19
To ensure the new entity's independence it has been decided (as stated by law 290/03) that as of July 2007, no firm operating in the electricity sector (in segments other than transmission) may have a stake of more than 20 percent of the new entity's capital.
Introduction of the obligation for a qualifying examination for admission to the legal profession, to be held at the Appeal Court of the place where the candidate has served most of the apprenticeship period.
Italy's report on economic reform Oct. 2004, p. 30
The Simplification law (Law n. 229 of July 29th 2003 on Simplification and normative recasting) represents a major step toward the simplification of the relationships among enterprises, citizens and the public administration, with a drastic reduction of the laws currently in force. The Simplification Law aims at streamlining regulations concerning single subject matters through a unique legislation, the Code, which replaces the instrument of codification, as a mere list of the existing norms. The code collects all the rules regulating single sectors, eliminating the obsolete ones, gathering in a single regulatory framework the discipline in force, as well as innovating it.
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, pag. 40
In 2003 the Legislative Decrees reforming the large public reseach institutions in order to identify a specific role for each of these research authorities or agencies, and direct their activities towards the main strategic research issues.
Italy's report on economic reform 2004, p. 19
A "capacity payment" scheme has been introduced in order to remunerate electricity capacity. (Legislative Decree 379/2003, "Measures on the renumeration of productive capacity".)
Italy's report on economic reform 2003, p.27
This new legislation was adopted regarding the general charges of the electricity system that abolished the stranded costs thereby contributing to remove possible competitive advanges of incumbent to the detriment of other operators.
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), p. 20 and 57
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.16 and Annex 2, p.32. Complemented by Parliament of Lithuania.
Implementing strategy aimed at ensuring education quality in line with the needs of an individual living in an open civil society under market economy conditions, and the universal needs of the modern world society.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.8 and Annex 2, p.32. Complemented by Parliament of Lithuania.
Strategy aimed at ensuring education quality in line with the needs of an individual living in an open civil society under market economy conditions, and the universal needs of the modern world society.
The Ministry of the Interior prepared the E-Government Implementation plan, which was approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, in order to stimulate electronic services. This implementation plan, approved by the Governement on 25 November 2003, set up the responsible institutions, the time framework till 2012, the specific measures for each responsible institution, thereby ensuring the proper implementation of the E-Government strategic guidelines.
Economic Reforms of the product, services and capital markets 2004, p. 35
Bill no. 5157 involves selective measures relating to the prevention of bankruptcy and the fight against organized bankruptcies as introduced on 20 May 2003. It envisages certain modifications of corporate law in order to prevent bankruptcies prior to the start-up of enterprises. One of the main measures should strengthen financial requirements, by increasing the amount of the minimum authorized capital of the public limited companies and the private limited companies.
In 2003, the Portail de l'Innovation et de la Recherche (Portal for Innovation and Research) was launched (www.innovation.public.lu). This is the electronic answer to the search for relevant information, and offers optimum services to companies and research centres concerning innovation, R&D and the creation of innovative business companies.
Economic Reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2003, p. 30; ERAWATCH; Economic reform in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg 2002, p. 16
Established in 2003, The University of Luxembourg has the mission to carry out three principal activities: teaching, research and valorisation, at the highest international level. The founding principles of the University are interdisciplinarity, the symbiosis between teaching and research, the international cooperation, particularly regarding mobility of students, teachers and researchers. In terms of research, the mission statement of the university underlines the aim of reaching excellence in some restricted areas considered to be of a high priority. The university has selected seven high priority scientific focus areas (Security and reliability of information technology; Material science; Life sciences; European and business law; Finance; Educational science; Luxembourg studies) and four medium priority focus areas (Geodynamics and seismology; Environmental resources and technologies; The economy and entrepreneurship; Social sciences).
New legislation on public procurement took effect on 1 September 2003. The intent behind the new texts is to simplify, clarify and render the procedures transparent, and to codify all of the legislation. With regard to public procurement, the use of public tenders will be retained as standard practice. This legislation will be amended in as amuch as the Directives dealing with public procurement, 2004/17/CE and 2004/17/CE dated 31 March 2004 will be adapted to the nation's legislation.
On 1st May 2004 the VAT Act (Cap. 406) was amended to include the Intra-Community regime, which consists of a set of rules and administrative procedures that apply when traders buy or sell goods that need to be transported for delivery from one Member State to another.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2004, p. 14
Regional rail transport will be decentralised in a number of stages and be publicly put out to tender. A number of pilot tenders have already been successfully carried out.
Progress report on product and capital market functioning in the Netherlands 2003, pag.10
Report on economic reform 2003, p. 6, 39
In June 2003, a New Competition Law was approved. Main changes this Law brought are: the enlargement of the scope of the law to all economic sectors; the clarification of the conditions under which this new law applies to public enterprises and to enterprises that benefit from special or exclusive rights granted by the Government; a new set of procedures to take control in advance of mergers; the introduction of clear and adequate rules of relationship between the Competition Authority and sectoral regulators; and the restructuring of penalties.
In January 2003, an Information System for Firms was launched through a protocol signed between public entities and associations, to promote the access of firms to information on markets, business opportunities, support measures and incentives, technologies and development, as well as sectoral prospects.
The First Railway Package was translated into national legislation. This regime entered into force fully in 2004, and secondary legislation is currently being prepared. Among the most relevant, is the Regulation of the system of charges for using railway infrastructure and the regime for improving infrastructure management, which is currently in the phase of public consultation (in the meantime, the temporary regime has been extended).
Report on economic reform 2003, p. 42; Report on economic reform 2002, p. 21
The IDEIA programme (Ministerial order nr. 16/2003, of 9 January) was set up to promote co-operation among enterprises and entities belonging to the National Scientific and Technological System with a view to developing new processes, products or services. The following are among its main features:  - average public funding of 50% of R&D costs; - projects must include training activities related to technological development; - the Government will provide the devices for the protection of industrial and intellectual property rights, namely by granting them preference within the Incentive System for the Use of Industrial Property.
E-procurement aims to rationalize costs and increase transparency and efficiency in the public sector and the generalization of electronic purchases in the Portoguese business sector. This project was launched in the first semester of 2003 with the strategic definition of the model of electronic public purchases and shall be followed by pilot projects in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and in the Ministries of National Defence, Justice, Education, Health, Social Security and Labour and Public Works and Housing.
A new execution system entered into force in September of this year which will speed up the processing of the execution through the attribution of a significant part of the processing of the execution to an execution agent;
Report on economic reform 2003, p. 6, 39; Report on economic reform 2002, p. 11
The Competition Authority came into force in January 2003 and has concentrated its activity on the following major areas of intervention: market structural changes/ mergers, concentrations and joint-ventures; regulation of markets and state aid control; restrictive practices and infraction processes.
Report on economic reform 2004, p. 15; Report on economic reform 2003, p. 7
The new Industrial Licensing Code that came into force in 2003 adopted the principle of one-to-one service and afforded a reduction in the average time required for licensing from several months to 35 days in May 2004 and to 19 days for less complex processes. Information on individual licensing is available on-line. New Industrial Licensing Code: classifies industrial firms into 4 types, ranked by degree of potential hazards to humans and to the environment, corresponding to decreasing complexity in licensing rules and procedures;
Changes introduced to the Framework Law on the Evaluation of Higher Education Institutions (Law n. 1/2003), including the introduction of a classification based on merit, the mandatory accreditation of institutions and courses in case of a negative performance evaluation;
In the course of 2003/2004, liberalization of the market for electronic communications proceeded further. Barriers to market entry were reduced and competition enhanced in the electronic communications market by: - facilitating number portability; - establishing an adequate time limit for the restraint on win-back action (e.g. granting the client the necessary amount of time to enjoy fully service of the pre-selected provider, trying it out and remaining free to continue being a client or to release itself from the contract); - launching public consultations on the type of calls eligible for pre-selection of the provider and on subscriber line resale;  - and by redrafting the rules applicable to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
The "Programme for the Qualification of the 1st Cycle" (first four years of basic education) was launched in the academic year 2003/2004. Its strategic goals are, to:  - structure a new basic education of 6 years in order ro eliminate existing bottlenecks between the 1st and 2nd cycles; - prepare pupils, early on, to master information and communication technologies;  - fight against school failure and drop-out.
Report on economic reform 2004, p. 15; Report on economic reform 2003, p. 5
A new Industrial Property and Patents Code (CPI) was published in March 2003 (Decree-law no. 36/2003 of 5 March). It governs the issues related to inventions, sets out and regulates the rights and duties concerned. It can be consulted on-line, via the website of the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial - INPI (Industrial and Intellectual Property Institute), www.inpi.pt. In the wake of the adoption of a new Industrial Property Code in March 2003, the network of centres for the promotion of industrial property was enhanced, encompassing presently 20 centres. In 2003 288 patents, 7674 brands and 681 models and designs were registered.
e-U Programme - Virtual Campus (Electronic University) [www.e-u.pt]. The e-U Programme was the first initiative of the new Information Society strategy launched by the Innovation and Knowledge Society Unit. e-U is an ambitious programme, aimed at all academic communities throughout the country, constituting, thus, a pioneer initiative in this field. The e-U Programme aims at promoting quick and easy access to knowledge within academic communities, through the set up of wireless broadband access networks, stimulating thereby the use of laptops, as well as the cooperation among universities and between these and the market. The programme is developed according to four priority policy areas a) broadband diffusion; b) bridging the digital divide; c) e-government development (academic services online) and d) ICT training. e-U was conceived as an integrated stratgey developed in partnership with around 30 entities: hardware manufactures, banks, ISPs, software producers, the National Mail Service and TV networks take part in the promotion of the initiative. e-U will be fully operational in about 90% of higher education institutions by December 2003;
The Incentives Programme for the Modernization of the Economy (PRIME), which reformulates the Operational Programme for the Economy (POE), was launched in July 2003. Its objective is to improve the coherence, efficiency and effectiveness of support granted to investment and to the modernization of firms. Decision processes for granting incentives were streamlined; selectivity criteria and investment assessment were improved and rewards introduced for the most successful firms.
Report on economic reform 2004, p. 19; Report on economic reform 2003, p. 18
The approval by August 2003 of two action plans - the Information Society Action Plan (Resolution of the Council of Ministers 107/2003, of the 12th of August 2003) and the e-Government Action Plan (Resolution of the Council of Ministers 108/2003, of the 12th August 2003) - and of three thematic initiatives - the National Broadband Initiative (Resolution of the Council of Ministers 109/2003, of the 12th of August 2003), the National Programme for the Participation of Citizens with Special Needs in the Information Society (Resolution of the Council of Ministers 110/2003, of the 12th of August 2003) and the National e-Procurement Program (Resolution of the Council of Ministers 111/2003, of the 12th of August 2003) - aimed at generating a new momentum in the development and Knowledge Society in Portugal.
As a first stage for the establishment of an Investment Code, an Investor's Guide was published containing a list of the most "frequently asked questions" and respective answers, as well as a summary of all Portuguese legislation concerning entrepreneurial investment (available since May 2003 on API Internet address www.investinportugal.pt).
In 2003, tax control and audit were improved, mainly through: the simplification of tax forms for the most relevant taxes; the establishment of a taxpayers' register according to economic activity; the organisation of a tax debtors' register and the exclusion of taxpayers with tax debts from the access to fiscal benefits. Actions aiming at the modernisation of tax collection procedures were carried on by using electronic means such as:  - Submission through the INTERNET of tax income and corporate income tax declarations has been made compulsory for taxpayers with turnover, entrepreneurial or professional revenues above 1 250 000 euros; this allows the gathering of relevant tax information, namely, on securities ownership and revenue there from, fiscal benefits associated with savings accounts, financial operations and life insurance; - Dematerialization of VAT declarations: submission through the Internet has been made compulsory for taxpayers encompassed by the normal regime, thereby reducing management costs and providing more reliable and faster tax information.
The basic rate of the corporate income tax was reduced from 30% to 25% and the tax reserve for investment (a maximum reduction of 20% in net corporate tax payments) came into force as from January 2004 onwards.
The Law on the Financing of Higher Education: sets out general framework for the financing of higher education based on an formula and on contract programs associated to budget programs, with a view to enhancing quality in higher education and the social relevance of the courses. Public higher education financing will take into account the performance of students. The law establishes the maximum number of applications a student is allowed to make in the attended course, which, if reached, entails the loss of the entitlement to a new application; the student is prevented to apply the same course or to any other course in the two following semesters, tuition fees will be set by the ruling bodies of higher education institutions and may vary between an upper and a lower threshold, according to the quality and the nature of the courses;
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 16
Act on Electronic Communications No 610/2003 Coll. on Electronic Communications came in force on January 1, 2004. This act transposes the new EU regulatory framework for electronic communications into the Slovak law. This Act has strengthed the competences of the Telecommunication Authority, accelerated liberalisation of the telecom market and strengthed user's rights.Within a period of January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005,  Slovak parliament adopted 2 amednments to the above mentioned act (no 716/2004 Coll. of December 2, 2004; and  no 69/2005 Coll. of February 4, 2005) aimed to precising provisions and improving trasposition of relevant acquis into the Slovak legislation.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 37, 38 and p. 87 (annex grid)
The Slovak Republic transposed into its legal system the EP and Council Directive 2000/31/EC on electronic commerce through Act No. 22/2004 Coll. on electronic commerce and its amendment No. 160/2005 Coll. The law on electronic commerce legalises communication by means of electronic equipment and lays down the requirements for its use. (...)The law on electronic commerce and signatures makes it possible to use electronic communication and electronic signatures between entrepreneurs, suppliers and customers - electronic order forms, electronic invoices. Competent authorities introduced the possibility of electronic filing of tax returns with guaranteed electronic signatures, electronic reporting of insurance events, using and sending forms through relevant public administration portals by individuals, entrepreneurs, for the purpose of further proceedings before these bodies; furthermore, electronic communication with customs authorities has been introduced with a view to simplifying formalities in international commerce. Standards and procedures recommended by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business at the Geneva-based ECE are respected in the communication with customs authorities, supported globally also in co-operation with other international organisations, in particular the OECD, WTO, UNCTAD, etc. At present, attention is focussed on e-cash in connection with preparations for introducing the Euro in the Slovak Republic.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 18; Initial Standpoints and Guidelines for the National Research and Development programme, 2003, pp 6-7.
In 2004, the Science and Technology Council of the RS (expert and advisory body of the Government) adopted first operative decisions concerning the priorities of future research funding that were based on a previous initial project of technology foresight (Project of  Technology Foresight for Slovenia: First phase, Institute for Economic Research, Ljubljana, September 2004), as well as on  the document Initial Standpoints and Guidelines for the National Research and Development programme adopted by the Council for Science and Technology of the RS on 11 March 2003 and approved by the Government of the RS in July 2003.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 19 and Single Programming Document 2004-2006: Programme Complement, December 2003.
A novelty in the cooperation between industry and the research community was the decision adopted in December 2003 to finance the establishment of at least 8 centres of excellence in priority areas of research and technological development, intended to connect, through joint R&D, research and educational institutions with the leading industrial subjects. Besides financial support for joint research projects, the purchase of research and laboratory equipment in public research institutions making part of these centres of excellence has been provided.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 18, and Decision establishing  the Public Research Agency of the RS (Official Gazette RS No. 123/2003, 11/12/2003).
In accordance with the Research and Development Act from the year 2002, (Official Gazette RS No. 96/2002), a public agency, namely Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS), was established in December 2003 by a decision of the Government. The entire year 2004 was devoted to putting in place organisational, legal, financial and other provisions for the full operation of the ARRS.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 8
This legislation completes the regulatroy implementation of the Electricity Law, detailing the characteristics of the island and offshore grids (Balearic and Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla) with an electricity model that enables the activities to be performed in a context of free competition, introducing the effective opportunity for customers in those territories to enjoy the advantages of liberalisation in conditions that are equivalent to mainland customers for the first time.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 38
Law 62/2003, of 31 december 2003, increases certain tax parameters such as: - The percentage deduction for contracting qualified research staff and projects from Universities, Public Research Institutes and Centres of Research and Technology goes up from 10% to 20% of the associated costs. - The deduction base for the purchase of advanced technology in the form of patents, licences, know-how and designs is raised from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1,000,000. - Raising from 45% to 50% of the maximum incremental deduction applicable when the amount of the deduction envisaged for R&D and Innovation and ICT spending exceeds 10% of the gross tax charge.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 28
A broader offering of pre-school care (0-3 years) via the 2003 launch of a scheme to cofinance new places for the under-threes, whether in municipal centres or company creches (run by companies singly or in partnership for the care of their employees' children).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 11
The new regulation includes the principle of recouping the cists for water-related services, and its application will help rationalise water demand;
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 7
This new law sets out to (Law 58/2003):  - Provide a legal frame of reference for the tax system which is both modern and comprehensive; - Align tax procedures more closely with the general rules of Administrative Procedure; - Improve the tools available to the tax authorities for the fight against tax fraud and evasion, by new rules on fraud in law as well as tax offences and sanctions; - Reinforce taxpayers' rights and guarantees by affording them greater legal certainty; - Simplify relations between the taxpayer and the tax office through the use of new technologies.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 14
The goals of increasing sector competition and vitalising the telecoms market, while strengthening user rights and guarantees, were addressed in the new Telecommunications Law (Law 32/2003), whereby:   - Freedom of entry is extended by simplifying the licensing formalities for new operators. - Ex-ante regulation gives way to ex-post supervision as competition builds. Sector regulator the Telecommunications Market Commission (CMT) will identify markets where real competition is lacking. And only in these markets will it be able to impose obligations ex ante on the dominant operators. - The scope of universal service provision is selectively enlarged along with protection for selected users, in particular via the "functional access to Internet" requirement, and more emphasis on tailored packages for special groups.  - Efficient spectrum use is enshrined as a key principle in planning, management and usage. Authorisation is given for the assignment of frequencies among operators.
Both the Competition Service and Competition Tribunal have had their financial and human resources enlarged and strengthened. The latter has also empowered by a new Statute (Royal Decree 864/2003, of 4 July) which governs its functioning, and allocated new revenues which are not subject to budgetary decisions. Its staff have also been reinforced. Between 2001 and 2003, the Tribunal's funds have increased 2.5 times over while its staff headcount has doubled.
Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p. 12 Plan to foster e-Government. Ministry of Science & Technology, and Ministry of Public Administration.(May 2003)
Development and execution during the years 2004 and 2005 of a Plan to foster E-Government (approved in 2003), comprising 19 measures that pursue four goals: facilitate user access, boost the development of user services, facilitate the exchange of information between Public Administrations, and support the internal reorganisation of Public Administrations. Each measure has its own objective, operation system and time-frame to be accomplished.
A broader scope for SME tax benefits, with a raising of the eligibility threshold from EUR 5 to EUR 6 million turnover (Law 36/2003, of 11 November on economic reform measures).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 4
Officials responsible for inspections can now access documents in any medium and the penalty for obstructing inspection work is now linked to the company's sales.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 9/10
The Telecommunications Market Commission (CMT) approved a system of maximum interconnection prices in December 2003 with a double objective: firstly, to balance interconnection reveneus, which currently favour mobile operators over fixed telephony operators; and, secondly, to force cuts in retail services which, in the case of fixed-to-mobile calls, had been performed only by fixed telephony companies;
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 8, 38; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 12
Encourage take-up of electronic registrations and notifications, and the use of telematic means to replace the presentation of paper certificates (Royal Decree 209/2003 of 21 February). This measure:  - Improves information exchange between administrative bodies and with citizens by regulating the progressive changeover from paper certificates to electronic certification and data transmission.   - Speeds up administrative formalities. Decision and notification periods are reduced, while official requests, reports and other documents can be submitted to telematic registers 24 hours a day all year round. The administration will provide a single electronic address for the telematic notifications of citizens who authorise the use of such media and select the corresponding procedures.  The Secure Telematic Notification Service came into operation in October 2003 and is available via the Citizen's portal, www.administracion.es. Each citizen or company that so requests will be provided with an individual e-mail address, at which they will be able to receive administrative notices with the same legal standing as hardcopy notices.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 15
In VAT, a regulation was approved regarding invoicing obligations, involving the transposition to domestic law of Council Directive 2001/115/EC of 20 December.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 16
Law 39/2003, of 17 November on Rail Transport, not only writes the EU "rail package" into Spanish legislation but actually goes further in its liberalising intent. Its provisions lay the groundwork for sector competition and will hopefully reverse the market share drain suffered by rail freight transport in Spain; a trend more accentuated than elsewhere in Europe. It proposes:   - A clear separation between infrastructure management and rail transport services, to be conducted independently by separate legal entities. - Increased competition to RENFE with present and future market operators. - A regulatory framework for access by rail transport companies to goods and passenger transport services. The services opened up to competition are: national freight transport, international freight services using the Trans-European Network of Rail Freight Transport and, by 15 March 2008, international freight services using the General Interest Rail Network. Although the Law will not apply to passenger transport until the EU has defined a common framework for market opening, its text provides the legal mechanisms for this next stage.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 29/30
In the field of business, it has extended the fiscal benefits of the special corporate income tax regime for companies whose exclusive corporate purpose is property rental to those companies which rent, or offer for rent, housing that they have built, developed or acquired. It aims to promote, through taxation, the professional management of rented accomodation.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 36
Law 36/2003, of 11 November, extends the objective scope of tax deductions for research, development and technological innovation activities.
The process of reviewing Spanish intellectual property legislation starting with the Law of Trademarks and Royal Decree on Patent Examinations of 2001, and continuing with the reform of the Patent Law in 2002, culminated with Law 20/2003, of 7 July, on the Legal Protection of Industrial Design.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 5
Improvement of the current state aid framework following implementation late in 2003 of the General subsidies Law which, among other things:  - Defines the basic principles of the policy on subsidies. The law establishes that subsidies should be used to address clearly-identified failures and their effects should cause as little distortion as possible; - Enables the most efficient and effective possible use of subsidies, in keeping with the principles of objectivity and equality. Accordingly, the instruments used to evaluate the effectiveness of the subsidies and to control their outcome have been improved;  - Establishes a new legal framework for public subsidies;  - Introduces greater transparency in the system, by obliging aid-giving bodies to make their work public and envisaging the creation of a national data base.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 13; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 39
The Insolvency Law 22/2003, dated 9 July, which came into force on 1 September 2004, introduces a new regulatory framework for company insolvencies that is of great significance in the overall economic and legal system. The new Law replaced a regulation, part of which had been in force for over a century and was in need of major reform. Therefore, a completely new framework was drafted, which streamlines proceedings for arrangements with creditors and makes them more flexible, efficient and predictable. In short, it seeks to give insolvency proceedings a preventive nature, so that companies' financial difficulties can be addressed in time. The new Law is intended to contribute to a shift in mentalities, so that insolvency is not synonymous with failure, thus boosting the economy's capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. The highlights of this new Law include:  - Rationalising the regulation, which treats the various insolvency situations homogenously and consolidates previously disperse legislation; - Specialisation, through the creation of mercantile courts; - Change in the regulation's focus, so that the priority objective in insolvency proceedings is maintaining economic activity.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 12
(Law 13/2003, regulatory of the contract of grant of public works) The second is a draft law regulating public works concessions now before parliament. This reform sits firmly within the fiscal consolidation drive and seeks to draw in private finance for infrastructure projects by modernising the legislative framework. The new, consolidated text provides for a broader application of concession contracts, which may take in the construction and operation of public infrastructure or operation alone. It also widens the array of fund-raising instruments available to the concession-holder, and stipulates how government authorities should remunerate works which are not economically profitable.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2004, p. 12
Two particular relevant laws have been passed in this area: the General Telecommunications Law (which involves Public Administrations in matter relating to the Information Society), and Law 59/2003 on electronic signatures, in accordance with the corresponding European Directive.
A tax spur to entrepreneurial saving via a new personal income tax deduction for "business saving accounts" opened by "New Enterprise" limited companies (Law 36/2003, of 11 November, on economic reform measures).
Progress Reprot on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 28
The Law of Educational Quality distinguishes between pre-school education (0-3 years) and early childhood education (3-6 years). The regulation of this stage, with its dual educational and care requirements, is assigned to the Autonomous Communities subject to the core contents laid down in Royal Decree 828/2003 of 27 June.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2003, p. 10; Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets 2002, p. 51
Stimulate new enterprise creation, especially in the SME segment, by the passage of Law 7/2003, of 1 April creating the "New enterprise" limited company, and its implementing regulations. Its main poles are the simplification of administrative procedures and unification of the formalities involved in new firm creation, which can also be completed by electronic means. Note that this is a partnership initiative involving various ministerial departments, regional governments, the General Council of Public Authenticating Officers and the National Registrars' Association. A series of tax incentives are also provided to help newly created SMEs through their first, crucial development stage. From the time of its launch to December 2003, this simplified corporate form has been subscribed to by 1,492 new companies;
Regulations have been adapted to recent changes in Community and domestic legislation accompanied by technical improvements. (Royal Decree 378/2003, of 28 March implementing provisions of Law 16/1989 of 17 July on block exemptions, individual authorisation and the Competition Register).
The publication schedule of TDC reports regarding business concentrations has been expedited.
The Government has proposed that the Sweish Agency for Innovation Systems be allocated funds in 2003 to start up a national incubator programme based on existing structures. (Government Bill 2002/03:1 - 2003 Budget Bill)
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Oct. 2004, p. 9
On January 1, 2004 the easing of regulations on the inheritance and gift taxes was broadened with the aim of facilitaing the shift to the next generation in unlisted companies (Govt. Bill 2003/04:17).
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2004 - pag. 7; National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Nov. 2003, p. 15
The Government appointed a special investigator in October 2003 with the task of conducting an economic analysis to see if the aims of the liberalisation had been achieved and to evaluate the regulation and the exercise of public authorities' responsibility in the postal market (Dir. 2003:117). The commissioner is to report on this task to the government no later than January 2005.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden, nov. 2003, pag. 16
Beginning in 2004 it is proposed that VINNOVA (the Swedish Agency for Innovation System) put SEK 100 million into strengthening applied industrial research in information technology and telecommunication.
With this law the Swedish electricity grid company is responsible for keeping a power reserve available in the swedish electricity system. It will also provide this reserve through agreements reached with electricity producers on increasing production and with major electricity customers on reduced consumption. The law was in force until the end of February 2008 when a market solution for maintaining the power balance was supposed to have been developed. (Peak load reserve law 2003:436) The law has been prolonged until 15 of March 2011.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2004 - p. 12
The Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA) has distributed SEK 30 million in 2003 to develop a national incubator programme supporting the start-up and development of new research-based companies. The results have been positive and the programme has therefore been extended to the end of 2004.
To support municipalities' broadband expansion, the Budget Bill for 2004 (Government Bill 2003/04:1) contains a proposal that part of the funds previously reserved for reducing taxes for high connection costs instead may be used for investment in the IT infrastructure. This will lead to an additional SEK 250 million investment in broadband next year.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets, Sweden 2003 - pag 12
A new law on electronic communication came into effect in July 2003. The government expects that the new regulation, which has the aim of implementing new EC laws on electronic communication networks and communication services will further contribute to positive developments in the market. The new legislation gives PTS (the National Post and Telecom Agency) expanded authority to intervene in markets that do not have effective competition. In such cases, the authority shall decide on appropriate obligations to be imposed on companies with significant market power, for example, with respect to controlling prices, interconnection or other forms of access. (Law 2003:389)
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p. 15
The Companies (Audit, Investigation and Community Enterprise) Bill was introduced in December 2003. It takes forward recommendations from the Swift Review into the reform of regulation in the auditing profession and from the coordinating group for Accounting and Audit. These improvements enhance auditor independence and strengthen financial reporting.
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002-03, p. 9
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p. 9
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p. 7
The Water Act 2003 introduced competition to non-household consumers who use large quantities of water. The Office of water Services (Ofwat) will invite applications from prospective new licensees from summer 2005, with the new regime fully in place from autumn 2005. A review of the competition framework, including the 50 megalitre threshold, above which competition applies, will be undertaken within three years of the commencement of the regime.
Report on progress on reform of product and capital markets: United Kingdom, 2003-04, p8.
The 2002 Pre-Budget Report asked the OGC to consider what further steps could be taken to increase competition and encourage better long-term capacity planning in parkets where the Government possesses significant purchasing power. The OGC responded with a report and action plan in December 2003.   The OGC is consulting with departments, other public sector organisations and industry to implement the action plan, including consultation with industry groups. The overall intention is to make the public sector better at planning its procurements and communicating its needs to industry in a way that best uses available capacity within markets and enables industry to respond effectively, innovatively and to deliver improved value for money.
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2002-03, p. 11
Report on Progress on Reform of Product and Capital Markets: United Kingdom 2003-04, p. 25
In January 2003, the postal regulator, Postcomm, issued the first bulk mail licences as part of a three phase opening of the postal market intended to remove all restrictions on entry from 1 April 2007. After further consideration, however, Postcomm is now consulting on its intention to bring forward full liberalisation in the UK to 1 January 2006.
The "Offensivprogramm II" is funded by 600 Mio. EUR (2004-2006). The allocation of these funds is based on the recommendations of the Austrian Council of Research and Technology Development.
In the beginning of 2004, the so called "Double Equity Funds", was established: Private equity capital provided by firms or friends (family, business angels) is now doubled by a credit from AWS without requiring any particular security.
Since May 2004, the e-Procurement-Regulation governs the electronically based creation and delivery of offers in the area of public procurement. Special attention was paid to the use of electronic signatures for offers in public procurement.
In business taxation, corporate income tax rate will be reduced significantly from 34% to 25%, while slightly broadening the tax base at the same time. Additionally, instead of the former Austrian version of group relief new taxation of groups will be introduced aiming at attracting headquarters and R&D-facilities. These measures are projected to lower tax revenues by almost 1.1 bn. in the long run.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p. 21
Permanent institution of a comprehensive quality management system in Austrian VET schools and colleges
The e-Government Act came into force in March 2004, providing the juridical framework for e-government and focusing on useridentification, data protection, and security-issues.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 14
In 2003, Belgium launched an R&D incentives programme in favour of employers who employ researchers, resulting in partial wage tax exemption on the remuneration paid to researchers in universities, higher schools and FWO-FNRS (national scientific research funds). Since 1 July 2004, this partial wage tax exemption has been extended to researchers employed by scientific institutions registered by a Royal Decree debated in the Cabinet. The percentage of the exemption is fixed at 50%.
In 2005, the Government of the region of Flanders launched a new innovation audit service through a network of 30 consultants to help SMEs to assess their innovation potential and to define a strategic action plan for improving it. The innovation audit is currently carried out by innovation advisors located in the regional innovation centres. It is targeting specifically SMEs and is one of the most important instruments in Flanders' first-line support for business innovation.
Progress Report 2006 p. 35; Belgian OJ of 5 May 2004 and 25 October 2005
On 12 October 2005, the Danish national postal service and the UK investment group CVC Capital Partners acquired a stake in the Belgian national post (La Poste/ De Post) in return for a 300 million euros capital injection. This equates to 50%-1 of total shares, the federal government retaining 50%+1. The aim of the partnership is to boost core business and finances, and to further support modernisation.
Belgian Report for the EU, Oct. 2004, p.
The main event in the last months was the Belgacom IPO on Euronext on 22 March 2004, for a total amount of 3.6 billion euros. Since then the price has been relatively stable, with more than 700,000 shares traded per day.(The total floating stock corresponds to 148,845,715 shares.) After this introduction, the ownership structure of Belgacom was as follows: 51.6% owned by the State, 9.5% owned by Belgacom, 0.5% owned by employees and 38.4% in floating stock. In August, Belgacom decided to cancel 70% of its own shares. The new distribution of ownership is as follows: 55.3% owned by the State, 3.1% by Belgacom, 0.5% by employees and 41.1% in floating stock.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 11  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Beleidsnota administratieve vereenvoudiging, 2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Staatssecretariaat voor administratieve vereenvoudiging Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.kafka.be (11/01/2011) 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Het Kafkaboek Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Dienst voor de Administratieve Vereenvoudiging Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussel Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.dav.be/doc/1180607293-4684.pdf
In this plan, the main focus is on the reduction of administrative barriers for new and existing businesses and for citizens. The Kafka Plan's objective is to realize at least 12 concrete simplications, that will have a significant and durable impact on the administrative burden for companies and citizens.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 9
As for access to the distribution networks, the first regulated tariffs have been approved by the federal energy regulator CREG in June-July 2004.(Following the publication of the general tariff structure in the Official Journal of 29 February 2004.) These are applicable to the whole of 2004 and to each DSO (either nominated or candidate). The 2004 tariffs are not significantly different from those seen in previous years.
Belgium NRP 2008-2010, p. 44. http://www.iwt.be/downloads/publicaties/brochure/fiche_tetra_eng.pdf
The Flemish authorities support the transfer of research results through the funding of university interface activities and through the TETRA fund (targeted at schools for higher education). The operation of these interface services was evaluated in 2008 and the results of the assessment led to a new multi-year policy plan which will come into effect in 2009. The budget of the TETRA fund was increased by 1.5 million euros in 2008 and totalled 8.9 million euros.  The aim of the TETRA Fund is to stimulate TEchnology TRAnsfer to a large group of SMEs. As of 2004, the TETRA Fund replaces the former HOBU Fund. All technologies and applications are eligible, provided they have an industrial application and result in product or process improvements. Studies focused on exclusively social, economic, legal or medical issues do not fit in this programme. However, the project may include some aspects of these.  Flemish higher education establishments propose their own projects. Following the selection and approval process, the Flemish authorities subsidize the projects through the IWT at a rate of 92.5% of the costs. The results are applied in companies, organizations and their own educational establishments. Each project is linked up to a users committee of stakeholders.
Belgian Report for the EU, Oct 2004, p. 3
Furthermore, at the beginning of 2004 a special task force entitled "Foreign Direct Investment" was set up by the federal government. This task force, which is a partnership between federal authorities and representatives of the four biggest consultancy firms, has only one mission: to increase FDI by creating incentives and eliminating possible obstacles.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 14; Belgian OJ 27 February 2004
In accordance with Directive 2001/14 of the European Union, the network statement was approved by the government on 19 February 2004. The network statement describes the state-owned rail network, the access conditions, the capacity allocation process, the services supplied to railway undertakings and the principles used in determining the infrastructure infrastructure charge. The network statement falls under the responsibility of Infrabel.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 7
On 20 July 2004, the government approved the draft law implementing the new EU regulatory framework in national legislation. This draft has been introduced into the parliament for final legislative approval in the autumn. Furthermore, future practical application of this law should be subject to the conclusion of a cooperation agreement between the federal government and the regional governments. In the meantime, the BIPT was forced to take some temporary measures in order to bring the national regulations into line with the new European framework. These decrees cover, among other things, the conditions for access to the communication services market.
Belgian Report for the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 4; Belgian OJ 5 October 2004
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 30  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Beslisisng van de Vlaamse Regering: Invoering reguleringsimpactanalyse (RIA) in Vlaanderen: begeleidende maatregelen Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Minister van Bestuurszaken, Buiitenlands Beleid, Media en Toerisme Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussel Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	17-12-2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.wetsmatiging.be (3-2-2011) 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Beslissing van de Vlaamse Regering: Invoering van een systeem van reguleringsimpactanalyse: Voorbereiding voor de invoering van de lichte RIA vanaf 1 januari 2005 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Minister van Bestuurszaken, Buiitenlands Beleid, Media en Toerisme Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussel Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	4-6-2004 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.wetsmatiging.be (3-2-2011)
On the 4th of June 2004 the Flemish government decided on the introduction of the first stage of a system of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) as from the 1st of January 2005 onwards. With a RIA one checks in a systematic manner the likely consequences a new legislative initiative will have on the "clients" (citizens, companies, other government institutions, the environment, ...) as well as on the government administration that is in charge of implementing and monitoring the initiative. The new legislative initiative is checked against the following characteristics of good regulation:  is the regulation really necessary and are there no better alternatives ? Will the regulation be effective and balanced ?  Will it be possible to implement the regulation and to control its implementation ?  With this system a solution is offered for the problem that currently the Flemish legislation is not only administrative too burdensome or too complex, but also shows  shortcomings from a contentwise perspective. The objectives are not always clear or not reached, the benefits do not seem to outweigh the costst, the costs are unnecessarily high because alternatives were not analysed, the rules are not enforceable, etc.  A distinction is made between a "light" RIA that will be implemented as from the 1st of january 2005 onwards and the "heavy" RIA (to be implemented only in exceptional circumstances). A light RIA will result in a short document of 3 to 5 pages that must be prepared and accompany all proposed legislation that will have a regulatory impact on citizens, enterprises or non-for-profit organizations.
Belgian Report for the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 8
The last central piece of legislation, the Law organising the gas market in the Brussels Capital Region, was adopted in April 2004.
Belgian Report to the EU, Oct. 2004, p. 11; www.nmbs.be; Belgian OJ 24 June 2004 Cardiff Report 2001, p.18
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 p. 59; 2007 Progress Report BG p. 44  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual Report on the Condition and Development of SMEs in Bulgaria, Special Edition Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Centre for Economic Development Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/ind/econ.html 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual Report of SMEs Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Centre for Economic Development Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/ind/econ.html
Actions for the development and institutionalization of several cluster structures in different sectors were undertaken in 2004 upon an initiative of the main business partners - the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. Development of industrial clusters for improving competitiveness of Bulgarian SMEs.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 58; 2007 Progress Report BG p. 45  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the Implementation of the Approved Policies and Programs of the Ministry of Economy and Energy for 2009 (only in Bulgarian language)						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/doc_vop/Otchet%20Prog_%20budget_09.doc
The project "Creating entrepreneurs' skills and education in entrepreneurship" is a continuation of the project "Education in entrepreneurship" financed from the Budget 2005 of MEE and aimed at the implementation of the Package of Measures for Development of Entrepreneurship Skills among the Students on the Secondary Vocational (but not in economics) schools. The main objectives of the project are: creating of a functioning Center for Entrepreneurship (Educational Company); assisting and encouraging the ties between a selected vocational high school and the enterprises from the respective sector; establishing business clubs in schools as a well functioning and sustainable model of cooperation between business and the relevant vocational high schools.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 p. 14, Privatisation Agency of Bulgaria
Following the privatization of the Bulgarian Telecommunication Company AD (BTC AD) in 2005, the market in telecommunications has been completely liberalized. This provides for the entry of alternative operators and fixed phone networks delivering voice services.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 65, General Description taken from Erawatch.
National Reform Programme 2007-2009 BG p. 20, European Charter for Small Enterprises Country Report BG 2004 p. 24, National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 58  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the Implementation of the Approved Policies and Programs of the Ministry of Economy and Energy for 2009 (only in Bulgarian language)						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/doc_vop/Otchet%20Prog_%20budget_09.doc						 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the JOBS Project, 2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Labour and Social Polciy and UNDP Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.jobs-bg.org
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 53
In implementing Directive 2003/55/EC on the common rules for the natural gas Internal Market in the EU, as well as the Law on Energy, the liberalization and opening of the natural gas market in the country practically started in 2004.
Cardiff Report CY 2004 p. 10; National Lisbon Programme, Part II, October 2005, p. 22
The administrative capacity of the CPC was further enhanced, over the past year, through the recruitment of additional personnel by the Service of the CPC in February 2004 and the continuous training of its staff.
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2005, p. 24; ERAWATCH; Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 80
In June 2004 an agreement was signed between the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Republic of Cyprus for the establishment of a joint research institute based in Cyprus. This international research, education, and technology initiative for the environment and public health addresses key environmental issues in Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Towards this end, two new research and training entities have been created: The Cyprus International Institute (CII) for the Environment and Public Health located in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the HSPH-Cyprus Program (HCP) located in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The Cyprus International Institute (CII) for the Environment and Public Health will enhance the skills and overall capacity of researchers in Cyprus to address present and future societal needs of Cyprus and the region. In addition, the Institute will attract thousands of scientists from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and US who will come to Cyprus for training, research, and conferences. The "Cyprus International Institute for Environment and Public Health" has started its operations in September 2005 with the "Continuing Professional Education Program", which provides training courses to mid-career professionals related to the sectors of Environment and Public Health. Moreover, several research projects are taking place in the Institute. The activities of the Institute will be expanded in the academic year 2006-2007 with the provision of a post-graduate programme in Environmental Health. The agreement signed in 2004 has a ten-year duration.
A National Strategy for the e-Government has been drafted and is expected to be finalised before the end of 2004, within the framework of the National Information Society Strategy. The eGovernment strategy focuses on the key issues required to make the implementation of e-government successful.
Furthermore, a new scheme providing government grants with a view to foster youth entrepreneurship was introduced in July 2004, aiming to support activities falling within the sectors of manufacturing and e-commerce, as well as specific activities dealing with services and tourism. Additionally, the Scheme promotes the development of innovative projects, the adoption of new technologies and new products, and the support of services that enhance the quality of the tourism product.
The system allows Taxpayers-Natural persons to submit initial Tax Returns by the use of electronic communication methods (April 2004). By the end of October 2004 the system will also allow companies/partnerships to submit their corporation tax and VAT Returns.
In addition, the system for regulating oil prices was abolished by new law that became effective in May, 2004. Under the new law, prices have been fully liberalised.
As of May 1, 2004, the system of VAT and excise duties has been harmonised, which facilitates the trade in goods and services within the EU.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 24 Implementation Report 2009
Amendment to the Income Tax Act of January 2005 (Act No. 669/2004 Coll., on a Change of Act No. 586, 1992 Coll. on Income Taxes) allowed for deduction from corporate income tax base of additional 100% in case that the taxpayer carries out precisely defined R&D projects. Evaluation of the first year in which this legislation is in force was carried out by the end of 2006 (deadline for submission of tax returns by tax consultants is in half of the year). Effective from January 2005, the act has it made possible to decrease the income tax base.  First statistics, which were published by the Ministry of Finance in the end of June 2007 show that 452 taxpayers applied for this tax deduction in 2005. The numbers for 2006 and 2007 are progressive (553, 592). Also the numbers for the total deductable amount rise (from CZK 3.31 bn in 2005 to CZK 5.08 bn in 2007).  In 2007 98% of the deductable amount was enforced by companies which applied for a deduction surpassing 1 mil. CZK and 43,5% was enforced by companies with more than 1000 employees.
The amendment to the Trade Licensing Act that come into force on May 1, 2004 simplified the administrative requirements for nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area and Switzerland by transposing EC directives (99/42/EC, 89/48/EEC and 92/51/EEC) on recognition of professional and other qualifications in the case of foreign citizens or legal entities who intend to settle down in the Czech Republic. The Trade Licensing Act was amended by the addition of a new article which allows for the free supply of services. This amendment permits entrepreneurs from the above-mentioned countries to offer temporarily their services in the Czech Republic on the basis of a trade licence issued by another Member State.
On June 2, 2004 an amendment of the Act on the Protection of Competition (Act No. 340/2004 Coll) entered into force. Its aim is to ensure implementation of the principles of modernised EC law and to allow the Office effectively to take part in the decentralised enforcement of community competition law within the European competition network. At the same time the Office prepared a proposal for a second amendment, which was debated by the government in July of 2004; the proposed changes are aimed at the further convergence of Czech competition law with EC legislation.
Cardiff Report CZ 2004, p. 11  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	CzechInvest.org Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	CzechInvest Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	CzechInvest Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.czechinvest.org/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual report Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	CzechInvest Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	CzechInvest Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.czechinvest.org/
Implementation Report 2006 p. 19  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Statute and rules of procedure of the Business Council Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Department 04100 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Industry and Trade Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://download.mpo.cz/get/31266/34535/370676/priloha001.doc 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Protocol of the 6th meeting of the Business Council Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Department 04100 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Industry and Trade Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://download.mpo.cz/get/43084/48247/572037/priloha001.pdf 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Protocol of the 5th meeting of the Business Council Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Department 04100 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Industry and Trade Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://download.mpo.cz/get/39290/43722/528132/priloha002.pdf 	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Protocol of the 4th meeting of the Business Council Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Department 04100 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Industry and Trade Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://download.mpo.cz/get/36925/41285/492164/priloha002.pdf
The Business Environment Development Council (BEDC) was set up in the beginning of 2004 as an expert inter-department advisory body by the Ministry of industry and trade. The BEDC was reformed and renamed to Business Council (BC) in 2007. The BC meets approximately once a year and discusses current problems related to business environment, suggests their solutions, prepares proposals of conceptual documents and concerns about efficient use of public and EU funds intended for business environment improvement. In the current BC, key ministries (represented by deputy ministers and department directors) and organisations of employers are involved. The main currently solved issues are the Plan to Reduce the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs, future form of investment incentives and industrial zones support, export support or implementation of the GUARANTEE programme.
The government adopted an amendment that should bring the existing act into line with new EC legislation (i.e. with the Directive 2003/54/EC and main principles of the Regulation 1228/2003/EC). The amendment was submitted to Parliament in April 2004 and should come into effect on December 30, 2004. The main advantage of this amendment is the legal, managerial and organisational separation of the providers of the transmission and distribution of electricity. It also allows for accomplishing the separation without any impact on price for final consumers. Furthermore the amendment, in accordance with the acquis communauaire removes obstacles to the free movement of electricity on the Internal Market.
Legislative framework providing for transmigration between study programmes of post-secondary vocational schools and bachelor degree programmes was adopted already in 2004. This legislation allowed for admitting post-secondary technical school students and graduates on universities.
The aim of a four-year project PILOT G (2004-2008) is to test creation and implementation of educational programmes on selected upper secondary general schools. During 2006, a first phase of the project was evaluated and final analyses of the 16 pilot schools' educational programmes were submitted. Examples of individual schools' educational programmes, which will now be used as models/illustration for other schools, came out of this programme. Furthermore, a complex methodology was elaborated, which will serve as guidance for teachers at other schools. Approved budget of this project is CZK 40.6 mill.
Annual Report on 2 Developments in Denmark 2004 and 2005, Annual Report 2005 by Danish Competition Authority, Cardiff Report DK 2004, p. 3.
The parliament adopted a number of amendments to the Danish Competition Act. Among other things, this was a result of new provisions for the application of EU competition rules that entered into force on 1 May 2004. Although its provisions are immediately applicable in Denmark, the revision provided a basis for amending the Competition Act to ensure that the rules were transparent and that the Danish rules did not differ materially from EU rules. The Danish Competition Council was given a wider scope to take action against dominant enterprises whose behavior impedes effective competition. Finally, the Act was amended in a number of areas in order to define and clarify the legal situation as much as possible.
An important element of the agreements (concluded 29 March 2004 with ELFOR) is the introduction of price control of grid and transmission companies, designed to ensure that prices do not go up as a result of the release of the capital value of the companies. The regulation prescribes that the revenue of the companies cannot exceed the revenue obtainable at the price prevailing on 1 January 2004. The revenue can go up only as a result of increased activity, for instance as a result of necessary new investment. The efficiency and perfomance of the companies is benchmarked. Efficiency requirements - and thus price reduction requirements - are imposed on inefficient companies. All companies have the incentive to enhance efficiency over and above any efficiency enhancement requirements imposed on them - the reason being that additional enhancements will generate a higher return on their capital within the revenue framewoek. However, companies obtaining a retun higher than the long mortgage rate + 1 percentage point will be required to reduce prices. The prerequisite for the implementation of the new price control is that the individual companies contract to surrender their ownership of the overall transmission network to the Government free of charge.
Cardiff Report DK 2004, p. 19; Structural reforms of the Danish product and capital markets 2003, p. 31
Also in spring 2004, the Minister for Economic and Business Affairs concluded an agreement with ELFOR on the capital structure of the electricity sector and protection of the independence of the overall electricity infrastructure. As part of the agreement with ELFOR, responsibility for the system and for the electricity transmission network will be transferred to the Government and the Government will have a pre-emptive right - as well as a pre-empive obligation - to purchase the regional transmission networks. The aim is to further efficient competition in the electricity market through ownership separation of systems responsibility and transmission from electricity production and trading. This will ensure that the conditions for network access are determined independently of commercial interests. EnergiNet Denmark will be established as a government company to be responsible for the system and the transmission of electricity as from 1 January 2005.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004 p. 31
In 2004, the Government entered into a political agreement to set up a high-tech research ande development fund, Fonden for Hojteknologisk udvikling. The Fund will be developed gradually through annual capital injections from the Government. The proposed capital injection for 2005 is DKK 3 billion and the proposed annual capital injections for the period from 2006-2012 are approximately DKK 2 billion. The funds will be derived from non-recurring income, sale of government assets, etc.  The aim is to target the additional funds from the Fund onspecially selected focus areas. Importance will be attached to ensuring: a) that the focus areas are especially promising; that commercial interests are obvious; and that denmark has special preconditions and possibilities, b) that requirements are made for interaction between public-sector knowledge institutions and companies, c) that the focus is on research and innovation of international excellence and on technology transfers.
Denmark's National Reform Programme 2005 Annex p. 9, Cardiff Report 2004 p. 31
Denmark's National Reform Programme 2005 Annex p. 9, www.videnflytterud.dk
In December 2004, the government launched a new loan guarantee scheme targeting entrepreneurs, known as "Get started loans". Under this scheme, entrepreneurs are eligible to borrow up to DKK 500,000 from selected banks against a government guarantee. In addition, entrepreneurs are offered advice. In 2008, the amount was raised to DKK 1,000,000 by the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs. The financial institutes communicate the loans, and also the state guarantees the loans. Besides lending money, the entrepreneurs are offered consultancy from professionals about start-ups and the running of the business.
04/06/2004 (Act No. 494), 20/12/2004 (Act No. 1384); Structural Reforms on the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004, p. 20
An amendment to the provisions in the Electricity Supply Act (Elforsyningsloven) on DERA's regulation of the price of supply obligation electricity entered into force. This replaced the ex-post efficiency regulation by a price control. The prices for supply obligation electricity apply for quarter-year at a time and the suppliers of electricity with a supply obligation must notify these to DERA before the prices enter into force. When companies report their prices, DERA is required to check that the prices do not exceed the market price level for corresponding consumer segments and terms of supply. If the prices reported are above market price, the Authority must immediately order the companies in question to reduce their prices.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004 p. 16
In January 2004, the Government published its action plan Handlingsplan for Offentlig-Partnerskaber, setting out 10 specific initiatives. Among these initiatives is the introduction of a requirement to test all public-sector building and construction projects for their appropriateness to be organised as PPPs (public-private partnerships).
One initiative designed to ensure openness is the establishment of Task Force for the Internal Market (TIM). The aim is to assist in enhancing the efficiency of the internal market, e.g. by ensuring uniform conditions for competition. In the course of 2004-2005, TIM is to review a number of selected areas with a view to assessing whether Danish regulatory requirements for goods and services are in line with internal market rules and principles, e.g. the principle of mutual recognition. The objective is to dismantle technical barriers to trade for products and services from other EU countries, e.g. by eliminating discriminatory requirements in Danish authorisation schemes or ensuring mutual recognition of foreign products and avoiding unnecessary requirements in terms of new testing of products, special Danish labels or other technical requirements.
In June 2004, the Government launched a new 2 action plan designed to ensure that Danish competitiveness is brought on a par with that of the best-performing countries (Mere konkurrence - stoerre vaekst). The action plan identifies six focus areas in which the framework conditions for competition should somehow be changed: a: The Danish Competition Act b: Enforcement c:Other public regulation d: Infrastructure e: Public market behavior f:Openness.
In 2004, the government decided to increase the allocations for research training from 2005, so that it will become possible to increase the annual intake from 1000 to 1500 PhD-students in 2006 (Flere ph.d.'ere).The government will present plans for a gradual doubling of the number of PhD-students. The increase in the number of PhD-students is primarily to be in the fields of natural science, technical science and health science. The number of industrial PhDs should also be increased.
Denmark's National Reform Programme 2005 Annex p. 9
Slutevaluering af IDEA NIRAS The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation 2008 http://www.fi.dk  Strategy for Education and Training in Entrepreneurship The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Danish Ministry of Culture, Danish Ministry of Education, Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs 2009 http://www.fi.dk
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004 p. 43, The Danish Reform Strategy p. 15
Reform of upper secondary school designed to strengthen the preparedness of students for academic study, while at the same time strengthening their competency levels, e.g. by changing course contents and introducing new forms of evaluation and assessment and new forms of exams. The reform will take effect from the 2005/2006 school year. The basis of this reform is to make the subjects more coherent than was previously the case, so that they can support each other. Interaction between subjects will, all else equal, give a more coherent knowledge. The target descriptions for each subject have been revised, so that the focus is now on the competence of the pupil.
In 2004 the government carried into effect a new initiative to promote partnerships between private enterprises and knowledge institutions. The networks are to provide better opportunities for enterprises and institutions to develop and disseminate research-bsed knowledge for use in development of high-technology solutions.
Building materials concerning water supply and drans for non-drinking water use are expected from requirements of special authority approval. Water and drain approval has been simplified for products which continue to require a Danish approval. Craftsmen will be allowed to carry out the same electricity, plumbing and heating tasks as those conducted by private individuals today.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004 p. 25
A new act was adopted on the conveyance of mail (Lov om postbefordring). Under the new act, Post Danmarks's exclusive right of conveyance of letters will be reduced, already in 2005, to letters weighing less than 50 grams.
The main objective of the mentor programme is to increase the sustainability of new enterprises by consulting start-ups during their initial stage when they lack sufficient business experiences. In addition, awareness rising about mentoring in Estonia was seen as one of the objectives. Target group included start-ups who had used start-up grant from Enterprise Estonia. All the participants of the mentoring programme (32 all together) were provided with an individual mentor. A mentor programme pilot project was initiated in 2004 and implemented by Enterprise Estonia.
New Start-up Support Program was launched in April 2004. The support amount totals to 160,000 kroons and this may be applied for by enterprises having not been in business for longer than 12 months to cover expenses related to purchase of capital assets and renovation of buildings.
The goal of export planning grants was to increase the competitiveness of Estonian entrepreneurs on foreign markets. Enterprises were supported in planning the entry to foreign markets and in consistent implementation of planned activities. Further objectives were to motivate entrepreneurs to perceive the need for and benefits of consistent planning of export activities; to motivate entrepreneurs to draw up and implement export plans. The following marketing activities were supported: consultation services, participation in foreign trade shows, foreign market research and visits to foreign markets, participation in business-to-business contact events held in the target markets, preparation of promotional materials for target markets and the organisation of marketing events (i.e. product presentations, customer days, opening of representative offices). The measure was implemented by Enterprise Estonia.
The Business Incubation Programme run by Enterprise Estonia was supporting the development of science/technology parks and business centres (i.e. business advisory services, legal advice, accounting, fund-raising and other services to their tenants; international cooperation etc.). The objective was to support creation and sustainable development of innovative companies.
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2005-2007, p. 44
Activities: Increasing the international competitiveness of higher education by greater specialization, infrastructure investments, improvement of quality standards regulations, concentration of resources, licensing of educational institutions, and adopting legislation for joint degrees and diplomas (2006-2008).
With the start of the EU programming periood for 2004-2006, also the business infrastructure measure was updated. The goal of the infrastructure grant was to improve the business environment of the existing companies by supporting the creation of the required business infrastructure and industrial real estate equipped with modern infrastructure. Aid was provided to develop and update the energy, water supply and sewage networks and also to construct access roads, loading sites, parking facilities and storage sites in order to enable modern business facilities in all regions. The size of the grant varied from 6400EUR up to 160 thousand EUR. Own financing rate was 50-75% depending on the region. The measure was implemented by Enterprise Estonia.
On May 1, 2004, the new Metrology Act entered into force that conforms existing legislation to respective EU law and to the Council Directive 90/384/EEC of 20 June 1990 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to non-automatic weighing instruments. This act contributed to the approximization of Estonian metrological infrastructure, including the principles for the implementation of supervision, to those applied by respective EU institutions.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs p. 117  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Interview Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Aali Lilleorg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Enterprise Estonia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Tallinn Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	16-2-2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website
The Innovation Audit programme was launched in 2004 by Enterprise Estonia. Diagnostic exercise was used to map innovation bottlenecks in different companies and propose ways to overcome these obstacles. Main objectives were to increase the awareness of entrepreneurs about innovation and motivate them to initiate innovative activities.
As of August 1, abuse of dominant position and failure to give notice of concentration and concentration distorting competition shall be observed as misdemeanor. The Corrigendum to the Competition Act also served as a tool for making certain amendments to the provisions of the Penal Code, permitting a fine in the maximum amount of 500,000 kroons to be applied to a legal entity for a competition-related offence were adjusted, classifying the following offence as a crime: abuse of dominant position, concentration distorting competition and violation of the duties of an undertaking with special or exclusive rights and violation of the duties of an undertaking controlling essential facility provided that the guilty party has been made subject to a punishment applicable for misdemeanor, but also competition distorting agreement, decision or concerted activities. Therefore, in the case of abuse of dominant position, concentration distorting competition and violation of the duties of an undertaking with special or exclusiv rights and violation of the duties of an undertaking controlling essential facility the Competition Board shall initiate misdemeanor proceedings and in the case of second breach, criminal proceedings are initiated. Criminal proceedings are initiated upon deliberate conclusion of agreement distorting competition, passing of a decision of such nature or participation in concerted activities.
A web-based on-line payment system (palkka.fi) for SME employers has been launched in 2006. It allows SMEs to pay wages and to deal with employment related issues Electronic identification of enterprises is also being developed through this project. Tax administration introduced 2010 online tax account-system to simplify admnistrative burden of SMEs. Palkka.fi-service will include more functions starting from 2011.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 46; Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 46
In accordance with decisions taken in 2004 by the Government and the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE, the changeover to digital television broadcasting in Finland was completed by the end of August 2007. In August 2005, contruction of terrestrial digital television networks has advanced to a stage where 99.8% of households are within network coverage areas. Almost all cable television networks have been upgraded for digital reception.
High interconnection charges for call termination have hampered further progress in pricing. The Supreme Administrative Court ruling against the incumbent on this issue in September 2004 may improve the situation.
Furthermore, legislation has been amended (amendment in the Act on the State Budget 1111/2004) so that it is now easier for universities to establish limited companies that can make commercial use of research results vetter and more effectively than before.
The new national core curricula for primary and secondary education have now been adopted. Business education will be taught in comprehensive schools (aged 7-15) on the basis of a theme called 'participant citizenship and entrepreneurship' and in upper secondary schools under the heading 'active citizenship and entrepreneurship'. Business education is included in all vocational schools syllabuses. The aim is to offer students a basic knowledge of the world of enterprising, encourage active participation and to make entrepreneurship a more attractive career option.
The policy lines and action plan for entrepreneurship training and education adopted by the Ministry of Education in April 2004 cover the whole school system. The theme for the comprehensive school curriculum will be "participant citizenship and entrepreneurship" and at upper secondary level "active citizenship and entrepreneurship".   In March 2009 strategic guidelines for entrepreneurship education were published emphasizing more deeper networked interaction between school system and business life. Goals are to support entrepreneurial skills and career choices. National Board of Education has funded five development project's, f.e in 2009 enhancing learning in a more working life-type of manner.
Cardiff Report 2004 p. 12; Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2003, p. 17
Major revisions to the finnish competition legislation took effect in May 2004. The Act on Competition Restrictions was harmonised with the EU competition rules (Articles 81 and 82). The system of individual exemptions was abolished, relieving some of the FCA's work load. The FCA obtained the powers to assist the Commission inhouse searches.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 122
Product and Capital Market Reforms in Finland 6/2004, p. 14
The Government has approved a national broadband strategy that aims at reaching a million broadband connections by the end of 2005.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 60. http://www.recherche.gouv.fr/cid5738/le-statut-de-la-jeune-entreprise-innovante-jei.html http://media.education.gouv.fr/file/01/3/7013.pdf
Tax relief for young (<8 years) SME to promote R&D.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 5
A circular from the Prime Minister dated 27 September 2004 has strengthened interministerial arrangements for the monitoring of transcriptions.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 14
The opening up of the French electricity market continues. In conformity with the European Directive on the internal market for electricity (2003/54/EC), all nonresidential customers have been eligible since 1 July 2004 (in other words, authorised to bring suppliers into competition with each other and to freely negotiate prices and supply modalities). This market now accounts for 68% of total French consumption, or 295 TWh spread over 3.5 million sites.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 21
The conditions for conducting certain regulated professional activities have been simplified (Ordinance 2004-279 of 25 March 2004). For example, the conditions for conducting accounting occupations have been reformed and harmonised and the foreign resident business permit has been withdrawn for OECD nationals.
Within the framework of the plan drawn up by the government for the acceleration of the transposition of directives, the law enabling the government, by decree, to transpose EU directives and to implement certain provisions of EU law was adopted on 18 March 2004.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 35
The "Deuxieme loi de simplification" (Second simplification act) introduced some significant reforms. Both the first (2 July 2003) and second (9 December 2004) simplification acts have empowered the government to issue ordinances (Article 38 of the Constitution) to introduce measures designed to cut red tape, simplify procedures. Specific measures in favour of private companies for example aim at: - ensuring greater legal certainty and predictability in order to increase the attractiveness of France towards foreign companies. - review the apprenticeship tax collection. - creation of a social system for free-lance.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 16
The government, through the Law dated 9 August 2004, has aimed at modifying the status of public-sector enterprise granted to EDF (and Gaz de France) by transforming them into joint-stock companies in order to enable them to stand up to competition and play their full role in the European energy market now being constituted. This transformation has also made it possible to abolish the principle of speciality that was hampering these companies by preventing them from commercialising services and electricity (or gas). This should help to strengthen competition and hence the efficiency of the French energy market.
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 13
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p.55 Structural reform in France in 2004 (Cardiff report)  p. 5,17,27
As regards mobile telephony, the act of 21 June 2004 on confidence in the digital economy provided for all the priority towns and main roads identified as dead zones to be covered by mobile phone operators within three years. Moreover, the government and the operators have planned a two-stage operation to equip 2,000 sites to cover 3,000 "dead zone" communes by 2007.
Since 1 July 2004, in conformity with Directive 2003/55/EC, the entirety of professional customers are eligible, accounting for 70% of the market or 350 TWh on 530 000 sites but it is still too soon to draw any conclusions regarding this stage.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 52  Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 25
Competitive cluster are designed to network businesses of all sizes, public and private research centres, and training bodies to work on high value-added and highly innovative projects. This policy was launched by the Comite Interministeriel d'Amenagement et de Developpement des Territoires (CIADT - Interministerial Regional Planning and Development Committee) meeting on 14 September 2004 and detailed in the 2005 NRP. The CIADT meeting of 12 July 2005 chose 67 competitive clusters. Following a few groupings and recent official certifications, there are now 71 clusters, of which seven are world-class projects and ten are working towards this end. This competitive cluster policy could usefully be extended to the European level, in particular by networking. The competitive cluster policy was launched in July 2005.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 20 (05.02.2010)  Archives of Prime Minister website http://www.archives.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/villepin/acteurs/gouvernement/conseils_ministres_35/conseil_ministres_24_mars_337/simplification_droit_formalites_pour_50681.html  (05.02.2010)  Report of the Cour des Comptes, controlling body of public spending, 2006 http://www.ccomptes.fr/fr/CECRSP/documents/divers/SimplificationDroitOrdonnances022006.pdf  (05.02.2010)
Within the framework of the law simplification act of 2 July 2003, the Ordinance 2004-274 of 25 March 2004 relaxed business formalities and constraints. A few examples of measures:  - Limited liability companies can now issue unlisted bonds and have up to 100 partners.   - It is now easier to run a lease-management business  - The rules on wholesale food markets, fairs and exhibitions have been relaxed.
Structural reform in France in 2004 (Cardiff report)  p. 17, 5
In order to stimulate corporate investment, the Law on consumption and investment support dated 9 August 2004, supplemented by the 2005 Budget Bill, provides for temporary business tax relief for the productive investment carried out by firms between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2005.
In preparation for a set of modern procurement regulations, the Federal Government on 12 May 2004 adopted an outline for a detailed restructuring of its to date highly complex procurement legislation. The number of procurement regulations will be drastically reduced, making the procurement system more transparent and user-friendly. Based on this outline, the Federal Government will present a draft bill and ordinance by the end of the year which would simultaneously transpose the new EU procurement Directives into national law.
The measure EXIST-SEED was implemented in 2000 and was directed towards some pilot regions in Germany. At the beginning of 2005 the programme was expanded to cover whole of Germany. EXIST-SEED is part of the EXIST programme, which became an element of the High-Tech Strategy for Germany (adopted on 29-08-2006). EXIST aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking at universities and to increase the number of technology oriented and knowledge based start ups from universities. EXIST-SEED targets universities, which fulfil the requirements of being an EXIST partner region and are part of an entrepreneurial support network. The funding from EXIST-SEED is provided for start-up ideas (from students (at the latest 3 years after graduation) or research assistants) in the phase before the business starts, the seed phase. Being part of EXIST-SEED the potential founders get technical and financial assistance in the form of subsidies for research and development expenditures. Aim of the funding is to bridge one year from the idea up to the preparation of a business plan. Financial means of the programme are partly co-financed by the European Social Fund.
Cardiff-Report 2004, p.12-13, 23 Bundesgesetzblatt 2004 T.1, Nr 32, S. 1414
Modernisation and liberalisation of Germany's unfair competition legislation. (Act against Unfair Competition (Gesetz gegen unlauteren Wettbewerb, UWG). Restraints of competition that are not necessary to protect either competitors or consumers have been abolished. The key points in the liberalisation are the abolishment of the ban on special sales and dropping the regulations on summer and winter sales, jubilee sales and closing-down sales. Companies can now decide themselves when and to what extent they want to hold a sale. Under certain conditions associations are now permitted to claim some of the profits. This is to ensure that unfair trading, which disadvantages competitors and consumers, does not pay off.
Cardiff Report DE 2004, p. 23 Bundesgesetzblatt 2004 T.1, Nr 3, S. 1359
Amendment of the Federal Building Code (Baugesetzbuch). It provides more legal security for building owners and local authorities as it simplifies the structure of the construction supervision process and removes the need for duplicate checks on environmental issues.
www.wpo-novelle.de Bundesgesetzblatt 2004, T.1, Nr 37, S. 1707
National, European, and international initiatives to strengthen the quality, independence, and integrity of the auditing profession have been implemented, including the planned reform of the so-called Auditors Approval Directive (Council Directive 84/253/EEC) as of March 16, 2004. This measure also affects the examination procedure which is compulsory for prospective domestic members of the profession (auditor's examination) and for foreign members (qualifying examination) to prepare them for the responsibilities exclusively reserved to the profession. In addition, seven statutory provisions were deleted and combined in a code of rules, thus serving the interests of deregulation.
www.wpo-novelle.de Bundesgesetzblatt 2004, T.1, Nr 76, S. 3856
Under the Sixth Amendment to the Auditor's Code (Auditor Supervisory Act), the auditing profession in Germany, including certified public accountants and auditors who carry out statutory audits of accounting documents, was placed under independent and final supervision and authority. A so-called modified self-administration has been established, meaning that, alongside the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, a new "Auditor Supervisory Commission" has been installed to supervise the Chamber of Auditors.
The decree aims to reduce the administrative burden as indicated by the EU-Regulation 638/2004 EG. To reach this goal, the declaration barrier for the obligatory notification of intra-European trade was raised from 200,000 Euro to 300,000 Euro. The resulting lack of data is filled by estimations on trade below the threshold.
The Modernisation of the Workplace Ordinance (Arbeitsstaettenverordnung) gives enterprises more scope to develop occupational health and safety measures that corresponded to their particular situation in the workplace. Starting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, will now find it easier to fulfil the requirements.
Cardiff Report DE 2004, p.15 OECD Annual Report on 2 developments in Germany July 2003-June 2004, p.5 Bundesgesetzblatt 2004, T.1, S.1190
Amendment of the Telekommunikationsgesetz based on five EU Directives came into force on 26 June 2004. Firstly, the scope of sector-specific regulation was restricted; in future it will only apply to those markets that have structural market barriers, in which substantial market power cannot be reduced in the foreseeable future and in which the application of general competition law provisions is not sufficient to prevent market failure. The Regulatory Authority has to conduct corresponding market definitions and analyses every other year and coordinate these with the European Commission. Further details: In future no licence will be required to provide telecommunication services. Access regulation remains the key element of the Telecommunications Act; it establishes to what extent competitors are entitled to services provided by powerful companies. Where certain advance concessions (such as interconnection services, access to subscriber lines, collection services, etc.) are deemed essential for competition, the powerful company has to provide them in a non-discriminatory way. In future, the powerful company may only introduce new services that contain essential advance concessions for end customers if at the same time corresponding advance services are offered to its competitors (so-called simultaneity provision)
In November 2004 the ERP-Start-Fund replaced the BTU start-up fund (venture capital programme for small high-tech companies). The ERP-Start-Fund is managed by the KfW-Mittelstandsbank - with assistance of the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Labour (BMWA) - and mobilizes equity capital for technology-based firms. As opposed to the BTU start-up fund, the ERP-Start-Fund abandoned the option for private equity investors to get refinanced from public sources. The new fund only focuses on the direct provision of equity capital to start-ups in cooperation with private investors. Open equity investments, which avoid liquidity erosion as a result of ongoing interest payments, will be possible. The investments are limited to individual companies, which are not more than ten years old. Another pre-condition is that the investment share of the private equity investor and the share of the public funds from the KfW-Mittelstandsbank are at par. Both, the KfW-Mittelstandsbank and the lead private investor are subject to the same risk of investment.
Annual Economic Report 2005 p. 57 no 49  Act to Introduce the European Company, Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2004 Teil I Nr. 73: http://www.bmj.de/files/-/820/SEEG.pdf (04.02.2010)
The Act to Introduce the European Company (Societas Europaea, SE) will ease cross-border activities for German companies througout Europe. The European Company is a legal form for joint stock companies that is uniform in all essential points across Europe. It enables companies to expand across national frontiers in an unbureaucratic and cost-friendly manner without the formalities that setting up a susidiary has entailed in the past.
In June 2004 the Federal Government decided to continue and expand the "Modern State - Modern Administration" programme that was launched in 1999. This government programme focuses on the idea of the enabling state that promotes a culture of sharing responsibilities in the sense of good governance. The three pillars of the programme are administrative management, the reduction of bureaucracy and the development of an e-government infrastructure. Special attention will be paid to improvement and simplification of work processes and to client orientation.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 8
As part of the tax reform, the corporate tax rate will be progressively reduced from 35% to 25% in 2007, while for smaller firms from 25% to 20%. At the same time, the tax system has been simplified with the aim to reduce the administrative burden on enterprises and to promote objectivity in the audit system. Implementation of Law 3296/2004.
Number portability was also introduced in mobile telephony.
The investment law (L. 3299/2004) provides a set of incentives for attracting private funds to priority sectors such as innovative and advanced technology products and services, facilities for applied research and industrial research, the development of technological and industrial plans, software development and tourism installations. Increased incentives are provided for SMEs and regional development.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 36
Law 3242/2004 which simplifies administrative procedures. This includes the establishment and operation of a central committee for the simplification of administrative procedures, the collection of documents required for a procedure within public services, without the citizen's involvement (subject to his/her permission), the institutionalization of tele-conferencing and the replacement of a number of certification papers by a formal statement signed by the citizen.
Law 3296/2004 concerns the deduction of expenditures made for scientific and technological research from the enterprises' profit. It is currently under implementation. Since the beginning of the year, 18 requests for tax deduction (total amount equal to 10.6 million) have been approved by the General Secretariat of Research and Technology.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 66
In June 2004, a top-governmental cross-departmental ICT Committee was set-up which develops and supervises the implementation of ICT Strategy of Greece, reporting to the Council of Ministers.
The obligation of ministries to assess, as part of the year 2004 deregulation programme, how they can reduce the administrative burdens borne by the population and businesses, was aimed at improving the business environment of enterprises and it also resulted in progress towards the desired alleviation of administrative burdens. According to the programme all pieces of legislation to be amended in the future will also have to be reviewed from the aspect of how could tasks of doing business with offices and of acquiring documents, in relation to reporting for registration, to inspections, licenses and permits as well as other obligations.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 60. Addit. info source: Austrian Institute for SME Research (2007): Benchmarking National and Regional Support Services for SMEs in the Field of Intellectual and Industrial Property, p. 205-215.
SMEs implementing innovations are the target groups of the Action Plan Promoting Industrial Property Competitiveness of Entrepreneurs (VIVACE) that has been running since 2004.  The extent to which SMEs are aware of the details of industrial property protection and engage in patent-related activities is well below the EU average; the VIVACE Programme, among others, envisages making ground in this domain as well. The VIVACE programme is a scheme set up and operated by the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO) aiming to foster the awareness of the intellectual property system within SMEs. One of the major objectives of the VIVACE programme is to promote the understanding and use of IP to increase the innovativeness and competitiveness of Hungarian SMEs. Organised in co-operation with national and regional partner institutions (like Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Enterprise Europe Network partner institutions), awareness raising measures are offered to a broad public audience, special training sessions and courses on IPRs are led to give SMEs an idea how to manage their IPRs and keep all interested parties up-to-date with the latest information and developments in the IPR world. The Programme aimed at upgrading knowledge of industrial property rights of enterprises is built on the following three pillars: a) Development of industrial property right services, including network developments; b) Development of industrial property right education and training activities; c) Developing economic incentives. The Programme has been continued with the launch of the VIVACE+ Programme in 2008. HUF 109,5m  av. exchange rate 2008:251,25 HUF/EUR
Some major steps were taken in the taxation system during year 2004 towards an improved business environment. The first one of these steps to be mentioned here is the lowering of the corporate income tax rate from 18% to 16%. The threshold for eligibility to the development tax allowance were reduced to a third of the previous level substantially broadening the range of eligible entities. Yhe preious five-year limitation on the offsetting of accrued losses has been removed. An amount equalling 25% of the local enterprise tax paid by an entity may be deducted from the basis of its corporate income tax which results in a substantial tax cut for entities operating with low levels of profitability.
Cardiff Report HU 2004, p. 35, National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 72
To promote the development of new methods and curricula required for competence based education and in-service training of teachers, a comprehensive measure has been launched in 2004. This measure covers the following levels and areas of education: a) at pre-primary and primary level (ISCED 0,1 and 2), the development of basic skills (literacy, numeracy), social competencies, general ICT-skills and basic career-building competences; b) at secondary level (ISCED 3), the further development of basic skills, as well as foreign language communication skills, ICT-skills and those 'career-building' competences that can be capitalised on in the labour market.
Supporting of market-oriented research and development activities. The programme is followed up in 2007 by the EDOP 1.1.1 and CHOP 1.1.1 schemes
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006, p. 57
Cardiff Report HU 2004, p. 14. Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 53.
The Research and Technological Innovation Fund (hereinafter: Fund) was launched in 2004 which is to function as a predictable and reliable funding source for the stimulation and supporting of the technological innovation of the economy of Hungary, to enable the strengthening of research and development along with the utilisation of domestic and foreign research achievements as well as the development of the innovation infrastructure and the related service providing activities. The Fund is financed by the innovation contribution paid by economic organisations. The Fund is also operated by the NKTH accordance with the rules laid out in separate pieces of legislation.   HUF 153,5 Bn, average exchange rate in 2004: 251,68 HUF/EUR
Revised National Action Programme 2006, p. 33
Provisions concerning obligation for defining regulations on efficient management of the intellectual properties in the research institutions of Act CXXXIV of 2004 on Research and development and Technical Innovation entered into force on 1 January 2006. The law imposes the existence of valid institutional regulations as prerequisite for the conclusion of budget support agreements.
In 2004, the Government launched an application scheme to strengthen the relationship between the research sector and the business sector, to facilitate the creation of research and innovation networks. Higher education institutions, academic research institutions, non-profit research institutions and enterprises may submit joint applications concerning the establishment of so-called cooperation research centres (CRCs(Kooperacios Kutatasi Kozpontok II)) to be engaged in basic research, applied research and experimental development. Some 10 CRCs are expected to be set up during the period between 2004 and 2006.
In 2004, the Hungarian Investment and Trade Devlopment Agency (ITDH) has started to develop a "single-window" service system offering consultancy and providing information on available funding opportunities to facilitate access to funds.
The harmonisation of technical norms in the area of commodity trade, governing the distribution and safety of the groups considered as the most important ones in the internal trade of the European Union, the so-called horizontal rules pertaining to the operation of the internal market and the secondary community legislation concerning public procurements had been completed and the essential institution system was also put in place by the date of Hungary's EU accession.
The Act on bankruptcy procedures, liquidation and the final settlement of accounts was amended in April 2004 - before Hunagry's EU accession - as a result of which this Act now meets the EU harmonisation requirements. Furthermore, to protect creditor's interests, a temporary asset supervision system was introduced the operation of which may be asked for by the creditor in the course of initiating the liquiditation procedure.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 11 www.irishstatutebook.ie
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 1, 8
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 4 and 12
A State Airports Act was enacted in July 2004. The Act provides a legislative basis for the restructuring of Aer Rianta and the establishment of Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports as independent airport authorities under State ownership. This includes renaming Aer Rianta as the Dublin Airport Authority and incorporating Shannon and Cork Airport Authorities as public companies under the Companies Act. The incorporation of both Shannon and Cork airports took place on 16th September 2004 and Aer Rianta was renamed Dublin Airport Authority on 1st October 2004. Before the assets can be transferred from Dublin Airport Authority to the Shannon and Cork authorities, the Ministers for Finance and Transport must be satisfied as to their state of operational and financial readiness, including business planning.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p.4, 12, 18
National Reform Programme Ireland October 2005, p 20 Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p.4, 14
In June 2004 the Government took a number of decisions to strengthen the oversight and review framework for national science, technology and innovation (STI) policy. These new structures include a Cabinet Committee on STI, an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) on STI of Senior Officials to support the Cabinet Committee, a Chief Science Adviser (CSA) to Governmenta and  an Advisory Science Council to act as the primary interface between stakeholders and policymakers in the STI arena.
These Regulations transpose the non-discretionary provisions of Directive 2003/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC relating to, inter alia, consumer protection, natural gas licences, accounting procedures and the functions of the independent regulator.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 8
Two Statutory Instruments commenced on 1st May 2004 to give national effect to the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty, in accordance with EU Council Reg. 1/2003. These regulations designate the various national authorities that will be responsible for the implementation in the state of the public enforcement provisions of the Council Regulations.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 4 and 9
In March 2004 the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources issued Policy Directions to Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under Section 13 of the Communications (Regulation) Act, 2002, available on the Departments website at www.dcmnr.gov.ie/display.asp/pg=1512. The Directions focussed on a number of key policy priorities for ComReg for the short to medium term, and included a general direction on competition and directions on mobile roaming, broadband, wholesale & retail line rental, interconnection and leased lines. ComReg is required to report regularly to the Minister on the implementation of these policy directions.
Ireland Progress Report 2006 p. 51 (more reference in pages 11,15,18,48) Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p.13
Finance Act 2004 introduced a 20% tax credit for incremental expenditure on R&D. The credit is in addition to any normal tax deduction available to a company for R&D expenditure. This gives a potential tax write off for incremental R&D spend of up to 32.5%. The tax credit applies, not only to basic and applied research but also to experimental development. The credit provides an effective incentive to companies to increase R&D and complements the various direct R&D grant supports which are also available through various agencies of the State
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 24 Law 311/2004, paragraph 248, 298, 511, 552
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 29
As for incentives, the only one enacted in 2004 is the implementation of an intervention that grants loans to financial intermediaries for the acquisition of participations in innovative companies (Ministry of Industry Decrees of 19 January 2004)
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 22
Italy is currently defining the organisational framework for the establishment of a regulatory body for the railway sector. The Agency will be part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and it will be a sort of task force, with pro-active regulatory functions, managed by a Director General at the Ministry. Provisions regarding the regulatory body are part of a Presidential Decree dealing with a broader reorganisation of the Ministry, approved in July 2004 (DPR 184/2004, art. 6. A Ministerial Decree will then follow, laying down a detailed definition of duties and responsibilities of the Regulatory Body).
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 31
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 24
Improving the level and quality of services which the local public administration provides via innovative solutions. A group of 134 projects put forward by the regions and local entities have been co-financed. Measure activated by the 2005 Budget Law (Italian Law 311/04) and the Italian Law 80/05.
The E-Governance services for corporates portal is an instrument which aims at simplifying administrative relations between businesses and public administration. Its objective is to provide 20 services online, including:  -registrations -changes and deregistrations -opening of new local branches -regularising social security and insurance contributions -registering new staff -and setting up a technological communications platform for integrated management of administrative requirements for businesses.  (Budget Law 2005 and applied in Law n. 80/05 - tourism sector)
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 33
The Government is also committed to increase the educational skills in line with the Lisbon Agenda. Important innovations have been introduced in the primary school with the teaching of English as a second language (Legislative Decree 59/2004)
NRP 2006-2008 update on progress 2006, page 30
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p.
During the first semester of 2004, the rationalisation program on Public Spending for Goods and Services has developed an e-procurement model through: 1/the enlargement of the number of Public Administrations that can purchase -the number of qualifie suppliers have also increased 2/ the focus on the use of the outline contracts by the Public administrations 3/ the stronger support in terms of consulting services 4/ the reinforcement of the partnership with the suppliers counterpart.
Report on economic reform October 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 19
The Marzano Law envisages gradual liberalisation of demand; starting in July 2004 all industrial users have become eligible to choose supplier and from 1 July 2007 all clients will be eligible. The Law also aims at enhancing the imports by easing the construction of interconnections with other European networks.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.41.
To ensure a full compliance with acquis communautaire, amendments to the Law on Procurement for State or Local Government Needs and to the Regulations on Procurement for Public Service Provider Needs were adopted in 2004. These amendments were developed according to the requirements of the Directives 92/50/EEC, 93/96/EEC, 97/52/EC, 89/665/EEC, 2004/17/EC and 92/13/EEC. In accordance with requirements of the law, the Procurement Monitoring Bureau ensures supervision of procurement procedure legality, provision of methodogical information and consultation (help desk), instruction, procedure verification and processing of complaints on procurement procedures. The development of the public procurement system is one of the main tasks of the Procurement Monitoring Bureau. This is accomplished by ensuring transparency of the procurement procedures in accordance with requirements of the law, publishing procurement notices and decision notices, as well as keeping track of the latest changes in EU laws and regulations and accomplishing preconditions to electronisation of the procurement process.
On April 7, 2004 the Saeima adopted the new Product and Services Safety Law that transposes the requirements of the EU Directive 2001/95/EC and came into force on May 1, 2004. Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers on the Rapid Information Excahnge System (RAPEX) notifications and on notification by producres and distributors on dangerous goods are worked out. The Ministry of Economics has prepared the informative report on the situation in the area of market surveillance, and the market surveillance strategy will be worked out on the basis of this report.
The Action Plan for Improvement of Business Environment is carried out annually. It is an interministry policy planning document that includes directions for implementation of business environment improvement policy, tasks, measures, responsible institutions, indicators for task fulfilment assessment, and fulfilment terms. The latest Action Plan was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 21, 2004. It contained such actions for improvement of business environment as: introduction of e-government services, reduction of notarial certification requirements, prefection of analytical basis of anti-corruption policy, introduction of simplified company liquidation process to ensure protection of creditors in insolvency cases, improvement of insolvency processes.
In April 2004 the Patent Office, in collaboration with the Patent and Technology Library of Latvia and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opened the Regional Information Centre of Latgale in Rezekne. This centre will enable the residents of the region to obtain large-scale information on patents, design samples and trademarks. The centre will also inform on EU and Latvian laws and regulations in the field of industrial property protection.
On October 28, 2004 the new Electronic Communication Law was approved. The law envisages the strengthening of competition in the sector and completes harmonisation of Latvian legal acts with EU requirements.
The amendments to the Law on Railway came into force on April 7, 2004 implementing provisions of the Railway Package II (Directives 2001/12/EC, 2001/13/EC, 2001/14/EC). Secondary normative acts being drafted and will be finalized before the end of 2004. The State Railway Administration is responsible for issuance of cargo transportation licences. The last amendments to the Law on Railway also make the State Railway Administration responsible for infrastructure capacity allocation in the cases where a railway infrastructure manager is also railway operator.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.12.
On April 1, 2004 the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Conformity Assessment establishing the principle of mutual recognition. The implementation of this principle into other laws and regulations is continuing inter alia in the framework of the provision of information on drafts of technical regulations (Directive 98/34/EC), implementation of this principle into laws and regulations that determine technical regulations is encouraged. It is still necessary to carry out informative and instructional activities for officials to put this principle into practice.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 16
Since 1 May 2004, Lithuania has eliminated import and export licences for oil products but continued to license wholesale and retail trade in bulk oil products. According to applicable legal acts, these licences are issued to undertakings registered in the Republic of Lithuania and to subsidiaries of foreign undertakings.
In 2004, the Law on Profit Tax was amended (Law No IX-2120 of 13 April 2004), seeking to improve the conditions for very small business (up to 10 employees). A share, equivalent to LTL 25 thousand, of the taxable profit of a sole proprietorship and partnership with no more than 10 employees and with income of no more than LTL 1m over the taxable period will be taxed at a zero rate. For the remaining share the 15 percent tax tarrif will be applied.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 19  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2004, No 63-2243  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=231855 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Explanatory letter to the amendment to the Law on Public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=225324  	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Explanatory letter to the amendment to the Law on Public Administration Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.lrs.lt/pls/proj/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=59400&p_org=16&p_fix=y&p_gov=n 	http://www.lrs.lt/pls/proj/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=60854&p_org=16&p_fix=y&p_gov=n  	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2010, No 145-7416 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=388537
A new version of the Law on Tax Administration of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No IX-2112 of 13 April 2004) was adopted in 2004. The new Law regulates, with a higher degree of precision, consistency and detail, tax administration procedures and adjusts to EU regulation, including defining the main terms and rules for Tax regulation and tax payments, the main principles for legal regulation on taxation, setting up the list of taxes, applicable in Lithuania, defining the functions of tax administrators, rights and duties, the tax payers rights and duties, rules of tax calculation and tax payments, rules and procedures for the compulsory tax recovery and the tax litigation.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 13
On 25 May 2004, the Seimas passed the Law on the Reorganisation of the State Undertaking Lithuanian Post Office to the Public Limited Liability Company National Post Office (No IX-2245), which regulates the procedure for reorganisation of the National Post Office from a state undertaking to a public limited liability company to be fully owned by the state.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 11
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 5
NRP Implementation Report (2006) p. 110 and Annex 1 page 109
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 19
With the view to ensuring a uniform application of profit tax reliefs to entities established in free economic zones, irrespective of the origin of capital invested, and to implementing the provisions of the European Union Code of Conduct for Business Taxation which entitle the European Commission to regard a state which applies additional tax incentives to foreign taxpayers as a state of potentially harmful tax competition, relevant amendments to the Law on Profit Tax were adopted on 30 March 2004 (Law No IX-2091).
On 1 May 2004, a new version of the Postal Law (Law No IX-2118 of 13 April 2004) consistent with the EU acquis came into force.
Annual Progress Report of the NRP implementation (2006) and Annex 1 page 114
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 8
As part of the preparations for the membership in the EU, on 15 April 2004 Law No IX-2126 Amending the Law on Competition, Repealing the Law on Monitoring of State Aid to Undertakings, and Amending the Civil Procedure Code was adopted to: create legal preconditions for the effective implementation of 2 upon the accession to the EU; and amend or repeal certain provisions of the Law on Competition which have proved ineffective. The Law has been supplemented by a set of provisions that will enable the Competition Council to act more effectively in protecting freedom of fair competition. The new provisions are first and foremost related to stricter sanctions.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 17  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	18/06/2004, Komisijos sprendimas C(2004) 2120 galutinis patvirtinantis Bendrijos strukturines paramos, skiriamos pagal 1 tiksla Lietuvoje, Bendraji programavimo dokumenta  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	European Comission, DG Regio Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.esparama.lt/download.php?law_act_pub=47 	http://www.esparama.lt/download.php?law_act_pub=755    Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Complement to the Single programming document of Lithuania for 2004-2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.esparama.lt/ES_Parama/angliskas_medis/spd_for_2004_2006_tree/about_the_spd/files/SPD_Complement_2009-06-30.doc 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Qalititive and quantititve evaluation of the achieved aims and objectives of the Lithuanian Single programming document 2004-2006 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.esparama.lt/es_parama_pletra/failai/fm/failai/Vertinimas_ESSP_Neringos/Ataskaitos_2009MVP/BPD_pasiektu_tikslu_vertinimo_ataskaita_EN.pdf 	http://www.esparama.lt/es_parama_pletra/failai/fm/failai/Vertinimas_ESSP_Neringos/Ataskaitos_2009MVP/BPD_pasiektu_tikslu_vertinimo_ataskaitos_priedas_LT.pdf
The EU legal acts on taxation with VAT and excises, save for the provisions with respect to which Lithuania has been granted a transitional period, have been fully transposed to national legislation since 1 May 2004, with the adoption of amendments to the Law on Value Added Tax of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No IX-1960 of 15 January 2004) and the Law on Excise Duty of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No IX-1987 of 29 January 2004). The amended Laws on Value Added Tax and Excise Duty that came into effect on the date of the accession in the EU have enforced new principles of administration of these taxes, according to which the taxes are imposed on transactions between economic entities of different EU Member States. Thus, since 1 May 2004, Lithuania has applied the same taxation rules as those applied in all other EU Member States, facilitating the effective functioning of goods and services markets.
The first stage of the transposition of public procurement into the electronic medium, i.e. the establishment of the central public procurement system, started in 2004.
With the view to ensuring successful implementation of the Strategy for the Reform of the Railway Sector 2003-2006, the Seimas passed, on 8 April 2004, the Law on the Reform of the Railway Sector of the Republic of Lithuania (No IX-2104). The Law defines the goals of the railway sector reform, the procedure and stages of the implementation of the reform, the functions of the railway infrastructure manager and the specifics of monitoring of these functions during the course of the reform, and the financing sources for the upgrading and development of public railway infrastructure.
With a view to developing the country's population skills to use ICT, creating level-playing field for all residents to seek general computer literacy corresponding to their education and professional activities, on 15 September 2004 the Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved the General Computer Literacy Programme. The Programme aims at raising and developing of the computer literacy of the population and at co-financing of computer literacy training. In addition, the Minister of Science and Education issued the order approving the General Computer Literacy Standard setting uniform requirements and recommendations for the qualification of the population and legalising the principles of certifying the computer literacy. Computer literacy qualification requirements and recommendations established by this Standard rest on the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Programme.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 12
On 1 May 2004, the Law on Electronic Communications of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No IX-2135 of 15 April 2004) came into force. The Law regulates social relations in the field of electronic communications services and networks and associated facilities and services, use of electronic communications resources, radio equipment, terminal equipment and electromagnetic compatibility. The Law is in line with the requirements of EU legal acts on electronic communications.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 21  National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme (2005), p.37 and 80  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2004, No 69-2399  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=232235&p_query=&p_tr2= 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2010, No 134-6842 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=386132
The Strategy for the Development of Public Administration until 2010(approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on April 28, 2004, Decision No. 488, Off.Gaz. 2004, No. 69-2399)aims at modernising the public administration system by developing the action plan for implementation of the Strategy. This Strategy aims to modernise the institutional structure of the public administration system, to ensure transparency of procedures of the public administration, to ensure the provision and accessibility to high quality of public services, including an application of IT, to improve the internal structure of regional public administrating institutions, to develop local self government and to create efficient management of public services that are convenient to residents and strenghten neighbourhoods for decentralisation of the municipalities.
The Law on Electricity of the Republic of Lithuania was further amended in 2004 (Law No IX-2307 of 1 July 2004 Amending the Law on Electricity), to make it in line with new directives of the European Union. The electricity market in Lithuania is being developed in stages, by gradually giving the right of regulated third party access to the grid and the right to eligible consumers to conclude direct electricity supply contracts with producers having electricity supply licences. On 1 July 2004, all but private consumers became eligible consumers. All consumers will be given the status of an eligible consumer no later than by 1 July 2007.
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 15
Furthering the liberalisation of the gas market, since 1 January 2004 the status of a free user has been given to the consumers who consume over 1 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. At present this criterion is met by over 90 companies.
On 21 January 2004, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania adopted Resolution No 55 on the Approval of the Lithuanian Postal Sector Development Strategy 2004-2008. The implementation of the Strategy will result in the optimal liberalisation of the postal market, better accessibility to universal postal services, and higher efficiency of the reformed state-owned post.
NRP Implementation report (2006) annex p. 28
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 24
One of the measures aimed at the promotion of the motivation to learn and the development of information society is an incentive established in Amendments to the Law on Income Tax of Individuals of 2004, which allows the reduction of taxable income with expenses, not exceeding LTL 4000, on the acquisition of one personal computer with software in the period of three years and/or on the installation of Internet access together with the cost of acquisition of the equipment needed for Internet access, and provides for a refund of a share of the income tax paid (Law No IX-2272 of 15 June 2004 Amending Article 21 of the Law on Income Tax of Individuals).
Annual Progress Report of the NRP implementation (2006) Annex 1 page 107
The Republic of Lithuania Government Resolution No. 745 of 14 June 2004 on the Approval of the Regulations of the Establishment of the Network of Schools Pursuing Formal Education Programmes is being implemented. 59 municipalities have approved the general plans for the restructuring of the network of schools. Pilot testing of the structural organisation of schools and dissemination of their results will be carried out in future
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of the Product, Services and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2004) p.11
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of the Product, Services and Capital Markets (Cardiff Process)p. 8,9 2006 NRP Implementation Report, p. 27
The new competition law dated 17 May 2004 which replaces prior legislation (the law dated 17 June 1970 relating to restrictive trade practices and the law dated 7 July 1983), stipulates that "Prices of goods, products and services are freely determined by the unrestricted play of competition". Nonetheless "in the event of failure in the market in one or several given sectors resulting from a crisis situation, under exceptional circumstances or a manifestly abnormal situation in the market, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may enact temporary measures lasting up to six months to prevent excessive price fluctuations."
The year 2004 marks a change in the Public Research Centers (PRC) financing logic. In the transition toward a multiyear financing model, based on a multi-year scientific and technological work plan and a strategic paper, which is governed by conventions and performance contracts and formalized by a list of performance indicators used to follow up on strategic, technological and scientific ambitions of the research centers, the financing structure of PRC underwent a pilot transitory phase between 2004 and 2006. The project-by-project financing system, used until the end of 2003, involved a considerable administrative effort and had inherently limited flexibility. This model was replaced beginning in 2004 with a system of financing by strategic avenue of approach, grouping the different research activities in a research facility in a given year on the basis of multi-year work plans. Using this logic, more ex-post facto evaluations will be made and progress will be measured with relation to the initial research projections as laid out in the multi-year programs for centers. This strategic avenue of approach financing involves more significant third-party financing that varies from center to center and depends on the type of activity.
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of the Product, Services and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2004) p. 11
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg continues with its reorientation efforts concerning state aids towards horizontal objectives. Thus, the current deployment foresees a system of assistance for SME, R&D, regions. Since 2004, the system assistance also favors investments in environmental protection, the rational usage of energy from renewable resources and also the production facilities of such energy. This progressive reorientation allows the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg to shift from horizontal systems, following specific objectives in accordance with the economic priorities defined by the EU, to systems of general assistance. Given all this, Luxembourg closely combines the objectives and priorities concerning state aids pursued by the European Commission.
The law dated 25 June 2004 on the organization of lycees and technical schools grants greater autonomy to academic institution, but goes hand in hand with a standardized evaluation of student performance and a quality evaluation of the establishments themselves. This double evaluation acts as a guarantee of both participation in international studies like PISA, PIRLS ad EBAFLS and of measures taken nationally including shared examinations, communes, PAQS, the creation of a Quality Insurance Agency for Education and the Survey on the motivation levels of students.
Luxembourg Implementation report 2007, p. 51.
In 2004, the Government engaged on an in-depth reform to change from a teaching system based principally on reproducing acquired knowledge to a system based on acquiring skills. After a document was drawn up in 2005 describing the broad skills deemed essential to pursuing studies, getting a job and integrating into society as well as developing a personal identity, all levels of teaching to include pre-school, primary and post-primary education began in 2006 to lay out the base skills for the academic disciplines. Simultaneous to the drafting of the law on professional training, curricula teams made up of teachers and experts from the professional world in charge of implementing the base programs for initial professional training began work. Developing curricula for training relies on a skill-based approach, both for the design process of the training and on a modular teaching structure.
2006 NRP Implementation Report, p. 29, 32 and grid  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.eco.public.lu (15/03/2011)
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of the Product, Services and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2004) p. 8,9, 11 and NRP implementation report 2006 p 27
Luxembourg Implementation Report 2007, p. 19.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.eco.public.lu
The University of Luxembourg (UdL) and the Chamber of Commerce are offering a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (M.Sc.E.I.). This is an advanced university degree program for students who want to perfect and acquire practical knowledge, or for managers who want to improve their professional skills in the area of innovation. This program was launched for the first time during the 2007-2008 academic year. The program was a balance of theory and immersion in the world of business. Students from various countries and of extremely varied academic backgrounds have enrolled for the 2009-2010 academic year. They will have the benefit of teaching from Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and Swedish professors each of whom has their own vision and experience with entrepreneurialism. In addition, some twenty companies will provide support behind teaching dispensed by professors. The one-year course provides a syllabus given entirely in English. This Master degree is very much concentrated on the business world and is based on a strong triangular relationship between students, the teaching staff and companies. One half of the graduating class of the first year this degree was offered immediately found jobs in Luxembourg companies.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2011. Page 39
Maltapost p.l.c., which was granted an exclusive monopoly license in 1998, has been recently designated as a universal services provider under LN 296/2004. This entails an obligation to provide the universal services required by or under the Postal Services Act (Cap. 254).
The privatisation of the National Lottery Licence was concluded in February 2004, when a seven year licence was granted to a consortium composed of an international operator and two Maltese companies. Under the terms of the Licence, the consortium was granted exclusive rights to operate games previously run by the Department of Public Lotto, as well as a number of new games. Besides a one-time upfront fee, together with an additional payment upon commencement of operations, the operator is bound, over the next seven years, to pay the Lotteries and Gaming Authority as well as Government an annual royalty fee based on sales, together with a yearly licence fee.
In a bid to reduce the regulatory burden on enterprises through the curtailment of bureaucracy, in September 2004, the Government introduced the facility whereby trade licence holders may pay their licence at the Maltapost offices in Malta and Gozo. The new payment facilities assist license holders in reducing time consumed in fulfilling administrative duties.
The Competition Act (Cap. 379) was amended extensively by means of Act III of 2004. The purpose of the amendments was to enable the application of Regulation 1/2003 which establishes a network of national competition authorities to implement Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty. Following these amendments, the notification system was removed and undertakings would need to undergo a self-assessment instead of applying for a negative clearance or an individual exemption to the CCD. The investigation of alleged infringements of Articles 81 and/or 82 shall be conducted by the CCD. Where it results to the Director that an infringement of Article 81 and/or 82 has occurred, the Director shall compile a detailed and reasoned report on his conclusions and submit such report to the Commission for Fair Trading. It will be the Commission which will then establish whether there has been an infringement or not. The Commission has also the power to issue a cease and desist order and/or a compliance order. Breach of Articles 81 and/or 82 shall amount to a criminal offence punishable with a fine, which fine shall be imposed by the competent court of a Criminal Jurisdiction.
Gozo Channel Co. Ltd. operates a monopoly ferry service between Malta and Gozo. During the second quarter of 2004 the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Information Technology announced a series of changes aimed at ensuring the regular, consistent, frequent and reliable provision of transport service between the two islands. Among other things the Ministry signed a Public Service Obligation contract with Gozo Channel Co. Ltd., one of the routes of transport operated by the company was liberalised and the operating expenditure of the same state-owned company are to be rationalised.
Earlier this year the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communication published a White Paper proposing a new regulatory framework for the electronic communications market. Compared to the current regulatory regime, the new framework presents some important changes. These changes mainly involve the removal of barriers to entry in non-competitive markets, creating a level playing field in the sector and achieving greater legal clarity. Additionally, the new regime aims to ensure that regulation is technology neutral, harmonising the local legislation with the EU framework for the sector as well as introducing new rules regarding the management of radio frequencies. Subsequently the Electronic Communications Networks and Services (General) Regulations (LN 413/2004) were published with the aim of detailing the principles underpinning the new regulatory framework as established by the White Paper. These regulations came into force during the third quarter.
The core of the new Regulations (State Aid Monitoring Regulations 2004, LN 210/2004) are the principles enshrined in Article 87 of the EC Treaty. The Regulations outline the conditions under which State aid may be granted and lay down the procedure to be followed in line with the EC Council Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty ). The 2004 Regulations bind any provider of aid to notify in the first instance the State Aid Monitoring Board with all proposals of any new aid.
During the third quarter of 2004 the Postal Services Act (Cap. 254) was amended to the effect of limiting the reserved area, that is the sorting, transportation and delivery of articles of correspondence to below 100 grams or three times the public tariff for an item of correspondence in the first weight step of the fastest category. The reserved area will be reviewed again in the first quarter of 2006.
To encourage European tendering, this summer the Ministry of Economic Affairs sent to Parliament the vision of the Dutch government about procurement and purchasing policy. The development of a new legal framework for public procurement in the Netherlands is an important part of this policy. This new legal framework will be equipped with a balanced mixture of instruments that will have to ensure a professional purchasing and procuring policy by contracting authorities and observance of the European procurement directives. This new legislation will be the legal base to implement the European legislation and jurisprudence on public procurement but also the necessary legal base to implement national instruments to improve public procurement in the Netherlands by contracting authorities. One of the goals of the new purchasing and procurement policy is to prevent and to diminish existing and new (administrative) burdens for suppliers as for contracting authorities. The new legal framework will be in force by the end of 2006. Part of this new legislation will be a legal obligation for all contracting authorities to examine the integrity of suppliers, service providers or (building) enterprises according to the criteria for qualification as mentioned in the directives. Another new development will be the installation in phases of a knowledge centre for purchasing and public procurement for all contracting authorities.
TechnoPartner Action programme: From Knowledge to Prosperity aims for an improvement of the techno starter climate. In this endeavour it is the ambition to turn the Netherlands into a country where it is common practice for researchers and (science and technology) students to start their own company. A country in which it is common practice for knowledge institutes and companies to encourage and support techno-starters. A country, finally, in which it is common practice and therefore profitable for venture capitalists to invest in technostarters. To realise these ambitions, TechnoPartner comprises a package of interrelated concrete actions: a) TechnoPartner Seed facility to stimulate and mobilise the bottom end of the Dutch Venture capital market, so that techno-starters can satisfy their capital requirements in the early phase; b) TechnoPartner Knowledge Exploitation Subsdy Arrangement (SKE), with as its objective the quicker utilisation of scientific knowledge by techno starters inside and outside the knowledge institutes (Universities, HBO (higher vocational education) institutes and publicly financed research institutes). A pre-seed facility that gives technostarters the option to put more time and energy into the phase prior to the actual start and a patent facility that enables the professionalisation of the patents policy within the knowledge institutes, all form part of the SKE; c) TechnoPartner-platform that will offer information and expertise and will create an ongoing inventory and agenda of the obstacles faced by techno starters.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008 for NL p. 52, Progress Report 2006 p. 48
National Reform Programme for NL 2005-2008 p. 30
In 2004, the Netherlands decided on a number of measures to help resolve the deficit in different ways and quickly deal with implementation legislation in general. Action plans have been formulated with the aim of reducing the current deficit. By means of accelerated proceedings in the Council of Ministers, implementation legislation will be placed on the agenda and be given preferential treatment in Parliament compared to legislation of national origin. Recommendations and tests by advisory and other bodies will be applied for on time, and the progress monitoring system (early warning) will be improved. With these measures, it is expected that the remaining deficit can quickly be cancelled out.
National Reform Programme for 2005-2008 PL p. 18, ERAWATCH
The adoption of this Act meant strengthening the position of the Minister responsible for science and higher education. This was achieved through transformation of KBN into the Science Council, which acts now as an advisory body to the Minister, who has the final decision on financing R&D projects.
Supply and demand changes on the external market in the second half of 2003 and 2004 different from the annual, seasonal changes in the economic situation and the necessity to elaborate documents necessary to grant public aid to mining, complaint with EU law caused the necessity to update the way of implementation of the hard coal mining restructuring program by correction of the basic taks and restructurisation intentions. This was included in the document adopted on 27 April 2004 by the Council of Ministers under the title: Restructurisation of hard coal mining in the years 2004-2006 and strategy for the years 2007-2010.
On the 3rd of September the Telecommunications law of the 16th July 2004, including regulations concerning ensuring broadband access to the Internet for schools and educational institutions as well as other matters regarding fees and telephone blockades, entered into force. The above-mentioned law implements so called second package of directives for electronic communication  from the year 2002. It envisages also regulations supporting telecommunications development and increasing accessibility of basic telecommunications services, especially for the poorest people and those living in the poor-urbanized areas. The institution of the so called universal service serves this purpose.
The law on freedom of economic activity guarantees also the freedom to undertake activity in Poland for foreign entrepreneurs from the Member States of the European Union and the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) - parties to the EEA agreement on the same conditions as Polish entrepreneurs. Restrictions on setting up branches by entrepreneurs from outside of the EU and EFTA have been upheld by applying the principle of reciprocity, unless ratified international agreements state otherwise. Moreover it was made possible for foreign persons to establish delegations in order to promote the economy of their countries.
On 13 January 2004 the Council of Ministers adopted the document Strategy on the Development of Information Society in Poland - ePoland for the years 2004-2006. The strategy is fully compliant with the Lisbon strategy and the eEurope 2005 activity plan based on it and with the National Development Plan for the years 2004-2006. The aim of the Strategy is to create a competitive economy based on knowledge and to improve the quality of life of citizens by effective informatisation in the scope of: - universality of access to content and services rendered available by electronic means, - creating a valuable offer of content and services available on the Internet, - ability to use them.
The law of 29 January 2004 Public procurement law implemented the provisions of the currently binding directives and part of the provisions of new directives adopted on 30 April 2004 first of all in relation to the issues of procedures electronisation. Referring to Poland's accession to the EU, the main changes of polish public procurement system concern i.e. eliminate domestic preference, enforce obligatory public procurement notices for polish orderers' publication, bring on Internal Order Dictionary description to facilitate orders' identification, implement of two new institutions reference to removal and control procedures: conciliation and testation as well as possibility of using electronic tools in granting public procurement process. The process of granting public procurement is a dynamic process in which 3 groups of subjects participate: the orderer, contractors and the President of the Public Procurement Office. The law of 29 January 2004 Public procurement law enables the abovementioned subjects to communicate by way of electronic communication. The law foresees i.a. that the following can be done by electronic means: 1) transferring public procurement notices for publication, 2) placing notices on the website of the orderer, 3) communication between the orderer and the contractors, 4) making offers, 5) granting procurement by way of electronic auction.
On 23 January 2004 the new law on excise tax was passed, which became fully binding on 1 May 2004. Complex alignment of the Polish provisions on excise tax to the tax system binding in the European Union required introducing new institutions to the Polish regulations, the most important of which was the institution of tax warehouse. The movement of harmonized excise good was based on the procedure of duty-suspension arrangements. The movement of harmonized excise goods under duty-suspension arrangements allows on postponement of payment of excise duty for the moment when goods are actually released to consumption. In the law excise goods were divided into harmonised excise goods, i.e. those subject to a unified excise tax on the common EU market (here belong energy products, alcohol and alcoholic beverages and tobacco products) and non-harmonized goods, i.e. the other goods subject to excise tax in Poland, but not to the common EU excise tax system (i.a. cars, gambling machines).
On 1 September 2004 the obligation of one year kindergarten preparation for children at the age of 6 was introduced.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 13
Under the restructuring of the national air carrier, and with the aim of opening up to private initiative, an international tender was launched to privatize 50.1% of the capital of the handling business, the outcome of which was approved by the Government in August 2004.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 6, 16
The new Commercial Licensing Regime, adopted in March 2004, abolished the quota system and raised the number of establishments and scope of activities covered, while simplifying procedures and decentralizing decision-making.
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 19, and Annex, measure 56
They consist of consortiums with companies, research centres and institutes, technological centres, universities, polytechnics and other Higher Education Institutes, public authorities and business or sectorial associations. Their objective is to create collaboration networks aimed at excellence, whilst also allowing the development of innovation, knowledge intensive clusters and contributing to the development of the economic and social fabric of a region and/or sector. In 2007 8 Competence Networks were set up, organised around specific themes (Bio-Energy, Health care and Medicine, Dematerialisation of Transactions, Micro-Machining of Moulds, Mobility, Polymers, Farm-Forestry and Foodstuff Sector, Telecommunications and Information Technologies).
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 14
A new Public Service Obligations (PSO) model has been defined for the Autonomous Region of the Azores based on a subsidized ticket system, due to come into force on 1 January 2005.
The Law on Electronic Communications, which translates into national law the Directives known as the 99 Revision, establishes the legal regime applicable to the electronic communications networks and services and associated services and defines the assignments of the national regulatory authority. Provisions include rules and mechanisms to promote competition, development of the market and the protection of the interests of users. (Law 5/2004)
The NEOTEC Initiative supported the creation of technology-based companies with growth potential by higher education students and researchers in particular. From 220 submissions, 116 initiatives have been approved, of which 61 have been set up as new enterprises.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 8
In a step forward in the liberalization of the energy market, as of January 2004 prices of fuels were liberalized in a development similar to other EU countries.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 22
Report on 1st year of Implementation, p. 23 and Annex p. 61 Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 11
The market has opened progressively between 1995 and 2006; this began by including the clients with the greatest consumption and therefore the highest tension levels. The latest legal phase of this process involves the opening of the market to clients of normal low tension, which includes domestic consumers, eligible after the publication of the Decree Law no. 192/2004 dated 17 August. Normal low tension consumers in Continental Portugal effectively became able to choose supplier as of 4 September 2006, anticipating compliance with Guideline no 2003/54/CE.
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 20
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 19
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 19, and Annex, measure 62
Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 23
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 (July 2007) p. 87-88 and Annex 2 p. 25-26
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 14  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 350/2004 Coll. that ammends Act No. 455/1991  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
In May 2004, the parliament adopted an amendment to the Trades Act, which curtails the period for the issue of unregulated licences from 15 to 7 days. The period for the registration of VAT and income tax payers have been cut short, as well.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 32  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 371/2004 Coll. on seats and Circuits of Courts of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
Act No. 371/2004 Coll. On seats and Circuits of Courts of the Slovak Republic amending Act No. 99/1963 coll. - the Code of Civil Procedure as amended - changed the structure of courts in the Slovak Republic with effect from 1 January 2005; under the amended law, district courts have first-instance jurisdiction, regional courts, have appellate jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic has jurisdiction only extraordinary legal remedies; the remainder of its activities is focused on the unification of judicial decision making.
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 7
In compliance with the commitments of the Slovak Republic and the requirements of the European Commission, all non-tariff barriers were removed as of the date of Slovakia's accession to the EU
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 6, 15, 31; Act No. 7/2005 Coll (on Bankruptcy and Restructuralisation) and Act No. 8/2005 (on Trustees)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 7/2005 Coll. on Bankruptcy and Restructuring Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
The government  approved the Strategy of the Informatisation of Society in the SR as one of the main instruments for transforming Slovakia into a dynamic knowledge based economy. The implementing of the Strategy is assigned by means of the Action Plan that contains schedules, means, commitments, responsible bodies and indicators of achievement. The Strategy is based on three pillars: building of contents (information and services), development of human resources, and communication infrastructure. The Strategy is based on three pillars: building of contents (information and services), development of human resources, and communication infrastructure. One of the main points of the document deals with the institutional arrangements for IT penetration, namely the creation of an office of Government Plenipotentiary for Information Society. Until now, the information-society programmes have been coordinated mostly by the Information Society Department at the Ministry of Transport, Posts and Telecommunications.
Progress Report on reforms on the products and capital markets (Cardiff Report, October 2004) p. 5;  Act No 177/2004 Coll. (on EEIG); Act No. 562/2004 Coll (on SE)
n the field of company law, the parliament passed two bills that regulate the trans-national legal forms of companies. The European Economic Interest Grouping Act entered into force on 1 May 2004, while the European (Joint Stock) Company Act entered into force on 1 November 2004.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 33; Act No. 757/2004 Coll.   Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 757/2004 Coll. on Courts and on amending certain other acts Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
The second legal pillar in the area of court management and administration - Act No. 757/2004 Coll. On Courts and on amending certain other acts - entered into effect on 1 April 2005. Its objective is to separate court administration of justice at individual courts, and to strengthen self-governing judicial institutions in the administration and management of courts and in the administration of justice. In conformity with the Manifesto of the Government of the Slovak Republic, which mentions the necessity to address the issue of internal organisation, management and administration of courts and judicial self-government, the Framework Legislative Plan lays down the task to prepare a draft amendment to Act No. 757/2004 Coll.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 39
Energy Act No. 656/2004 Coll. implements Directive 2003/54/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (and Directive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas) (...) With effect from 1 January 2005, all customers except for household customers have the status of eligible electricity customers. The degree of opening of the market thus attained 75 % of the overall consumption of electricity in the Slovak Republic. The households will obtain the right to choose their supplier as from 1 July 2007. The number of customers who changed their electricity supplier as of 1 January 2005 can only be estimated; according to unofficial data it represents approx. 1 %. (...) Since 1 January 2005, the Slovak energy legislation meets all the requirements for the accounting, functional and legal separation of electricity supply, including relevant implementation deadlines. Under the new energy legislation, the Regulatory Office for Network Industries has a duty to introduce secondary legislation on the details of keeping separate accounting records and on the manner of keeping records on assets and liabilities. This legislation is currently at the drafting stage.
Since 2004, with the target year being 2008, there have been information and communication technologies implemented in curricula at all levels of schools, which will ensure digital literacy of each pupil.
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 6
In line with the legislation of the European Union in the area of consumer protection, Slovakia adopted an amendment to the Civil Code, which entered into force on 1 April 2004. The amendment establishes a two-year warranty period and regulates new types of consumer contracts.
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 15  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree 665/2004 from February 4, 2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=8429
NRP Progress Report (october 2006) p. 40
In the natural gas sector, the opening up of the market in gas and its legal and technical aspects are provided for in the energy law (Energy Act No. 656/2004 Coll.) and in Act No. 658/2004 Coll. on Regulation of Network Industries; more detailed provisions concerning contractual relations in connection with their actual performance are set out in secondary legislation. The entry into force of the new legislation on 1 January 2005 increased the degree of opening of the natural gas market in Slovakia to 73.5 % of total gas consumption; from 1 July 2007, all customers including households will be qualified as eligible customers. The requirements of Directive 2003/55/EC concerning the separation of accounts, and functional and legal separation, have been incorporated into the legislation in force with effect from 1 January 2005, including the deadlines for carrying out the separation. Separation of accounts and functional separation of undertakings has been completed. The operator of the transmission network and the operator of the distribution network are legally separated from the parent company as from 1 July 2006
The Supportive Environment for Entrepreneurship Act is an important step forward in establishing an entrepreneur-friendly environment. By stipulating public authorisations for services and connections among institutions, the new Act provides for strengthening of the service network that supports entrepreneurs in the entire area of Slovenia. This will increase the transparency and efficiency of state investments in the field of promoting entrepreneurship. (...) The Act stipulates the establishment of a system putting in place the institutions of innovative environment, technological parks, incubators and technological centres. By defining such institutions, the new Act provides for a better transparency of public spending for that purpose, since it sets apart the services for development and knowledge transfer for groups of enterprises as a public function, and the implementation of development projects for enterprises as a state assistance. (...)The Act also provides the basis for the use of funding from the structural funds. The funds of the European Regional Development Fund (ERRS, ERDS) are designed to complement the existing funding of the Government in the field for projects such as better connections and faster transfer of knowledge to the business sector, the development of new financial instruments (guarantee schemes) and the provision of better access to services for SMEs (VEM, the voucher system).The Act complements the legal framework for the implementation of the planned measures by a legal definition of the programme basis (the procedure for preparing and adopting the Programme of Measures for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship), and by providing a legal basis for the establishment of implementation infrastructure needed for an efficient use of structural funds.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 14
In 2004, a public company, Kontrola zracnega prometa Slovenije, d. o. o. was established, providing air traffic services, air information services and an air telecommunications service, as a compulsory, national public service obligation. Regulatory tasks are thus separated from the operation of public services.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 8-9
The new fundamental legal Act on Electronic Communications, adopted in April 2004, liberalised the telecommunications domain in accordance with the EU legislation. A variety of mechanisms for market-relations-balancing have been introduced and the independent regulatory Agency now has extended competences to protect competition and to cooperate with the Competition Protection Office of the Republic of Slovenia and with the EU regulatory bodies.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 13
In public passenger transport, the cancellation of interurban and suburban services has stopped, in part also due to subsidies for regular passenger transport; nevertheless, the number of transported passengers continues to decrease. In 2004, a Decree on the concession granted for the operation of the public service obligation of public regular passenger services in internal road transport was adopted; and concession contracts with transport operators have already been signed for a period until 2008. These transport operators will be receiving, until the end of 2004, a supplement of SIT 50 (EUR 0.2 per each kilometre travelled, which represents a doubling of the previous subsidy); as from January 2005, the level of the supplement will depend on the difference between expenses incurred and revenues generated in individual services, calculated for each kilometre travelled. Slovenia has thus shifted from a system of subsidies provided to public passenger transport to a system of operating and cofinancing a public service obligation for the operation of this transport. In the future and in compliance with the transport policy in 2004 and 2005, a public transport passenger act will be adopted, governing in a unified manner the entire area of passenger transport in various modes of transport.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006, p. 32-33, p.34, p.46 and Higher Education Act (Official Gazette 63/2004), Recognition and Evaluation of Education Act (Official Gazette 73/2004).
With an amendment to the Higher Education Act and the adoption of the Recognition and Evaluation of Education Act in 2004 the legal basis was laid for the reform of higher education./// The reform includes measures aimed at increasing the quality of study, facilitating the employment of graduates and changing the financing of higher education. The amendments to the Higher Education Act envisage the establishment of a Council for the Evaluation of Higher Education within the Expert Council for High School Education (advisory body of the Government) to perform the tasks of the national agency for quality assurance in higher education.///Under the amendments to the Higher Education Act, first- and second-degree study programmes will be phased in by 2009/2010 academic year at the latest, which means that those programmes adopted before the amendments to the act came into force will be phased out. The last enrolment year for the current programmes will be 2008/2009 and the programmes will have to finish in the 2015/2016 academic year.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 17  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Corporate Income Tax Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200440&stevilka=1663 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Porocilo o strukturnih reformah Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.umar.gov.si/fileadmin/user_upload/projekti/por-struk-ref04.pdf
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 15  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act on Revisions and Amendments of the Small Business Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Obrtnega zakona (ObrZ-C)) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2004 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200418&stevilka=775
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006, p. 33
The Post-Secondary Vocational Education Act was adopted in 2004 and placed higher technical education under tertiary education. In accordance with the Bologna process, the Act introduced credit assignments (ECTS) and established the mechanisms for monitoring and assuring the quality of higher technical education by the same institution as that dealing with higher education. At the national level, a discussion is being held on drawing up a national framework of qualifications aimed at integrating all qualifications within a single framework and clearly indicating the relationships between them.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004) - Cardiff report, p.18; Decision establishing  the Public Agency for Technological Development of the RS.
In accordance with the Research and Development Act from the year 2002 (Official Gazette RS No. 96/2002), Slovenian Technology Agency (TIA) was established in spring 2004 by a decision of the Government.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 12
Since Slovenia joined the EU, the entire freight rail transport, including combined transport, has operated as a commercial activity, while passenger transport has remained a public service obligation. Access to public railway infrastructure has been liberalised, in alignment with the EU rules. Licences to operate rail transport, issued in the EU, are recognised in Slovenia.
With the adoption of amendments to the Energy Act in April 2004, Slovenia has duly transposed the requirements contained in the Directive on the internal natural gas market into its national law. Based on the amendments to the Energy Act, there is now the required legal and functional separation of the activity of the natural gas transmission network operator from other commercial activities. Access to the network is no longer negotiated; it is regulated. The methodologies for the determination and accounting of tariffs in transmission and distribution have to be established by the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Energy (national regulator) by November, in agreement with the Government, on the basis of which system operators of the transmission and distribution networks will calculate the tariffs which will then be approved by the regulator. As of 1 July 2004, all non-household consumers have become eligible consumers, while households will become eligible consumers as of 1 July 2007.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 18 and Corporate Income Tax Act (official Gazette No. 40/2004).
In 2004 an amendment of Corporate Income Tax Act was adopted by the National Assembly, entitling companies to a reduction of taxes amounting to 10% of the invested amount in equipment and an additional reduction of taxes amounting to 10% of the invested amount in equipment for research and technological development. This amendment also introduced also tax relief for the employment of Ph.D.s in companies, with a decrease in taxes amounting to 30% of salaries of newly employed Ph.D.s for the first 12 months of their employment.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 8-9.
The new fundamental legal Act on Electronic Communications, adopted in April 2004, liberalised the telecommunications domain in accordance with the EU legislation. There are no exclusive and special rights awarded to any subject on the market and entry onto the market is now simplified, which is very important for new entrants on the fully liberalised telecommunications market. Competition exists in all market segments of the telecommunications market, with the exception of fixed telephony for national calls. Apart from the monopoly operator, a further two operators have acquired licences to provide these services but they have not yet entered the market. After the Act on Electronic Communications entered into force, five more companies applied.
In May 2004, amendments to the Energy Act were passed, providing the opening of the market for all non-household customers on 1 July 2004. The number of eligible customers, reaching around 8,000 before that date, rose significantly afterwards. Before 1 July 2004, eligible customers' total consumption reached almost 68% of the total national consumption in Slovenia, but this percentage has increased to around 75%, this also being the percentage of the market opening. In Slovenia, there is one transmission system operator (TSO, already legally unbundled) and five regional distribution system operator (DSO, account unbundled).
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 10
The Postal Services Act adopted in 2002 and amended in May 2004 abolished the monopoly in the field of postal services and liberalised the postal market by removing all legal obstacles for the entry of competitors. The Post and Electronic Communication Agency supervises the deregulation of postal services in conformance with the law and its duties.
Slovenia Report on Structural reforms (October 2004)- Cardiff report p. 6-7
Public procurement in Slovenia is regulated by the Public Procurement Act and the Act on the Review of Public Procurement Procedures. The Public Procurement Act was amended in January 2004 in order to be fully harmonised with the EU directives concerning public procurement. Since May 2004, the Rules on Standard Forms for all types of notices, which must be advertised by contracting authorities under the Public Procurement Act have been applied. The introduction of mandatory electronic public procurement will make the award of public contracts even more transparent and will also enhance competition on the domestic market in public contracts, which, considering the lack of flexibility in domestic supply, in turn implies the potential reduction of prices, economies of scale and, subsequently, the more cost-effective use of public funds. The 2004 amendment to the Public Procurement Act prescribes the use of electronic notices and invitations to tender. For the purposes of setting up a single information portal for electronic notices concerning public procurement a 12-month transition period applies.
Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p.13  Royal Decree 296/2004, of the 20th February
A simplified accounting regime for SMEs has been created with the aim of facilitating their management so that, with a single set of accounts, they can comply with tax and accounting obligations established by Spanish legislation. (Royal Decree 296/2004, dated 20 February, on the simplified accounting regime).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets in Spain, page 8. Royal Decree 436/2004 (BOE 27/03/04).
The special regime affects producers of renewable energy and combined heat and power. Royal Decree 436/2004 introduces incentives to increase the participation by the special regime system in the wholesale market by amending the special regime remuneration system (moving froma a more fixed price reumneration to a more market linked remuneration).
Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p. 17
Improvements in the vocational training system have been extended, with various measures to complement and develop the National System of Qualifications and Vocational Training: The first professional qualifications included in the National Catalogue, and the corresponding training modules, were approved; (Royal Decree 295/2004, dated 20 February.)
Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p.9
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets in Spain 2004, page 7. Law 1/2004 on commercial opening hours (BOE 22/12/04).
The law aims to establish a new framework regulating commercial opening hours on the basis of the longer hours established in recent years and to enable each Autonomous Community to progress towards the level of liberalisation in terms of the opening hours it deems appropriate
Progress Report of the National Reform Programme 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 277. Additional Provision 25 of the 2005 State Budget Law 2/2004 of 27/12/04 (BOE 28/12/04). Annual Report 2005 of the General Directorate of SME Policy (Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets in Spain 2004, page 6. Royal Decree 2295/2004 (BOE 23/12/04)
Royal Decree 2295/2004 transposes to Spanish legislation the amendments produced in European 2 laws (Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2003 of 15 November 2002, regarding application of the competition regulations envisaged in articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty, and Council Regulation (EC) No. 139/2004, of 20 January 2004, on the control of concentrations between undertakings).
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets in Spain, page 8. Agreement published in the official journal (BOE) on 01/06/04
On 20 January 2004, the International Agreement for the constitution of a single Iberian electricity market (MIBEL) was signed by Spain and Portugal. The Agreement was revised on 1 October 2004 in order to adapt it to EU regulations and provide an adequate period for the adoption of electricity market reforms in both countries, aimed at increasing competition and providing greater transparency in tariffs. This market started functioning in 2006.
Progress Report on economic reform of product and capital markets in Spain 2004, page 17. Royal Decree 362/2004 (BOE 26/03/04).
The structure of the vocational training certificates was reformed in order to coordinate them with the National Professional Qualifications Catalogue. New content was introduced to narrow the gap between training supply and the job market, and basic requirements for access, admission and enrolment in vocational training were made flexible
Progress Report of the National Reform Programme 2006 , page 30
The Plan, focusing on small retail trade entreprises, is structured in five programmes: promotion of city retailers, improvement of rural trade, fostering business cooperation, quality in retail establishments and information and training.
Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p. 10
Owing to the commercial launch of UMTS, the agreements signed in 2000 between the Spanish government and the operators holding UMTS licenses had to be adapted to market realities. The agreements were amended in June 2004, implying the acceptance of a minimum coverage before the service is provided and the commitment by operators not to reach roaming agreements between them. The minimum coverage guarantees the launch of UMTS services in cities with over 250,000 inhabitants, thus ensuring users a minimum level of service. The commitment not to reach roaming agreements between operators for the provision of the service obliges them to deploy their own network in the areas in which they offer the service, but it does not prevent them from reaching agreements to share antenna sites;
Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 7
The new railway law that came into force on July 1, 2004 deregulated freight transport on railways. Railway companies throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) and in Switzerland have the right to compete for international freight transport and in some instances, they also have the right to conduct domestic traffic in Sweden.
National Report on Economic Reform of the Product and Capital Markets Sweden Oct. 2004, p. 4
In September 2004, the Government decided to appoint a special investigator with an instructon to improve the efficiency of procedures under the competition law. One of the investigator's tasks is to consider whether it is feasible to reduce the number of instances. The special investigator is also to review the regulations in the competition law in light of the new European Union Merger Regulation.
Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 6
Budget 2004 announced the intention to have a Children's Centre in all of the 20 per cent most deprived wards in England by 2008, moving towards the goal of a Children's Centre for every community. Children's Centres in the 20% most deprived wards will make Sure Start services available to 56% of poor children who live in these disadvantaged areas.
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 11, 26
DTI will be working with HM Treasury and Inland Revenue to further promote the R&D tax credits to business in 2004, building on enhancements to the tax credits and a simplification of the R&D definition introduced in Budget 2004. During 2004, the Inland Revenue will be producing and disseminating more comprehensive guidance material to help companies, their advisers and tax inspectors to understand and claim the R&D tax credit
UK Update on Progress (October 2006), p. 25-26, 29 Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 10, 25
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 22
UK Update on Progress (October 2006), p. 27
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 26
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 7 BERR website
Regulatory Review Group Annual Report 2009
Progress Report on Structural Reforms of Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report 2003-2004) p. 9  Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform  Annual Reports and Accounts 2007-2008, p. 44, 108.
Budget 2004, page 55  Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (2009) 'Annual Reports and Accounts 2008-2009', p. 32.  Small Business Service (2004) 'A government action plan for small business: Making the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business', Department of Trade and Industry, p. 4.
Wirtschaftsbericht Oesterreich 2006, First Implementation Report 2006 grid.
The amendment of the competition law (Kartellgesetz 2005, BGBl. 61/2005, and Wettbewerbsnovelle 2005, BGBl. 62/2005) lead to modernization of the juristical framework of competition supervision. Main issue of the reform ist the adaption of national compeition law to the competition law on the European level in order to secure a more efficient coexistence of Austrian and European competition law. The Federal Competition authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehoerde (BWB)) is now overtaking the role of the Cartel Court (Kartellgericht) which is connected with a noticeable simplification of administration. A considerably amendment in the field of competition regulation is the introduction of a leniency programme. In addition to the existing rights according to the competition and antitrust law nowadays even Federal Competition Authority and Federal Antitrust Attorney can initiate procedures for verification and adherence of the law.
Section II National Reform Programme p. 13
Section II National Reform Programme p. 10
Tax concessions for contract research in income tax (research allowance or tax bonus); this should enable a wide SME base to take up research.
The E-Government Innovation Centre (EGIZ) was founded to provide assistance with the technological side.
Section II National Reform Programme p. 14
Shortening of procedures by exploiting synergies (regional planning and legislation governing civil engineering projects, avoidance of duplication of effort by consolidating procedures). Procedures Acceleration Act (Verfahrensbeschleunigungsgesetz).
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Employment First Implementation Report 2006 p. 64
Privatisation of the VA-Technologie and Voestalpine. The OEIAG (Oesterreichische Industrieholding AG) completed the privatisation of VA-Technologie and sold 14.7% to the Siemens Austria in July 2005. The privatisation of VoestAlpine was accomplished end of August 2005.
The aim is to achieve a research quota of 3% of GDP by 2010 as well as to improve competence at the interface of science and industry. Establish and further the technological lead of Austrian companies to sustain their competitiveness; promote Austria as a business location; contribute to securing a high employment rate and job quality in the long-run; long-term growth and employment effects. Implementation by amendment of the Federal Finance Act (Bundesfinanzgesetz BFG) 2005 and 2006, Federal Law Gazette I no. 103/2005
First Implementation Report 2006 Part II, Section A measure no. 3
Increase of cost efficiency in public administration and public procurement.
First Implementation Report 2006 grid p. 26
Comprehensive consolidation of the legal situation in commercial law; helping create clarity and certainty in legal transactions. Modernisation of the Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch, HGB). In terms of content, company law has been harmonised and deregulated. Unnecessary differences company law and general civil law have been removed. Through the Structural Adjustment Law 2006 (Strukturanpassungsgesetz (StruktAngG 2006), effective as of 1 January 2007, tax law has been adapted to the new UGB.
Progress Report 2006 p. 37  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Evaluation report Cooperation agreement between FIT, AWEX and Brussel Export Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Flemish government department International Flanders Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://iv.vlaanderen.be/nlapps/data/docattachments/20070825_evaluatierapport_overeenkomst_FIT_gewesten_KLE.pdf
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 23, National Reform Programme 2005.
Launch in 2005 in Wallonia of an excellence programme for nanotechnology and information technologies.
Allocation of the one-off innovation premium was organised at federal level by the law of 3 July 2005 and the Ministerial Decree of 3 October 2005. To encourage a culture of innovation in the business world, the government introduced an exemption from personal tax and social security for innovation premiums granted to innovative workers. The exemption is limited to the year 2006. In early 2007, the impact of the measure will be assessed and its application possibly extended.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 31  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Kefik Activiteitenrapport 2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	BECEFI Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.cefip.be/FILES/Documenten/NL/kefikactrapport2009_NL.pdf
The Belgian Knowledge Centre for SME Financing (BeCeFi) is a federal government body that has been operating since late 2005. BeCeFi's mission is to centralise information and expertise in order to act as a reference centre for federal and regional SME financing.
The BECI (the Brussels Entreprises Commerces and Industry), supported by the Brussels-Capital Region has set up a structure, the CED, for the self-employed and small businesses facing specific difficulties, allowing them to seek advice and benefit from support in order undertake the actions and decisions that their situation requires. The principle of the Centre is to help the entrepreneur to identify clearly his difficulty, to set up a strategy to end the crisis and to help him to  contact legal or financial experts who will help him to implement a recovery plan. Alongside this support, the CED makes a diagnosis and assesses the chances of success of the recovery plans, the ultimate goal being to save the companies in order to safeguard a maximum of employment .  In 2010, the CED has strengthened its collaboration with the private and public operators Brussels (cells accompanying starters, entrepreneurs, tribunals, legal professionals, accountants and professionals active in the social sector).The years 2011 and 2012 will be oriented towards the creation of public tools, a further expansion of the CED and the establishment of the methodologies used.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 31  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering van 19 december 2008 tot toekenning van steun aan kleine en Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue:  City	Brussel Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	19-12-2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://reflex.raadvst-consetat.be/reflex/index.reflex?docid=112247&lang=nl 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	De KMO-portefeuille: u doet er goede zaken mee (leaflet) Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agentschap Economie Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue:  City	Brussels Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	not mentioned Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ewbl-publicatie.vlaanderen.be/Uploads/kmo_portefeuille_folder_baselineAO.pdf (9-2-2011) 	 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Steunmaatregelen aan ondernemingen in het Vlaamse Gewest - PPT presentation Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Bernard De Potter Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agentschap Economie Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue:  City	Brussels Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	not mentioned Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website http://www.medianetvlaanderen.be/content/user/File/Infosessie%20080424/4%20Steun%20aan%20ondernemingen_Agentschap%20Economie.pdf (9-2-2011)
The so-called Budget for Economic Advise (BEA) is based on a Decision of by the Flemish government dated December 16, 2005. This legislation aimed to provide support for SMEs to encourage their entrepreneurship. It was launched on 22 May 2006. BEA incorporated the already existing advice and training vouchers. Two new subsidy options were added, namely (1) mentorship for talented entrepreneurs and (2) knowledge transmission. Mentorship is a coaching service, provided by a registered service provider, for talented entrepreneurs that have received risk capital from a venturing company. It is (almost) exclusively focused on the improvement of the current or future functioning of the SME. Knowledge transmission relates to the transfer of existing, application oriented knowlegde with respects to products, services, processes or markets that can readily be applied by the SME for the renewal or innovation of its products, services, processes or markets.  The SMEs must be located in the Flemish region and active in a sector that is listed. Teh servive providers must be registered (seperately for each of the support services). Support of up to 5,000 euros per business can be applied for (2,500 euros max for each of the services seperately), in a period of two years. The business pays for 65% of the service itself and the Flemish government makes up the remaining 35%.
National Lisbon Reform Programme, 2005, p. 41
To reinforce collaborations between companies, academia and research institutions, the partial wage tax exemption has been extended, since 1 October 2005, to companies paying or attributing remuneration to researchers assigned to research projects conducted under partnership agreements concluded with universities or higher education institutions established in the European Economic Area or with scientific institutions registered by the Council of Ministers. The exemption percentage is fixed at 50% and only applies to advance payment deducted on remuneration paid within the framework of and during the research project period.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 32 Cardiff Report 2001, p.13 Cardiff Report 2002, p.9 Cardiff Report 2003, p.4, 7 Cardiff Report 2004, p.4
The new law of 2 December 2005 on the protection of economic competition means a substantial expansion of staff numbers at both the Competition Council and the Competition Department. The law complies fully with new European competition regulations and besides raising the notification threshold for concentrations also ensures better harmonisation between the workings of the industry regulators and those of the general competition authority. According to a study from the Catholic University of Leuven, this optimisation of 2 could generate revenue of 250 million euros.
To ensure efficient entry of young people into the labour market, the first necessity is to strengthen secondary education, in particular the subjects which have a direct bearing on the labour market. With this in view, investments have been allocated for the period 2005-2006 to the basic infrastructures of the technical schools (Flanders: 30 million euros - Frenchspeaking Community 25.7 million euros). Brussels (BCR (Brussels Capital Region)) has, moreover, devoted a budget of 2 million euros (2005-2008) to support the investments of the two communities.
The Walloon Region has made an additional budget allocation for this measure of 280 million euros to be spread over the next four years, of which 120 million euros are for research projects in these centres.
National Lisbon Refrom Programme 2005, p. 42
In the gas sector, a similar development is provided for by the law of 1 June 2005 transposing Directive 2003/55/EC. The most important changes introduced by the law are the concepts of natural gas transmission manager, natural gas storage installation manager, and LNG installation manager (these must be appointed by the relevant minister according to a detailed procedure) and, as in the electricity market, a long-term invoicing system designed to ensure transparent prices and better protect the interests of consumers.
Since 1 July 2006, the measure of partial wage tax exemption has been extended to all personnel (except administrative and sales staff) employed by young innovative companies that have been set up for less than 10 years, that are not resulting from a concentration, restructuration, extension or resumption of a pre-existing activity and that spend a least 15% of their budget on R&D. The exemption percentage is fixed at 50%.
In October 2005 it was decided to introduce a system of notional interest. This system came into force in 2007. It consists of granting a reduction of the tax base for coporate taxation at a percentage of equity, based on the rate of 10-year linear bonds issued by the Belgian state. It removes a fiscal discrimination against financing with own funds as opposed to borrowed capital.
Lisbon Reform Programme 2005, p. 38  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	"Over het Agentschap Ondernemen" Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agentschap Ondernemen Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vlao.be/default.asp?webpageID=72 (9-2-2011)
The Enterprise Agency is a Flemish independent agency. It belongs to the Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI) department. It replaces the 5 regional development agencies (Gewestelijke Ontwikkelingsmaatschappijen - GOM), located in each of the provincies, as well as Flemish Institute for Self-employed Entrepreneurship (Vlaams Instituut voor Zelfstandige Ondernemers - VIZO).   The task of the Agency is to implement economic policies and to guarantee the operational preparation. The Enterprise Agency is the first contact point of the Flemish government for entrepreneurs. The Enterprise Agency has a headquarter in Brussels and five provincial departments in the provincial capitals. It must act as an easy accessible contact point for candidate entrepreneurs, established entrepreneurs and enterprises, offering a wide spectrum of services in a pro-active way and in cooperation with intermediary socio-economic actors.    Note that the original name was the Economy Agency (Agentschap Economie) which in 2009 was changed to the Enterprise Agency (Agentschap Ondernemen) when the activties were mergerd with those of the Flemish Agency for Entrepreneurship (Vlaams Agentschap voor Ondernemen).
Progress Report 2007, p. 33  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Information Brochure Flanders International Fund Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	PMV Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.pmv.eu/download/nl/472661/file/ 	8-2-2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	PMV Annual report 2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	PMV Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.pmv.eu/download/nl/472752/file/
Agence de stimulation economique. http://www.as-e.be/ase/ase-fr-cg/esprit-d-entreprendre/index.html
In Wallonia, a new micro-credit mechanism has been introduced which facilitates access to credit for entrepreneurs, tradespeople and very small enterprises (<10 employees) within SOCAMUT - SOWALFIN (the Walloon Company of Financing and Guarantees for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), which acts as guarantor for 80% of the bank loan and supports the businesses by subsidising the accountant who drew up the business plan. As from 1 May 2005, anyone who applies for a loan to start up or expand a business is also entitled to a 500 euros grant to prepare their business plan for the bank. The decision to grant a loan of a maximum of 25,000 euros will always depend on the banks. But the Sowalfin guarantee should reassure and encourage the financial institutions to accept the accounts more easily.
National Lisbon Reform Programme 2005, p. 41
A new step in the liberalisation of the electricity market was made with the law of 1 June 2005, which leads to greater transparency in prices for electricity transmission and better predictability of those prices, a necessary condition for the stability of provider contracts. To this end, the principle of multi-year invoicing (for 4 years) has been adopted. The reliability of the network has been improved by strengthening the conditions of investment and by endeavouring to improve interconnections with neighbouring countries. Moreover, the new act paves the way for the establishment of BELPEX, the Belgian electricity exchange. Lastly, the law provides for a specific tender procedure for the construction of generating facilities when security of supply is not guaranteed.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 12  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	General Strategy of e-Governance in the Republic of Bulgaria 2010-2015, p,2 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mtitc.government.bg/upload/docs/Obshta_Strategia_eGovernment_2011_2015.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Program (2007-2009), Progress Report, p.15 (in Bulgarian)  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agency for Economic Forecast and Analysis Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	Ocotber, 2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.minfin.bg/document/8348:1
A gateway of the e-government has been created - www.egov.bg. It is the access point to all e-services provided by the central administration. The gateway allows for interactive personalized access to information and services or automated integration with other systems. The system offers centralized approach to the document management, working processes, contents and policies. The unified platform for providing services enables its users to securely connect to the system at any time and from any location while their personal data are protected. Further development of the e-government is seen as an element of the e-governance in the context of the General Strategy of e-Governance in the Republic of Bulgaria 2010-2015. A conclusion is made in the Strategy that the Strategy for e-Government in Bulgaria 2002-2005 is not fully implemented and actualized.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 p. 71
Technology Transfer Units (TTU). The first objective of a PHARE project that has already started (BG2005/017-353.10.06, "Assistance for the implementation of the National Innovations Programme".) is to create offices for technological transfer (OTT). Eligible to apply project financing are public research organizations, including technical universities, BAS, etc., which may develop project applications on their own or in partnership with other research organizations. This objective will be attained through a grant scheme, including comprehensive support for the beneficiaries, like: renovation of the premises for OTT, supply of equipment, consultancy, promotional activities, model development, Internet site development, etc. The maximum amount of an individual grant will be 50000 Euro, which will make up to 75% of the overall value of the project. At least 25% of the funds for implementation of each project should be ensured by the beneficiary. The newly established offices should strive to reach a maximum possible integration of their activities with the activities of the European Innovations Center and to include the technological offers they are going to collect in the information exchange within the Network of European Innovation centres. For this purpose they should be given adequate resources for training and integration of their infrastructure with the infrastructure of the network of 71 European Innovation Centres.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme 2007-2009 p. 24; National Reform Programme 2007-2009 p. 18, National Reform Programme 2006-2009 Annex 3.
The financing of scientific and applied research for manufacturing companies through grant schemes under the National Innovation Fnd is aimed at increasing the extremely low share of innovative SMEs. Since the establishment of the National Innovation Fund in 2005, 3 competition sessions were held until June 30 June 2007 and a total of 188 contracts for funding the following types of projects are being implemented: a) Scientific and applied research projects - for these projects the maximum grant amounts to BGN 500 000, with the term for implementation being up to 3 years. The grant for research costs is upto 50 per cent, while the grant for development costs is up to 25 per cent. b) Feasibility/pre-feasibility studies - any projects of pre-feasibility study nature are allowed to a grant of up to 50 per cent for the costs incurred. The maximum grant amounts to BGN 50 000 and the term for implementation is up to 1 year. The budget of the National Innovation Fund was around EUR 3.6 million in 2006, while in 2007 it is EUR 6.14 million.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 65
For the purpose of effectively pursuing the policy in the area of innovations in the benefit of industry, a National Council for Innovations was set up as an advisory body at the Ministry of Economy and Energy. It consists of representatives of ministries and agencies, which are involved in defining and implementing the national policy, representatives of the major business associations, of the academic circles and NGOs.
Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 84 Progress Report Oct. 2008, p. 78
RPF has proceeded with the pilot launching of the measure DIDAKTOR (within the KINITIKOTITA Action of the Programme for Young Researchers) in May 2005, which supports the implementation of high quality research projects by PhD students in enterprises. The first call of this programme was announced in February 2008 under the new RPF Framework Programme 2008, and includes two actions: Didaktor in Research Centre and Didaktor in Enterprises. This programme is also included in the RPF Framework Programme 2009-2010.
National Lisbon Programme CY 2005, p. 25
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 15
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2005, p. 24
Establishment of the Cyprus Institute: The Institute will be a regional research and educational centre of excellence. The first Research Centre of the Institute is expected to operate at the beginning of 2007, whilst the project will be completed by 2012.
By virtue of a Council of Ministers decision, the Planning Bureau of the Republic has established (at the beginning of 2006) a new Unit for the coordination of all horizontal issues pertaining to the Internal Market. The Unit has also an advisory role on vertical issues and the main responsibility for the IM communication policy. In order to carry out its prescribed duties and responsibilities, the Unit is in contact with all the competent authorities of the country, the economic and social stakeholders in the private sector and the civil society at large, as well as with the Commission and other Community Institutions and the other Member States (at national level). In addition, the Unit presents Cyprus at IMAC meetings, coordinates the official position on the future Internal Market policy, the establishment of the IMI (Internal Market Information - electronically connected network with all member states administration) system and the activities in respect of the first vertical application (Professional Qualifications Directive) and is responsible for the promotion of the Commission's public consultations on Internal Market issues and the organisation of Cyprus own public consultations.
National Lisbon Programme, Part II, October 2005, p. 20
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Draft Progress Report p. 94
Following the enactment of the law regulating the establishment and operation of private universities in Cyprus, the Council of Ministers appointed the members of the Evaluation Committee for Private Universities on 5/12/2005. Four applications have been submitted so far, for the establishment of private universities by the owners of four private institutions of tertiary education and a private company. The evaluation procedure commenced in May 2006. Upon completion of the evaluation procedure in 2007, the first private universities in Cyprus are expected to operate in the academic year 2007-2008.
National Reform Programm Cyprus Draft Progress Report p. 116
Through a circular, dated 23 August 2005, the Ministry of Education and Culture has set the theme of "Entrepreneurship in Education" as one of the main targets for the school year 2005-2006 onwards. In this context, inspectors of the Ministry have prepared programmes and teaching material as well as relevant seminars to the teachers. At the same time, a long standing programme for promoting entrepreneurial notions and ideas throughout the whole curriculum and school life is being prepared.
(a) Certification of skills on ICT according to European standards (European Computer Driving Licence) for Gymnasium third grade pupils (age 15). (b) Use of multimedia in teaching through the development of electronic content in most lessons by 2008.
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2005, p. 24, National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 70
Institutional and competitive grants to public sector research institutions: Within the framework of the 2005 national budget, the government has redirected the method of funding of public research institutions, including the University of Cyprus, by reducing relatively their direct financial support, and increasing the funds that are available for the financing of competitive proposals, via mainly the RPF. This method will be adopted in all future budgets in order to promote high quality research and enhance scientific excellence.
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2005, p. 25 National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2007, p. 82
The scope of this Programme is the transfer of knowledge and experience of internationally distinguished scientists, through their participation in research activities conducted for the benefit of Cypriot research organizations. Specifically, this Programme aims at the training of Cypriot researchers on the cutting-edge fields through their cooperation with the research teams of the distinguished scientists and the creation of long-term cooperation networks between the Cyprus research units and the research teams of the distinguished scientists, for future participation in national and European Programmes. The programme was launched in February 2005 and ended in 2006.
National Lisbon Programme, October 2005, p. 21; Progress Report 2007, p. 18
National Reform Programme Cyprus Draft Progress Report p. 71
In September 2005 the Mobility Centre started its operations. Some of the Centre's main activities include the publication of promotional materials, the provision of assistance to researchers and the organization of various events.
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2005, p. 72
Establishing a Loan Guarantee Granting Facility. The guarantee facility, that will be offered, will facilitate financing of viable projects which otherwise could not be implemented, due to the lack of collateral. It will be gradually introduced as from 2007. The implementation of the measure is completed (JEREMIE Cyprus). The Republic of Cyprus (RoC) will inject an initial amount of EUR 20 m into the Holding Fund.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 52
In April 2005 the Action plan to Reduce the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs  was adopted. In April 2008 the Plan to Reduce Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs was adopted, in which it was proposed that burdens be reduced at six ministries   by up to 20% by the end of 2010. In 2010 the target was increased to 25% and the deadline moved to the end of 2012 so that these data are in line with the goals of the EU. In order to monitor the development of the administrative burden in all resorts, the government of the Czech Republic shall receive, by March of each year, a report on progress in the Plan to  Reduce the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs, on the basis of which further measures shall be taken to improve the current situation. October 31, 2008, six ministries will submit a plan to the government of the Czech Republic containing concrete steps to decrease the administrative burden on entrepreneurs by up to 20% by the end of 2010. In order to monitor the development of the administrative burden in all resorts, the government of the Czech Republic shall receive, by March of each year, a report on progress in the Plan to Decrease the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs, on the basis of which further measures shall be taken to improve the current situation.
Implementation Report 2006, p. 46; Implementation Report 2007, p. 67; Final report of the project 2008.
A system project PILOT S focused on creation and testing of pilot educational programmes at upper secondary technical and upper secondary vocational schools. The project consisted of 5 central activities: education of teachers at pilot schools, development of social partnership, self-evaluation of schools, creation and testing of school educational programmes. 30 schools participated on this project in 2005/2006, which created 60 school educational programmes based on 24 framework educational programmes. Testing of these programmes was launched in the school year 2006/2007. Furthermore, pilot schools elaborated 30 introductory auto-evaluation studies and studies on direct co-operation with approximately 100 social partners. These studies will be used for creation and implementation of school educational programmes. At the same time, 47 thematic seminars focussing on education of teachers at pilot schools took place (about 700 teachers participated).  In the year 2007 project focused also on the needs of non-pilot upper secondary technical and upper secondary vocational schools. A course specialised on creation of school educational programmes was prepared for the teachers and 124 lecturers were trained for this course. Approved budget of this project was CZK 39.8 mill. as of end of August 2006, CZK 13.8 mill. had been drawn. Final costs of the project were CZK 39.6 mill. In total, the Project supported 30 institutions, 1868 persons and made the successful piloting of the two-level curricula system of the vocational education and training in the Czech Republic.  Budgetary Impact on Expenditures: budget was covered 75% from ESF (CZK 29.7 mill.) and 25% from the national budget (CZK 9.9 mill.).
A new Electronic Communications Act (Act No. 127/2005 Coll.), which is in force as of May 1, 2005, allows for continuing liberalisation of the market, strengthening competitiveness and decrease of prices for customers.
Implementation Report 2006, p. 19  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Reducing the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs - Action Plan Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/akcni-plan-pdf.aspx 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Analysis of the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/analyza-125-pdf.aspx 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the Fulfilment of the Plan to Reduce the Administrative Burden on Entrepreneurs by 2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.komora.cz/pomahame-vasemu-podnikani/pripominkovani-legislativy-2/nove-materialy-k-pripominkam-1/nove-materialy-k-pripominkam/38-10-zprava-o-plneni-planu-snizovani-administrativni-zateze-podnikatelu-do-roku-2010-t-1-3-2010.aspx 	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implemenation Report of the National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf 	 Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf
The process of administrative burden evaluation was launched in April 2005 when two key documents - Action Plan on Reducing Administrative Burden on Businesses and a Methodology for Determining the Amount and Source of Administrative Burden were adopted. The baseline measurement of the administrative burden imposed on business was carried out and completed by the end of 2005. The Government in July 2007 approved the report from the measurement together with the plan to reduce the existing administrative burden by 20% till 2010. Simultaneously, the obligation for the Government Authorities to assess the administrative burden stemming from the new proposals was introduced as a part of Regulatory Impact Assessment obligatorily carried out to the all draft legislation. At the end of 2009 the excessive administrative burden was cut by 13.05%. The Report on the Fulfilment suggests continuing reduction of the administrative burden and unifying the effort with EU goal to reduce the administrative burden by 25% by 2012.
Implementation Report 2006 grid, no. 14; National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 26
Transformation of research institutes to public research institutions and encouragement of cooperation between research facilities and the private sector. Act No. 341/2005 Coll., on public research institutions, was adopted in 2005 for modernization of control, greater autonomy of research institutions and more effective management of financial resources on research, which transformed the formal state contribution organizations into public research institutions and thus helped them to gain a full legal subjectivity.   The Act No. 341/2005 Coll. was since amended by the following Acts:  - Act No. 533/2006 (4 state contributory organizations were withdrawn from the list of Public research institutes) - Act 296/2007 Coll. (regarding the bankruptcy and abolition of the public research institute)  - Act No. 379/2007 Coll. regarding the stay of foreigners on the CZ territory and the implementation of ES Directive 2005/71/ES into the Czech legislation) - Act No. 110/2009 on the public support to RD.  The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic runs a list of the public research institutes and the list of research institutes authorized for accepting research from third countries.
A project Open Science, which was launched in September 2005 and will be terminated in August 2007, should help to engage young talents in scientific work. The project, which is part of the Single Programming Document 3, is co-financed from ESF (50%), from the budget of Prague (10%) and from state budget (40%). The total amount devoted to this project is CZK 13.5 mill. The main target of this project is to build a direct connection between secondary school students and teachers and top research institutions, either via universities or via the Academy of Sciences of the CR. Open Science offers research fellowships to 150 talented secondary school students at 23 scientific institutions in Prague. The fellowship will last one year and with regard to their studies the students are expected to spend approx. three hours a week in a scientific institution. In all its activities the project prefers technical and science branches, since it is notably graduates in these branches who are considered to represent the basic potential of competitiveness.
In October 2005 Technical and Economic University in Ceske Budejovice was established. As a public non-academic university it will provide bachelor study programmes in South Bohemia region. Admission of 240 students in the first year is expected, the target number is 1200 students. The Accreditation Commission recommended establishing 4 new faculties: Faculty of Health Studies at University of Pardubice, where increased demand for combined forms of study is expected on the side of nurses who want to deepen their education, Economic Faculty of University of Couth Boheima, Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Production Technologies and Management at Jan Evangelista Purkyne University in Usti nad Labem.
The Czech Mobility Centre was established at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and commenced its activities on 1 January 2005. The Centre renders assistance and specialised information to foreign researchers interested in employment in the Czech Republic as well as to Czech researchers interested in employment abroad.  The Czech Mobility Centre is functioning since 2005 as a part of the European mobility centres network (now as part of EURAXESS). In 2005-2007 the centre was financially supported from the FP6 programme. Additional financial contribution was allocated by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS) for the years 2005-2008 to create a network of regional centres. In the years 2008-2011 the whole project is financially supported by the MEYS as part of the programme EUPRO.
Since July 2005 an amendment to the Commercial Code (Act No. 216/2005 Coll.) is in force, which facilitates and speeds up incorporation in the Commercial Register by using approved forms. Apart from this the amendment introduces a deadline of 5 (in some cases 10) days for the incorporation. In connection with the preparation of recodification of private law, the existing Commercial Code is supposed to be replaced by the new law on business corporations, which would have a much smaller range than the current Commercial Code. Compared to the existing Commercial Code, it would not contain legislative obligations, which would be transferred to the new Civil Code, and some other issues (e.g. company register). The first step of docodification of the Commercial Code was the adoption of Act No. 125/2008 Coll. on the transformation of corporations and cooperatives, which came into force on 1 July 2008.
Implementation Report 2006, p. 19 http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/regulatory-impact-assessment-in-the-czech-republic.aspx  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implementation Report 2006, p. 19 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Committee for Quality Control Regulatory Impact Assessment Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/regulatory-impact-assessment-in-the-czech-republic.aspx 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF REGULATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (RIA) Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Committee for Quality Control Regulatory Impact Assessment Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Committee for Quality Control Regulatory Impact Assessment Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/ViewFile.aspx?docid=38283 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Conclusions of the meeting Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Committee for Quality Control Regulatory Impact Assessment Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Committee for Quality Control Regulatory Impact Assessment Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009-2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/docDetail.aspx?docid=24003&docType=ART&chnum=4 	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Analysis of the Efficiency of Impact Assessment Implementation 2008 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/ria-dokumenty-2009-dokument-ke-stazeni.aspx
As concerns development of clusters, in November 2005 the Monitoring Committee of OPIE endorsed increase of financial support in the programme promoting establishing and development of clusters up to 75%. Financial support will be allocated in the following manner: 75% in the first year, 65% in the second and 55% in the third year of the project.
Increase in public expenditures will be preferentially targeted at long-term main research directions (LMRD), approved by the government (Resolution No. 661 of June 1, 2005). LMRD define priorities in the most promising branches of research (i.e. those with the highest returns). These fundamental priorities of R&D policy are crucial for ensuring economic competitiveness and sustainable development of society and as such they are reflected in the National Research and Development Policy and in programmes by which this policy is implemented. Thus human, financial and other resources are concentrated on a limited number of priorities. LMRD focus on seven topics: Sustainable Development, Molecular Biology, Energy sources, research of Materials, Competitive Machinery, Information Society and Research in the area of security. Expert Commissions of the Research and Development Council propose update of LMRD if necessary.
In the context of the National Research Programme II, the programme 'Human Resources' - with total assistance of CZK 123.4 million was established. The first call for proposals was announced in December 2005 for the 2006-2008 period. Efforts to push up the number of students in technical subjects an natural sciences are fully or partially in the competence of four projects: 1) Research into new methods of competition in the creativity of young people, geared towards motivation to engage in research in natural sciences, in particular in the fields of mathematics, physics and chemistry; 2) Media coverage of the needs of science and the prospects if studying exact fields; 3) Popularization of molecular biology and biochemistry for teachers and students; and 4) Physics education for the all-round preparation and development of human resource at the level of primary and secondary schools. Second call was announced in August 2007 and 17 projects were selected. The deadline for the projects is determined by 31. 12. 2009.
As concerns foreign languages teaching, adoption of National Plan of Foreign Language Teaching 2005 - 2006 (According to a government resolution No 1661 of December 21, 2005, this Plan will be financed from the state budget) is an important step. A range of development programmes were announced as part of the plan, e.g. MEJA programme (methodical and language preparation for teachers at the first level of primary schools without qualification necessary for teaching foreign languages, language preparation for teachers in kindergartens, primary schools and primary schools of art), programme promoting teaching of scarcely taught foreign languages or a programme Languages in Play for training teachers as part of their further education.
A system project Kvalita I - setting up of an external monitoring and evaluation system, including a Centre on measurement on education (and information and counselling activities) - deals with external evaluation in primary and secondary education. The aim of the project is to establish the external evaluation system, which will provide mutual comparisons for primary and secondary schools and for pupils of the same age, as well as the school leaders will be informed about the outcomes of other schools. This way the project primarily aims to enhance the quality of education and to support a smooth course of the ongoing curricular reform.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 30; Second Progress Report, p. 30
Denmarks's National Reform Programme 2005, www.retsinfo.dk.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report Annex p. 2
Denmark's National Reform Programme 2005 Annex p. 22
In an amendment of the University Act (universitetsloven) from May 2005, a free place and scholarship scheme has been set up for the best foreign students at the universtites in order to attract more highly qualified students from abroad to relevant courses. Through the scheme, university boards will be able to prioritise the subject areas in which they want to attract the best students from outside the EU/EEA. The scheme will be introduced from 2006.
The broadband market is still not sufficiently open to competition. In the fall 2005, the regulation was therefore changed in the form of some general improved conditions for competition and a reduction of the prices for interconnected traffic.
Denmark National Reform Program 2005 Annex p. 18  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Handlingsplan for risikovillig kapital Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Copenhagen Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.oem.dk
In January 2005, the government presented a venture capital action plan (Handlingsplan for risikovillig kapital). The action plan aims to ensure that private equity investments are increased by DKK 30 billion by 2010. The action plan includes the following initiatives: 1) A new opportunity for establishing alternative marketplaces, and 2) Simplification of rules for business development organisations.
Sale of 25% of the shares in the postal service incumbent.
Amendments to the hotel and restaurant Act are being proposed to ensure that restaurants will be able to sell retail goods "to go" in addition to selling cooked food. Correspondingly, shops will also be able to service their customers (fusion).
Denmark's National Reform Program 2005 Annex p. 18
In early 2005, the government joined forces with the Greater Copenhagen Authority (HUR) to establish an IT Growth House in Orestad. The Growth House brings together students, new enterprises and development projects of existing enterprises.
For building and construction contracts of less than the EU threshold value, the act on inviting tenders in the building and construction sectors has recently been revised (L338/2005). The key objective of the revision was to save resources - for the tenderers (through enhanced transparency and increased legal certainty) and for the contracting authorities (by introducing more flexible procedures for invitations to tender and simplification of rules).
The purpose of the university reform was to improve the framework and conditions thereby enabling the universities to strengthen their international competitiveness through quality development, strategic development, strategic efforts and prioritisations. The new management structure implies that an inpedendent board with a majority of external members replaces collegiate bodies made up of members elected internally; the board appoints the rector. Another novelty is that the universities are to actively contribute to the dissemination of the latest knowledge to society in general. The new University Act emphasises that the universities both internally and across institutional borders ahould aim at increased specialisation as well as more binding forms of cooperation and establishment of consortia to build up necessary scientific critical mass.
Private registered surveyors are given access to conduct land registration in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. The current regulation concerning ownership to land registration companies will be changed, so others than registered surveyors will be able to win up to 49 percent of these companies. The regulation concerning ownership has been changed in 2005. Land registration is expected to become subject to competition in 2006.
Structural Reforms in the Danish Product and Capital Markets 2004 p. 30
The Shopping Act (lukkelov) was amended in the 2004/2005 parliamentary year. The Act was also amended in 1995 and 2000 and both amendments served to liberalise shop opening hours. The new proposal further liberalised shop opening hours, in particular on Sundays.
National Reform Programme 2005 Annex, p. 22
In May 2005, the government presented "More and better engineers" (Flere og bedre ingeniorer), which describes a number of specific ways in which recruitment to engineering courses can be improved and how engineering courses can be improved. In concrete terms, an image campaign will be carried out during spring of 2006 to attract applicants right from the summer 2006 intake. An international panel of foreign experts will also be set up to give advice and provide inspiration for Danish engineering courses, which can reinforce the overall education effort.
In January 2005, the Government presented 12 proposals to make it better and cheaper to buy, sell and own individual homes. The competition promoting elements of this agreement have been implemented in 2005.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and jobs 2005-2007, p. 15
In 2005, a start-up of pilot programs involving 2004-2006 structural funds for research infrastructures of the Centres of Excellence and for the development of Estonian higher education, research and development activities and innovation infrastructure was considered an important step. At the moment all calls for proposals have been carried out and funding decisions have been made, accordingly to which record sums will be invested in the acquisition of top quality equipment and devices in order to enhance the competitiveness of R&D activities environment within some substantial areas. In May 2005, a corresponding ministerial order entered into force and the first call for proposal was announced. In November 2005, it was decided to support and extra fund 10 Centres of Excellence.
Estonian Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2005-2007 p. 43, 44
Activities: a) Increasing the share of primary school graduates that opt out for vocational education by targeted planning of state-commissioned education (2009). b) Improving the quality of the learning environment in vocational schools (rooms, study equipment) (2010). c) The development and implementation of a quality assurance system (2007) and preparation and supplementary training systems for vocational teachers (2005-2008) in order to improve the quality of vocational education. Better organization and update of the curriculum system in vocational education (2008) and preparation of a package of measures necessary for the implementation of the reforms (legislative package, vocational education standards, professional standards, state curricula).
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2005-2007, p. 32
The aim of Innovation Awareness Programme is to raise the awareness of the people of Estonia of innovation as the key factor in increasing the well-being and competitiveness and to increase the knowledge and skills in the science and business sectors to successfully implement innovation projects. Within the framework of the programme, training and informative activities will be carried out for different target groups: students and teachers, researchers, faculty members and university students, opinion-formers and the media, civil servants and policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and company managers, and the general public (2005).
In order to improve the targeting of the measure, in 2005 the start-up grant was divided between two target groups: a) applicants with high growth potential could apply for a grant up to 10 226EUR and b) applicants with modest growth potential and ambitions could apply for up to 3200EUR. In case of the last group their contribution to the balanced economic growth by creating new jobs socially and regionally was highlighted.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth 2005-2007, reporting table
The development of the necessary R&D infrastructure for the training of researchers and top specialists and creating a competitive R&D environment in accordance with the Research and Development Infrastructure Development Programme and the Strategic Bases for the Modernization of Infrastructure Supporting Academic Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.  In March 2005 a corresponding ministerial order entered into force and the first call for proposal was announced. In April 2006, it was decided to finance the best 5 projects.
To recruit more foreign researchers, a funding programme (Finland Distiguished Professor Programme, FiDiPro) was launched by the Academy of Finland and Tekes, which offers fixed-term research and teaching posts for highly academic foreign researchers. The programme aims to bolster Finland's scientific and technological expertise and to provide more international input in the Finnish research system, to create added value to the national innovation system and to perk the academic profile of Finnish universities and research institutes.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 52
A new type of cooperation model is presented by the international FinNode innovation crentres, which have been established in China (Shanghai), the USA (Silicon Valley), Russia (St. Petersburg) and Japan (Tokyo). The establishment of a centre in India will be examined in autumn 2008. The FinNode centres are consortia of Finland's national innovation actors (TEKES, VTT, Finpro, The Academy of Finland and SITRA) and they promote the international links of Finnish companies and research organisations.
An amendment in 2005 to the University Act specifies target time limits for the completion of lower and higher university degrees and related rights to study. At the same time, the amendment obliged universities to provide not only tuition but also tutoring and study counselling services in such a way that students are in a realistic position to complete their studies within the target time limits. Personal study plans shall be introduced within the target time limits. Personal study plans shall be introduced in all fields of education.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 98
The Government decided in spring 2005 that the free 450 MHz frequency band be dedicated to data communications, granting the licence to build new radio network to Digita Oy. The network will be based on Flash-OFDM technology, which is specifically designed for Internet applications. As a matter of general principle the Government supports private sector measures that are aimed at increasing the security of information networks and facilitating joint use.
The objectives of the better regulation programme completed in August 2006 are to maximum support to competitiveness and the creation for favourable business conditions and to promote the well-being of the population. The programme proposes commitment to legislative principles that lend support to the objectives in the programme. The programme recommendations aim to create more clarity and better governance of the legislative environment. The proposed measures include more robust government-level legislative policy, consisting of a legislative programme, establishing a better regulation consultative committee, more front-loaded application in legislative drafting, introducing a law drafting quality management system and developing legislative maintenance.
After the corporate and capital income tax reform in 2005, the Finnish tax system became internationally more competitive both in terms of tax rates and tax bases and more compatible with international accounting standards. The discontinuation of property (net wealth) taxes in 2006 was part of the reform, which improves the growth potential of business activities based on domestic ownership. It is important to be able to create an attractive operating environment for businesses in Finland because corporate taxation is built on a broad, uniform tax base. A Working group for developing the Finnish tax system worked from 1.10.2008 to 31.12.2010. The working group proposed that the emphasis of taxation be transferred modestly from taxation  on work to taxation on consumption and , a modest shift from corporate income taxation to personal-level capital income taxation. Discussion on proposals proceeds in 2011.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 52
Several decisions took effect in August 2005 that are aimed at reducing study times at university. The university degree structure was reformed in line with the Bologna process to comprise two tiers, at the same time the duration of studies was reformed. Time limits shall be set during which students are required to complete their degree.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 36
Measures aimed at the structural development of the public research system, as set out in the Government's decision-in principle of 7 April 2005, also support the attainment of the Goverment's employment and productivity goals. These include an overall plan for the targeting of sectoral research and the allocation of its resources according to changing needs in society. This plan will be completed during the autumn of 2005. The aim is to increase the absolute and relative volume of outside dunsing government research institutes. The role VTT Finland in the implementation of innovation policy shall be strengthened.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 40, Annual Progress Report 2006 p. 36, p. 98; Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 95
The tax treatment of foreign investments has been revised on 15 August 2005 so that the same rules now apply to foreign venture capital investments in a Finnish capital fund and in target company. Foreign venture capital investments in a Finnish capital fund and target enterprise have been subject to equal tax treatment since the beginning of 2006. Operational and financial opportunities for venture capital funds in the service sector were created in the same context, with special focus on promoting women's entrepreneurship.
Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Kunta- ja palvelurakenneuudistus Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vm.fi/vm/fi/05_hankkeet/025_uusi_paras/index.jsp 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Local government reform - From Words to Deeds Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vm.fi/vm/en/04_publications_and_documents/03_documents/20100617Localg/VM_Paras_esite_10_verkko_eng.pdf 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Laki kunta- ja palvelurakenneuudistuksesta Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	FINLEX (Finnish Legislation) Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2007/20070169 	 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Valtioneuvoston selonteko kunta- ja palvelurakenneuudistuksesta Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 4 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vm.fi/vm/fi/04_julkaisut_ja_asiakirjat/01_julkaisut/03_kunnat/VNK-selonteko_suomi%2Bkansi.pdf 	 Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Kunta- ja palvelurakenneuudistus Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Kuntaliitto (Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities ) Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 5 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.kunnat.net/fi/palvelualueet/paras/Sivut/default.aspx  Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 25; The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 44
Municipalities and services will be reformed as stipulated in the Act on Restucturing Municipalities and Services (skeleton law), which entered into force on 23 February 2007 and is effective until the end of 2012 and as specified in the decrees issued by virtue of the act. A Government Report will be published on the project in 2009. The revision aims to bolster the structure of municipalities and services, improve service productions and organisation, revamp the system of central and local government transfers and review the division of duties between central and local government with a view to ensuring a solid structural foundation and a sound financial basis in the municipalities and to enhance the steering systems used in providing municipal services. During 2007-2012 municipalities receive support for unions. The number of municipalities have decreased from 432 in 2005 to 342 in 2010. Objective population base for public services is set to 20 000.
Launched in 2005, the educational and social guarantee for youth is aimed at increasing the proportion of those moving on directly from primary education to upper secondary school, vocational training or voluntary additional basic education from 94.5% per cent in 2003 to 96% per cent in 2008. This target will be pursued by improving the content of basic education, by improving tutoring and counselling, by developing student selection procedures and by introducing an online joint application system for secondary level education. In vocational training, special courses will be provided to help prepare and facilitate the movement of students to degree programmes. Apprenticeship training and youth workshop activities shall be strengthened. The aim is to increase the numbers covered by workshop activities from the current level of 7,000 to 8,000 young people by 2008.
The Centre of Expertise Programme was reformed for the years 2007-2013 to operate on a competence cluster basis. It includes 13 different industry clusters. Programme lays the ground for diverse innovation activities in which high-level research is combined with technological, design and business competence. The programme is a tool for regional innovation, which contains ready-made operating models and networks for the national and international markets. The programme offers networks and services for companies according to their individual needs, universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions.Competence cluster model of the programme has been viewed basically succesful minimizing overlapping activities but need still developing realizing of the benefits and evaluation practices. Some industry clusters have advanced more than the others.
The new Limited Liability Companies Act allows for the founding of a 'minimal company', which makes it easier to draw up articles of association for a new business. The minimum equity requirement for a limited company was lowered from EUR 8,000 to 2,500.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 82
The Government's decision in March 2005 on the central government spending limits for 2006-2009 included a commitment to increase R&D funding from the level set out in the 2003 spending limits decision. As a result the budget authority of the National Technology Agency Tekes and the Academy of Finland shall be increased by a total of 50 million euros in 2006 and 2007.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 17(05.03.2010)  Bercy Colloc, website of the ministry of economy which aims at informing local authorities (05.03.2010) http://www.colloc.minefi.gouv.fr/colo_otherfiles_fina_loca/telecharger/guidetp2007.pdf
A feature of the French economy is the existence of a business local tax. The basis for this tax includes the rental value of real estate assets and the value of the plant and other assets, i.e. the firms' capital stock.   The reform of local business tax guarantees businesses that the weight of this tax cannot exceed 3.5% of their value-added from 2007 onwards.  In 2008, this reform will also reduce the tax burden of businesses making investments, as of 1 January 2006. This effectively extends and improves the tax relief on new investments put in place for new acquisitions made as of 2004. It thus provides exemption from local business tax on all investment in the first year to which the relief relates, followed by a decreasing relief in the two subsequent years.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 69. Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 56 http://www.telecom.gouv.fr/tic-pme2010/
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 18 (04.03.10) http://www.oseo.fr (04.03.10)
The OSEO group has generated in 2005 new products specially tailored to innovative businesses, such as the Innovation Development Contract. The Contract was launched in spring 2005 to finance intangible requirements for innovations (communication costs, recruitment costs, costs related to the development of a new commercial network, development of prototypes, etc.).  Furthermore, the creation of OSEO was accompanied by the launch of the Innovation Guarantee Facility (Fonds de Garantie Innovation), managed by OSEO Sofaris (subsidiary of OSEO-BDPME) and designed to provide guarantees for loans to innovative businesses.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 18 (05.03.10)  http://www.oseo.fr/notre_mission/qui_sommes_nous/nos_metiers/innovation (05.03.10)
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 59
The gouvernement has entirely privatised Autoroutes du Sud de la France, Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhone and Sanef
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 20 NRP implementation report 2006, p 59
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 18, 19, 20
Loi en faveur des PME (Act to Promote SMEs) of 02/08/2005. The goal was set to facilitate start-ups, whose numbers had fallen to 178,000 in 2002, to generate one million new businesses in five years. Some of the measures foreseen by this law highlighted in the NRP implementation report are: withdraw of the usury rate for unincorporated entrepreneurs (p. 19); measures for the development and simplification of the "groupement d'employeurs" (p. 20); development of a mentoring system for business transfer (p. 20).
Structural reform in France (Cardiff report) October 2004  p. 19  NRP Progress report 2005, p. 52, 54, 57
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 40
To develop apprenticeships in the etablissements publics locaux d'enseignement (EPLE - local public teaching establishments), the 18 January 2005 Pluriannual Policy Act for Social Cohesion now gives all public and private apprenticeship training centres (CFAs) the possibility of creating apprenticeship training units with the local public teaching establishments. The creation of an apprenticeship training unit requires the conclusion of an agreement between an apprenticeship training centre and a public teaching establishment or a training and research establishment.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 58
France NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 64.
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 50, 51 France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 64.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 18 (05.03.2010)  http://www.euronext.com/fic/000/010/922/109220.pdf (08.03.2010)
This market for SMEs, which is not a regulated market in the meaning of the directive on markets for financial instruments but is subject to a body of rules laid down by the market operator, fills the previous legal void left between the primary market and the free market. Alternext meets the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to benefit from simplified access to the market. The conditions for admission and trading rules are simplified and adapted to the size and needs of small and mid caps, while meeting the requirements of transparency for investors.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 37
The Loi d'Orientation et de Programme pour l'Avenir de l'Ecole (pluriannual policy act on the future of schools) of 23 April 2005 provides for measures consistent with the EU "Education and Training 2010" programme. The education policy takes up two challenges: to promote sucess for all students and to reduce the failure rate in schools and the school dropout rate. Work started on implementing these measures in the 2005-2006 school year.
This measure implements the program ADELE (ADministration ELEctronique) which was launched by the government in February 2004 and aims at reinforcing electronic public services. It is part of a reform package which is the Second law simplification act (Dec 9th, 2004).  ADELE aims at simplifying formalities for users and improving their access to public services by creating the conditions for simple, secure electronic exchanges.  The ordinance of 8 December 2005 provides a legal framework for the use of the internet to conduct administrative procedures. For instance a legal equivalence is established between e-mail and mail under certain conditions; electronic storage spaces can be used by users to store their administrative data; administrations can establish an electronic signature for engagements.  This legal framework applies to all administrations and bodies in charge of managing a public administrative service. It targets all users: businesses and private users.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 17 (05.03.10)  www.legifrance.fr (05.03.10)
The Insolvency Act (Loi de Sauvegarde des Entreprises) of 26 July 2005 allows the CEO of a company to declare its business difficulties in court before it is in payment default. This procedure aims at facilitating the recovery of the enterprise. The law also has limited the lender liability in the event of excessive credit support. Before this law, the lender liability implied legal insecurity and therefore it dissuaded certain banks from lending to businesses whose financial situation was deemed unsatisfactory. Now, the lender's liability cannot be presumed, except in cases of fraud, interference in the debtor's management or taking a disproportionate guarantee.
Implementation and progress report 2006 grid no 25
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 66, no 5, Implementation and Progress Report 2006 p. 28 no 99
End the Home Ownership Grant for new cases. The Act Abolishing the Home Ownership Benefit (Gesetz zur Abschaffung der Eigenheimzulage) dated 22 December 2005 removed the individual fiscal subsidy with the highest volume from the federal budget for new cases. The additional tax income generated by its abolition, amount to approx. Euro 6 billion over a full year, when phasing out of the subsidy is completed.
Annual Economic Report 2006, p. 60 no 58 Bundesgesetzblatt 2005 T.1, Nr 43, S. 2114
Bundesgesetzblatt 2005, T.1, Nr 24, S. 1138
National Reform Programme Germany 2005, p. 25 Bundesgesetzblatt 2005 T.1 Nr 56, S. 2676
The PPPs Acceleration Act passed in 2005 has substantially improved the general conditions to ensure that PPPs can be implemented better in terms of speed and legal certainty. Work will continue here and other barriers will be eliminated.
Implementation and progress report 2006 grid no 21 http://www.wissenschaftsrat.de/texte/BLK-ExIni.pdf
Annual Economic Report 2006 p.74, OECD 2006 Economic Review - Germany, EnWG p. 127
Annual Economic Report 2006 p. 74,  OECD 2006 Economic Review - Germany, EnWG. p. 127
National Reform Programme Germany 2009, p. 32, grid no. 14 https://www.datenschutzzentrum.de/sommerakademie/2005/somak05_engel.pdf
As of 2006, the Federal Government will implement the requirements of i2010, the European ICT strategy, by realigning its e-Government strategy, a process which will make administration more customer-friendly, innovative and efficient by introducing central, IT-supported procedures for the state's most important services.
www.wpo-novelle.de Bundesgesetzblatt 2005 T.1 Nr 31, S. 1520
The background behind the reform of the auditor's examination is a modernization, streamlining, and internationalization of rules for access to the profession as set forth in the Auditor's Code in accordance with the government's policy on higher education in recent years, which makes it necessary for account to be taken of new courses of study in addition to the "classic" portfolio of educational and training syllabuses. The prerequisites for such professions must thus be exactly defined; only such courses of study are to be recognized and certified as are particularly suitable for preparing candidates for the profession of statutory auditor. The result is that proof of performance in university and college examinations replaces the corresponding auditor's examinations.
A new law (law 3429/2005) concerning Public Enterprises and Entities has been voted and significant savings on public expenditure are expected from this source. A new operational framework is established, based on increased independence and flexibility for everyday management of the Public Enterprises and Entities, the formation of Charters of Responsibilities towards the Consumer and the preparation of business and operational plans. The law also provides for the incorporation of modern corporate governance principles, including the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards to ensure transparency and accuracy in financial reporting and an improved operating scheme for the board of directors. It, also, attempts to solve some of the problems regarding employment issues (mainly wage negotiations and hiring procedures).
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 6
The new law 3389/2005 on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) defines the relevant framework, by incorporating the respective EU legislation and adapting it to the particular needs of Greece. In the past, every investment activity of this kind required a separate legislative initiative. This law on PPP clearly defines the general legal terms on which this kind of investment project can take place, thus paving the way for small-scale investment projects as well. Investment projects within the PPP framework will be implemented with transparent terms and conditions without putting additional pressure on the budget.
In order to promote innovation the cost of registering patents with the Industrial Property Organization has been decreased between 30% and 100%.
The General Secretariat of Commerce has initiated actions for upgrading Chambers of Commerce and for the creation of the General Commercial Record (G.E.MI.). The introduction of G.E.MI. integrates and simplifies the formal framework of commercial activity, establishes a system of rules and principles governing commercial activity, increases transparency and helps reduce red tape by introducing electronic processes. Law 3419/05, which modernizes the framework for the operation of Chambers and establishes G.E.MI. has already been voted. The new law provides for a swift and flexible licensing procedure for commercial enterprises through the Chambers of Commerce (one-stop shop). The competent inter-ministerial committee has already made public its proposal concerning business start-ups. The respective public consultation has been completed and the proposal is being forwarded to the Legal Council of State. The tender for the development of G.E.MI., with a total budget of EUR 800,000, has been completed and the respective offers are currently at the stage of technical evaluation. In 2006, the tender for the development of the information system has been completed and offers are currently at the stage of technical evaluation.
Inter alia, the new bill provides also for the gradual unbundling of the operation of the distribution network, which after 1/7/2007 will be assigned to an independent Transmission and Distribution Network Operator.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 14
Law 3373/2005 effectively increases the competence of the Hellenic Competition Commission. Inter alia, this legislation increases the number of staff (from 80 to 150), provides for permanent and effective cooperation with the European Commission and competition authorities in other member states and strengthens the mechanisms for prevention and imposition of sanctions.
Since the enactment of the New Electricity Bill (L.3426/2005) in December 2005, non-household consumers have been free to choose their electricity suppliers, with household consumers to follow suit after 1/7/2007, although specific conditions will apply to non-interconnected islands.
Implementation Report 2006, p. 8; Implementation Report 2007, p. 24
Based on the new legal framework on the licensing of manufacturing businesses (Law 3325/2005), the operation of one-stop shops has started in certain Prefectures (Development Directorate). The new service provides integrated information regarding investment programmes and issues the required licenses (Presidential Decree 78/2006), reducing business start-up time by approximately 30%.
In order to improve efficiency and flexibility of Port Organizations that have not been listed yet in the Athens Stock Exchange, their articles of association (Bill of Rights) are being reconciled with the new legislation (L. 3429/2005) for the operation of Public Enterprises and Entities (DEKO). The process will have been completed by 30/09/2006.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 33
Concerning higher education, the establishment of the International Hellenic University (IHU) is underway. The relevant legislative act (Law 3391/2005) has been adopted by the Hellenic Parliament. This is the first systematic action undertaken by the state for making Greek higher education accessible to foreign students. It will be primarily targeting students from the immediate and wider geographical neighborhood, but also expatriate Greeks from Western Europe and America, aiming at facilitating the smooth integration of foreign students to the modern Greek reality.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 26, Implementation Report 2007, p. 50
The Higher Education Quality Assurance System, founded under Law 3374/2005 is now put into force. The members of the Quality Assurance Authority (ADIP), competent for the system's management and operation, have been appointed since the year 2006. The first stage of the system's operation has focussed on the establishment of quality assurance standards by ADIP. These standards have already been forwarded to Higher Education Institutions asll over Greece so that the latter will adapt them, in terms of methodology, to the subject taught. This will enable the first internal evaluation process to be completed by the end of 2007, in compliance with provisions of Law 3374/2005.
In the transport sector the reorganization of the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) is progressing steadily. Following the relevant EU Directives and the Presidential Decree (FEK 60A'/ 7.3.2005) for unbundling railway operation from infrastructure, the management of OSE has founded two new companies, responsible for the infrastructure and the operation of the network respectively. The two companies have been operating since 01/01/2006, although, some technical aspects such as the allocation of personnel and assets are expected to be resolved in the coming months.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 16
The issuing of the new Grid and Power Exchange Electricity Code in May 2005 creates the necessary conditions for competition on equal terms, ensures reliability and transparency between markets and promotes the development of secondary markets, which will maximize the public benefits derived from the operation of the sector. With the enactment of the new Code, independent producers and/or suppliers (other than the Public Power Company, PPC) are effectively granted a right of entry to the electricity market. The electricity sector is expected to attract significant investment interest in the immediate future.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 68
a. A new initiative was launched in 2005 which finances more than 97 projects with a total budget of EUR 113 million. Through these projects, more than 40 digital services will be made available to the citizens and businesses. b. A new intervention entitled "Digital Self-Government" with a total budget of EUR 60 million was launched in November 2005, aiming at the development of digital services for the citizens across all prefectures and municipalities of Greece. Furthermore, this new initiative makes provisionv for animating and increasing the awareness of local populations for ICT.
Furthermore new opening hours for shops are intended to increase commercial activity, bring market conditions in line with the rest of the EU and create more jobs.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 19
Through the successful sale of shares in the Football Prognostics Association (OPAP) and the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) in 2005, the target on privatization revenues set in the 2005 budget has been exceeded by 30%.
National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 31
Law 3377/2005 establishes the "Regional Innovation Poles", with the aim to promote regional development through the creation of nodes of technological skill and excellence in the periphery, in a way similar to the French "Poles de competetivite" and the Finnish "Regional Centres of Expertise". The main objective is to improve competitiveness by promoting research, technology and innovative practice in the Regions. This new Action offers an integrated instrument for the promotion of regional innovation, cobining the support of innovative practice in the business sector, technology transfer, cooperation between businesses and academic institutions, as well as policy design for innovation at regional level. Public investment will amount to EUR 15 million.
Revised National Lison Action Programme 2006, p. 33, 145
For the sake of encouraging R&D and innovation activities of the higher education institutions, rendering research more efficient and exploiting research achievements, Act CXXXIX of 2005 on Higher Education imposes the obligation on the institutes of higher education to elaborate research and development and innovation strategy as from year 2006.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 73, National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 53 http://www.okm.gov.hu/letolt/nemzet/naric/act_cxxxix_2005.pdf
National Reform Programme for Growth and Employment 2005-2008, p. 56.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006, p. 70
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme p. 42, 153
For the sake of promoting the electronic commercial services and of preventing infringements connected with the information society, Act CVIII of 2001 on some issues of the electronic commercial services and of the services connected with the information society has been amended effective as from 1 January 2006. The amendment concerns the provisions relating to the responsibilities of providers of information society related services, revision of some elements of the notification and removal procedure, reconstruction of the consumer protection rules connected with unsolicited electronic advertisements, and establishes the main principles concerning restriction of the information society related services. Through amendment of the provisions requiring written form of the licence agreements of Act LXXVI of 1999 on Copyrights, the wide spreading of the digital rights management (and, within this, on-line contracting and thus spreading of the new on-line market models) became possible.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006, p. 55
On 1 January 2006, Act CLXXXIII of 2005 on Railway Transport entered into force. At the same time of the promulgation of the Railway Act, the Hungarian Railway Office started its operation, with the main task of providing supervision of the railway market in way of liberalisation.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006, p. 46
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 49
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme p.50
National Reform Programme for Growth and Employment 2005-2008, p. 56, 57.
- Review regulatory conditions for electronic trade - Increase intensity of the competition in the telecommunication market - Develop regulatory conditions enabling the spread of surface digital television broadcasting   - Steps towards the domestic introduction of digital rights management - Establishment of an info-communication innovation and standardisation knowledge centre.  - development of an electronic central public administration  - Development of electronic public services - Development of local electronic public administration - GVOP 4.3 - Electronic environment protection programme - Electronic healthcare programme - Development and accessibility of digital cultural and professional archives - E-traffic, application of intelligent traffic systems and services
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 51
In order to comply with the Directive 2003/54/EC, the VET (Act on Electric Energy) has been amended; the Parliament has passed the amendment of the Act on 20 June 2005, and such amendment was promulgated (Act LXXIX of 2005 on the amendment of Act CX of 2001 on the Electric Energy). The free market consumption rate exceeded 35% of the total consumption, with a volume over 11,000 GWh, representing a considerable progress.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Employment 2005-2008
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 34
The system of electronic taxation started from January 2005, has been extended by the APEH to the 10,000 largest tax payers. From April 2005, possibility has been granted for everybody intending to make electronic tax return to make it through the governmental client gate after registration in the document bureau, by using an identifier and a password. This service is available also for private persons.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 51/52
In order to comply with the Directive 2003/54/EC, the GET has been amended; the Parliament has passed the amendment of the Act on 20 June 2005. The Act LXIII of 2005 on amendment of Act XLII of 2003 on Natural Gas Supply has been promulgated. About 7% of the total natural gas consumption has been contracted on the free market in 2005, constituting a slow but stable increase in comparison with the two preceding years.
The ASC (Access, Skills and Content) Initiative was established in 2005 to assist voluntary, not-for-profit organisations and service providers to support the participation of late adopters of technology in an inclusive Information Society by exploiting the potential of technology to foster communities of common interest through on-line services and networks.   Those who are at greatest risk of being left behind in the move to the Information Society include groups which have been identified as the most vulnerable sectors in society.
NRP implementation progress report p. 32
A new National Public Procurement Policy Framework was published in May 2005 to drive the following integrated set of actions to be implemented by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit (NPPPU established within the Department of Finance in June 2002) within the context of the National public procurement strategy (April 2002):  -Capacity building in the public sector, which involves building organisational capacity to strategically manage procurement effort to maximise measurable savings and benefits; - Procurement aggregation which aims to reduce costs through leveraging public sector demand in certain markets; - E-procurement to improve efficiency through the targeted use of low risk and cost effective technologies in supporting various aspects of procurement effort; - Training and education which helps to develop people who have the range of capabilities necessary to sustain measurable improvements in procurement performance.
Ireland NRP Progress Report 2006 p. 19 Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 12
The Government agreed, in June 2005, to introduce Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). RIA is a tool used to access the likely effects of a proposed new regulation or regulatory change. It involves a detailed analysis to ascertain whether new regulation would have a desired impact. It helps identify any possible side effects or hidden costs associated with regulation and to quantify the likely costs of compliance on the individual citizen or business. It also helps to clarify the costs of enforcement for the state. RIA is now being carried out on new national legislative proposals, and on draft EU Directives and significant draft Regulations. The Irish model of RIA is an integrated one, and requires an analysis of the business, social, and environmental costs, benefits and likely impacts of a legislative proposal.
Measures under the action plan for educational inclusion DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) include pre-school interventions, supports for tackling children's literacy problems, reduced pupil teacher ratios and measures to tackle early school leaving. The total provision for educational inclusion programmes in 2006 is over EUR 640 million (+7% on 2005) across all levels of education. This includes additional funding for the implementation of measures under the DEIS at pre-school, primary and second-level, additional funding of EUR 7 million for further education programmes and a EUR 20 million increase in the provision for third-level student support schemes.
A National Code of Practice for managing intellectual property from publicly funded research was launched in April 2004. This was followed in November 2005 with a Code of Practice for Managing and Commercialising IP from Public-Private Collaborative Research. Together these Codes provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for IP management and commercialisation and a framework for IP negotiations to facilitate the development of enterprise-academic relations.
Ireland NRP Progress Report 2006 p. 19 Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p.12
The Business Regulation Forum (BRF) was set up in October 2005, to discuss issues relating to the impact of regulation on business in Ireland, but is no longer in operation.  The report published by the BRF in April 2007 made recommendations regarding the reduction of administrative burdens on business in Ireland  Following from this report, the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment established the High-level Group on Business Regulation, under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of his Department. The High-level Group comprises representatives of Government Departments and Agencies, the business sector and a representative of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions.
NRP 2005 p. 27 http://www.betterregulation.ie/index.asp?docID=73
Guidelines on Consultation for Public Sector Bodies were published in July 2005 (Reaching Out: Guidelines on Consultation for Public Sector Bodies).  The Guidelines were produced as a practical guide for use by Government Departments, public bodies and any other organisations that may wish to consult with stakeholders. The Guidelines are also of use to those who are interested in participating and responding to consultations. In this context, they are aimed at giving stakeholders a clear sense of the standards of consultation that should be expected from public bodies. The Guidelines are particularly relevant to public bodies with regulatory responsibilities, as consultation in advance of making regulations is accepted good practice and, in a number of cases, mandatory.
Progress Report on Reforming Product and Capital Markets (Cardiff Report  2004) p. 10
The market was fully opened in February 2005. All electricity consumers are free to choose their licensed supplier. This timetable is in advance of over two years on the July 2007 deadline set down in the second EU Electricity Directive (2003/54/EC).to source their electricity from licensed suppliers other than ESB.
From 1 April 2006, employers whose annual PAYE & PRSI payments do not exceed EUR 30,000 will be able to return their PAYE and PRSI on a quarterly basis rather than monthly as at present. The negative revenue impact is a one-off loss in cash-flow as the the the first and second month returns are now delayed until the third month of every quarter.
NRP Ireland October 2005 p. 21 www.enterprise-ireland.com/Publications/Corporate/Enterprise+Ireland+Strategy+2005-2007.htm
Under its 2005-2007 strategy, Enterprise Ireland had a target of supporting 210 new high potential start-up (HPSU) companies by end 2007. This target was exceeded. Under its 2008-2010 strategy it aims to support 200 HPSUs by end 2010.
An additional EUR 510 million has been allocated under the new Strategic Innovation Fund introduced in Budget 2006, to be made available to 2013. The Fund aims to promote collaboration and reform in higher education with a view to enhancing the capacity of the system to meet future knowledge and skills objectives, particularly the establishment of fourth level (PhD) tier of education.
Ireland is supportive of current EU Commission proposals to reduce the administrative burden on cross border traders through the simplification of VAT obligations. Ireland introduced rules in Finance Act 2005 to allow for tax relief for contributions to pensions schemes located in EU Member States which will help both migrants and cross border service providers.
Patent deeds may be deposited electronically under the terms of an agreement between the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, UIBM and Unioncamere(2005 Budget Law (Italian Law 311/04) and Italian Law 80/05)
- NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 24; - Law published in "Gazzetta Ufficiale" n. 111 2005/05/14
A series of initiatives have been taken, among others: - A special regulation for SMEs regarding the deduction of the regional business tax (IRAP); - Tax credits for SME.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.66
Tax breaks for getting researchers to return to Italy. 90 per cent of the researcher's compensation will be exempt from taxes
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 41
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), p. 20
NRP (PICO) p.22/23 and NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), p. 27
Law 80/2005. Capo IV AUMENTO E RAZIONALIZZAZIONE DEGLI INVESTIMENTI IN RICERCA E SVILUPPO  Art. 6. (Destinazione di quota parte del Fondo rotativo per investimenti in ricerca svolti congiuntamente da imprese e universita' o enti pubblici di ricerca e per altre finalita' di pubblico interesse)
The 2005-2007 National Research Programme (NRP) will act as the point of reference for all initiatives to be promoted. General measures reflected in the Plan consist of:1/ reorganizing the national research system 2/granting research and development spending incentives 3/encouraging innovation and technology transfer
National Lisbon Programme 2005-2008 p. 29
Funding of venture capital with total financing to the amount of LVL 10.3 million (75% of which are EU structural funds) was established by the Latvian Guarantee Agency in 2005.
Government policy of ensuring access to broadband network is determined in the "Broadband Network Development Strategy for 2006-2012" that envisages provision of public and ERDF financing to entrepreneurs in the amount of 35% of the appropriate costs, so that they would expand infrastructure of broadband networks in distant territories.
Following approval of the new Electricity Directive by the European Parliament (Directive 2003/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 96/92/EC) and to meet the requirements of the new Electricity Directive, the government has approved the "Guidelines for Creation of Preconditions for Electricity Market in Latvia" on July 23, 2004. The document envisages a transfer of all transmission system operator functions to JSC "Augstsprieguma tikls" fully owned by SJSC Latvenergo by March 1, 2005. By January 1, 2005 a structural unit of Latvenergo will be formed that will provide distribution services and will carry out all public trader functions. By July 1, 2007 the functions of distribution system operator and public trader are to be transferred to two new joint stock companies fully owned by Latvenergo.
Establishment of technology transfer contact points of support programmes at higher education institutions has been started in 2005 for improvement of the technology transfer system. These contact points are being established in order to promote co-operation of scientists and entrepreneurs and ensure efficient introduction of research results of state research institutions into production. The supportable projects of technology transfer contact points were chosen through an open tender procedure. After assessment of the administrative and qualitative adequacy of the projects, a decision to support establishment of six contact points was taken (single points at the University of Latvia, Latvia University of Agriculture, Ventspils University College, Rezekne Higher Educational Institution, and two points at the Riga Technical University).
National Lisbon Programme 2005-2008, p. 15, Report on Progress 2006, p. 6
According to the Law on Scientific Activity the annual increase in finance for scientific activity in the state budget is prescribed to be at least 0.15% of GDP or LVL 10-15 million on average annually, at the same time improving the procedure of granting public financing for scientific activity se tou by the normative acts, in order to ensure attraction of private investment as much as possible, improving conditions of finance for research commissioned by public administration bodies and market-oriented research;
Report on Progress 2006, p. 22 Report on Progress 2007, Annex p. 8.
Normative acts have been developed: Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 572 "Regulations for Registration of State Information Systems" of August 2, 2005, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 764 "General Technical Requirements for State Information Systems" of October 11, 2005, Cabinet of Ministers REgulation 765 "General Safety Requirements for State Information Systems" of October 11, 2005.
Main conditions of electricity market were introduced in Latvia by adopting the Electricity Market Law in 2005. According to these conditions, eligible users (all users, with the exception of households) can freely choose an electricity supplier for non-regulated price that is set in bilateral agreements between the user and the supplier. As from July 1, 2007 also households will have rights to participate in the electricity market.
Electricity transmission and distribution takes place in accordance with transmission and distribution tariffs approved by the Public Utilities Commission (Regulator). Electricity Market Law guarantees free, explicit and non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution systems, observing regulations for a system connection, the methodology, and electricity transmission and distribution tariffs approved by the Regulator.
Report on Progress 2006 Annex 1, p. 3; ERAWATCH
In 2006, research equipment in 12 scientific research institutions was partially upgraded under the procedure of the State Research Institutions' Equipement Investment Project (Order No. ISAK-312 of the Minister of Education and Science of 28 February 2005).
Annual Progress Report NRP implementation (2006), p. 32 and Annex 1, page 53
Annual Progress Report NRP implementation (2006), p. 48 and Annex 1 page 111
National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme (2005), p.37   Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2005, No 126-4491 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=264150  	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on implementation of SME Development Strategy, year 2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Ministry of Economy Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ukmin.lt/lt/svv/doc/Ataskaitos/ataskaita%202007.doc
The strategic guidelines for the development of SME until 2008 and the action plan for the years 2005-2008, approved by Govermental Resolution No. 1104 on 19 October 2005, the mid-term priorities and objectives of the Government for SME development are set up to: create a favourable environment for start-ups and entrepreneurship, to improve opportunities for SMEs to access to finances, to develop more flexible and various forms of financing, to enhance entrepreneurship and business competitiveness, to ensure an efficient and high quality activities of institutions which provide services to business, to facilitate introduction and application of R&D, innovative technological and organisational solutions in business.
Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 61 complemented by Eurydice information.
National Schools Evaluation Agency has been established and has started its activity. The first external pilot evaluations of general education schools and studies programs have been carried out with participation of international experts.
Annual Progress Report NRP implementation (2006), p. 58 and Annex 1 page 53
National Report on structural reforms 2004 (Cardiff Report) p. 36 National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme (2005), p.34 and 79
The regulations for the functioning of the e-Government Portal in the Provision of Public e-Services were drafted and approved by Order No. T-127 of 30 December 2005 of the Director of the Information Society Development Committee under the Government. This regulation is applicable at provision of public e-services by administrating institutions, bodies and companies to legal or natural persons using IT means. The e-Government Portal is accessible on www.epaslaugos.lt, www.evaldzia.lt, www.govline.lt and is a system, which is aimed at enabling the provision of e-sevices on internet sites of e-providers and interface with IT systems, ensuring the principles of "one-stop" services, securing identification of persons, data and payments. The regulations are mandatory to all e-services providers.
Annual Progress Report of the NRP implementation (2006), p. 32
On 31 January 2006 a new version of the Republic of Lithuania Law on Public Procurement came into effect. This Law combines the provisions of the Directives 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and 2004/18/EC on the coordination of procedures for the award of public work contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts. This legal act modernised the law of public procurement, its provisions enable procuring organisations to settle the matters of acquisition of the required goods, services or works in more innovative manner. Provisions of the aforementioned directives legalise new procurement procedures - competitive dialogue, dynamic procurement system, e-auctions, etc. were transposed to this Law. The Law provides preconditions for the application of new information technologies in the field of public procurement. By virtue of the new provisions the procuring organisation may procure innovative solutions, for example, it is allowed in addition to the particular standards to describe in the technical specification the expected result or to indicate the functional requrements for the object, or to use the combination of both options. This is all more true for the contracts which are actually of innovative nature. The Law on Public Procurement facilitates the participation of small and medium-sized businesses in public procurement, which can participate not only independently, but also as subcontractors or on joint contract basis. Also, in consideration of the environmental protection goals. this Law defines the right for the procuring organisations in the process of public procurement to take into account the environmental protection aspects which enable them to acquire environmentally-friendly goods, services or works.
Annual Progress Report NRP implementation (2006), p. 56
NRP Annual Progress report (2006) annex 2 p. 28
The National Research Fund devised a program in December 2005 entitled "Promoting International Cooperation" (INTER). The goal of the program is to promote international scientific cooperation, create synergies between Luxembourg and foreign research centers and to provide a better approach to resolving certain cross-border issues and subjects.
2006 NRP Implementation Report, p. 32 Luxembourg Implementation Report 2007, p. 33.
The company LuxTrust S.A. was established in November 2005 as a partnership of the Luxembourg Government, which holds 66% of share capital, and some prime players of the private sector in Luxembourg. LuxTrust is a certification authority that issues and manages extremely high level security electronic certificates to meet the heightened security requirements of electronic business for the Government, the financial sector and other players in the Luxembourg economy, while keeping an international orientation through the adoption of internationally recognized standards.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex 1, p. 13; Malta National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annex
The Research & Development Tax Credit introduced in 2005, supports R&D activity exclusively. APR: Government has introduced a series of tax incentives for firms engaging in R&D activities. In 2005, LN 330 of 2005, Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), Deducation and Tax Credits (Research and Development) Rules, 2005 was brought into force in order to endorse these initiatives. Since 2005, Government, by means of subsidiary legislation under the Business Promotion Act, implemented a number of incentives announced in the 2005 budget. For 2006, Government is allocating: a) Lm 4 million in tax credits as incentives associated with research and development of new technology in Malta, b) Lm 500.000 in tax credits for companies that set up back office operations in Malta, c) Lm500,000 in tax credits for companies that set up eBusinesses in Malta. During 2005, total Government expenditure on research and development in 2005 amounted to Lm 3.7 million generating 937 jobs. This figure represents an increase of 6.2% over 2004.
Malta Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex 01-10
An agreement between the Maltese Government and the European Investment Fund has been reached whereby businesses in Malta may benefit from guarantees for medium and long-term investment loans. In order for business to qualify for this scheme SME's applications have to be approved by the end of 2006 and the counter guarantee will be valid till the end of 2015. The two larger commercial banks in Malta have joined forces with Government to facilitate the access and implementation of this scheme. Another call for applications for companies wishing to benefit under this scheme is expected to commence by the end of 2006.
A legal framework is required in order to regulate the vocational education sector. To this effect, a legal notice entitled "Malta Qualifications Council Regulations, 2005" has been enacted to provide a framework that outlines the setting up of National Standards on vocational Education and Training (VET) provision. A Malta Qualification Council was set up in December 2005 with the aim of mapping informal and non-formal learning according to nationally agreed key competences and design an accreditation/ certification process accordingly. The overall objective of the Council is to; a) steer the development of the National Qualifications Framework and to oversee the training and certification leading to qualifications within the Framework and which is not already provided for at compulsory education institutions or degree awarding bodies. b) establish and maintain a qualifications framework for the development, accreditation and award of professional and vocational qualifications, other than degrees, based on standards of knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes to be acquired by learners; c) promote and facilitate life-long learning access, transfer and progression; and d) foster the recognition abroad of professional and vocational certificates awarded in Malta under these regulations.
Malta Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex 01-14, Malta National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 29
Government has embarked on the MARIS project which will serve as a catalyst to build a common vision of innovation. The MARIS project is aimed to build an Innovation Strategy for Malta. Moreover, the MARIS project will develop an action plan to address the atrategy developed.
Annual Progress Report 2006, p. 14; Malta National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annex.
Government is committed to provide tax credits to promote certain areas of operations in enterprise. Initiatives singled out for tax credits include: back office services; re-investment of profits by SMEs; hosting services use of e-business solutions by SMEs; the development and use of warehousing in free zones; and post graduate studies in specific subjects with the aim to match industrial demand. During 2005, the following legal notices outlining these tax incentives were published: a) LN 331 of 2005. Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), Tax Credit (Back Office Operations) Rules, 2005, Government Gazette of Malta No. 17, 827 - 11.10.2005; b) LN 332 of 2005, Income Tax Act (Cap 123), Tax Credits (Owners and Operators of Warehouses Situated in Free Zones) Rules, 2005, Government Gazette of Malta No. 17, 827 - 11.10.2005; c) LN 333 of 2005, Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), Tax Credits (Electronic Business) Rules, 2005, Government Gazette of Malta No. 17, 827 - 11.10.2005; d) LN 334 of 2005, Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), Reinvestment Tax Credit (Income Tax) Rules 2005, Government Gazette of Malta No. 17, 827 - 11.10.2005; e) LN 335 of 2005, Income Tax Act (Cap. 123), Deductions and Tax Credits (General and Specific Qualifications) Rules, 2005, Government Gazette of Malta No. 17, 827 - 11.10.2005. These incentives are only applicable to SMEs and not to large companies. The back office operations and warehousing in free zones incentives are presently not in effect due to state aid restrictions. Thus further negotiations are to take place to ensure that these incentives will be implemented and conform to state aid regulations.
Malta National Reform Programme 2005-2008, p. 6
A Forum for Entrepreneurship was established in 2005 to act as a platform for the exchange of ideas and information with commercial enterprises, promote business possibilities, identify ways to increase entrepreneurial education and develop an entrepreneurial culture.
Malta Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex 01-16
The Deductions and Tax Credits (General and Specific Qualification) 2005 have been launched. Government is offering 3 types of fiscal incentives from which companies and individuals may benefit, as a result of taking up general or specific ICT, Sciences or Engineering qualifications offered by recognised Universities or equivalent educational institutions.
Malta Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex 01-14
In 2005, Government launched a loan guarantee scheme to support start-ups, particurlarly innovative ones. This was supported under Multi-annual Programme until end 2006 and will be integrated under Competitiveness Innovation Programme during 2007.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Annex, p. 12
A Better Regulation Unit has been set up within the Office of the Prime Minister last November (2005) dedicated to closely monitor all regulatory developments in order to ensure that no unnecessary added burden, financial or admnistrative, is imposed on business. The BRU has commenced with the implementation of this Plan. These proposals are anticipated to have an effect on the whole of society, albeit on different levels, as they deal with various aspects of everyday life such as the provision of helath, education, business, and social security services. Examples of such projects include: a) setting up a Business Facilitation Centre to provide preliminary information to business and to act as a one-stop-shop entity to facilitate all registration applications from business start-ups with a view to simplify the current burdensome, time consuming, and unnecessary bureaucratic procedure to register a business; and b) introducing a single application form for the assessment for all social security and other benefits with a view to amalgamate the benefit application forms required. for exapmle, for Social Assistance, Age Pension, Supplementary Allowance and Medical Assistance. Other proposals included in the plan would benefit particular sectors or target groups because of their specific nature.
Government is determined to further strengthen the higher education sector in Malta and to this effect, has set up a National Commission for Higher Education to guarantee the quality of provision and inclusive participation in further and higher education. The National Commission for Higher Education was set up with the aim to: 1. act as advisory body to the Government on issues concerning Higher Education, 2. initiate discussions with all stakeholders and to start the process of formulation of recommendations on the following issues: a) vision and strategic oversight; b) expansion of higher education to meet future requirements; c) funding and accountability; d) quality assurance and accreditation; and e) student choice and fair access, 3. ensure that the opportunity of, and access to, HE remains available to all individuals who can benefit there from in the Maltese society; 4. keep up with Malta's commitment to EU objectives relating to HE, including, specifically but not exclusively, widened access, improved participation rates and a basis to lifelong learning; and 5. ensure that consultation occurs with all major stakeholders in order to guarantee that decisions, advice and policy measures can be implemented with the widest consensus possible, within reasonable timeframe, and to produce the desired results within the context of the national sustainable development plan.
Progress Report 2006 NL p. 32, Trendchart
Zones of opportunity have been established around the universities of technology in Delft, Twente and Eindhoven with the aim of helping business start-ups and rapidly growing companies. Each zone of opportunity has a Formula Manager to coach entrepreneurs in applying for subsidies and permits. The zones of opportunity have been estalished close to the universities of technology in view of the large number of potential entrepreneurs among the students and graduates. There are already more than 20 companies established in the zone of opportunity in Delft, which started in April 2005. The other two zones started at the beginning of 2006.
Entrepreneurship is popular among ethnic minorities and women. The New Entrepreneurship [Nieuw Ondernemerschap] action plan sets out 11 specific measures designed to make it easier for "new entrepreneurs" to start a business.
The government established a Research Funding Committee (Commissie Dynamisering) with the task of producing cohesive, forward-looking proposals on mehtods of measuring the perfomance of universities and on the overall system of financing university research.
In November 2005, the cabinet approved the Radio Spectrum Policy Memorandum 2005. The policy provides for further liberalisation of spectrum use and greater flexibility in order to be able to adapt more rapidly to changing market conditions and technological developments. The radio spectrum policy will therefore also contribute to sustainable economic growth and innovation.
Since 2005, the added value of PPPs has been assessed for all investments by the national government in infrastructure (over EUR 112.5 million) and buildings. The Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment's State Buildings Department are obliged to carry out a Public Private Comparator (PPC) to investigate the possibilities of a PPP for every project costing in excess of EUR 112.5 million and EUR 25 million respectively. Pilot projects will follow in other sectors.
A programme for the creative industry, designed to strengthen the economic potential of culture and creativity by boosting the creative capacity of Dutch business, was submitted to the Lower House of Parliament in October 2005. The programme has a budget of EUR 15 million. A decision on whether to give the programme a more structural character will be taken on the basis of experiences in 2006.
The Netherlands has indicated that its aim is to improve the utilisation of ICT and strengthen the ICT base. In June 2005, the government drew up the Social Sectors & ICT Action Programme [Actieprogramma Maatschappelijke Sectoren & ICT] for the period 2005-2009. The objectives of this programme are to exploit the possibilities of ICT to improve mobility in urban areas, to increase the attractiveness and quality of education, to further improve public safety and to provide accessible and high-quality care. Two other projects, Connecting the Dots (closer integration of local initiatives) and ICTRegie (strengthening and bringing focus to ICT research), also started in 2005.
In October 2005, pursuant to this act (Act on certain forms to support for innovation activities), technology credits for entrepreneurs were made available, towards purchasing and commissioning new production technologies to the tune of total PLN 150 million. The next rounds of granting technology credits were scheduled for April, July and October 2006 and April, July and October 2007.
National Reform Programme for 2005-2008 p. 24
On 7 October 2005, the Act of 28 July 2005 on public-private partnerships (Official Journal of Laws, No. 169, item 1420), hereinafter referred to as the "PPP Act", went into effect. The PPP Act aims to remove barriers regarding the role and functions of administration in implementing public tasks with the participation of a private partner. The Act authorizes public and private operators to enter into cooperation agreements on PPP with a view to public tasks being discharged. A further aim is to prevent the emergence of situations whereby PPP projects might become political instruments or come under political pressures.
First Annual Progress Report 2006 PL p. 25
In 2005, the provisions of Dircetive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas were merged into Energy Law. In line with the provision adopted therein, the criteria to assess independence of operators were introduced, and in July 2005, a Transmission System Operator was appointed, whereas the operators of storage and distribution systems will be appointed by the end of 2006.
The Act amending the Act on the bar profession and amending certain other acts was passed on 30 June 2005. This legislation altered profoundly the principles regulating entry into the professions of barrister, legal adviser and notary public. The changes focused primarily on broadening the group of persons with degrees in law which may tkae exams to become barristers, legal advisers or notaries withour the obligation to pass the mandatory period as trainee in the professions (aplikacja). The act introduced the principle that the exams, both the exam for place as a trainee, and those allowing one to become a barrister. legal adviser or notary are organised and conducted under the supervision of the Minister of Justice. Additionally the holders of university degree in law were given right to provide legal advice, principally exept representation at litigation.
Another instrument in the Act on certain forms of support for innovation activities is to grant an R&D results amount to at least 20% of total sales, by this giving him the right to reduce the income before tax by the amount allocated to the Innovation Fund as well as giving him a tax relief on land property, forestry or agricultural land used tax used to run R&D activities. The R&D unit status provides an incentive to set up new private research institutions to commercialise the public R&D units, as well as encourage foreign investors who are willing to set up their research centres in Poland. The work on ordinance covering this topic is in progress.
The act (Energy Law) also introduced the TPA (Third Party Access) principle, i.e. providing all customers with a free choice of supplier, that is giving them the status of customer eligible to use TPA. (This principle has been introduced for business entities since July 2004 while it is to be introduced for household customers from 1 July 2007 onwards.)
On 17 February 2005, the Act on the computerisation of entities implementing public activities was passed, aiming at creating a conducive legal environment for Information Society development, particularly via creating a framework of standards for operation of electronic administration. Through adopting the Act and its executive legislation regulations synergy is to be assured of introducing IT throughout the sphere of public administration owing to minimum technical standards of hardware components and software ICT systems in administration enabling cooperation between systems used by various public entities in discharging their specific responsibilities. Under the provisions of the Act, a multi-annual Plan for State Computerisation is designed as means to perform planning and coordinating functions in introducing IT into the work of public entities. 1st Plan was prepared in 2006 (for 2006), and then the second Plan came into force (for 2007-2010).
1) First Annual Progress Report 2006 (PL) p. 23;  2)  Act of 28 July 2005 on court fees in civil cases (Official Journal of Laws 2005 No. 167 item 1398 with further amendments) /Ustawa z dnia 28 lipca 2005 r.o kosztach sadowych w sprawach cywilnych. Dz.U. 2005 nr 167 poz. 1398/ 3) Parliament Paper No 2582  http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/Druki4ka.nsf/wgdruku/2582/$file/2582.pdf  (06.02.2010)
The Government undertook actions aimed at reducing the costs of court proceedings. In March 2006, the Act of 28 July 2005 on court fees in civil cases went into effect, which introduced the reduction in court fees on actions from the present 8% to 5% of the value of the subject matter of litigation.
National Reform Programme for 2005-2008 p. 25
In May 2005, the Council of Ministers adopted The Strategy for the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in ground-based television. Currently being implemented, the schedule set out in the Strategy is aimed at the gradual introduction of digital broadcasting in ground-based television and the phasing-out of analogue broadcasting. The swich-off is planned for some time up to the end of 2014. An analysis of the feasibility of introduction of digital radio in Poland is also planned.
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation, p. 30 and Annex p. 69 (measure 102)
The aim of the New Opportunities initiative, presented in 2005 as a joint action of the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity and the Ministry of Education, is to contribute to reducing the distance separating Portugal from more developed countries with regard the base qualification of the Portuguese population by generalising secondary education (10th, 11th and 12th years) to all and making it the minimum qualification level of the Portuguese. Two different approaches were therefore considered: on the one hand avoiding failure at school and early school leaving (Promotion of the Qualification of Young People), and on the other hand winning back the active adult population with little schooling (Promotion of the Upgrading of Adults).
Report on 1st year of Implementation Annex, p. 43
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 17, Annex, p. 36 (measure 44)
The decision to create this institute was announced on 19 November 2005 by the heads of the Governments of Portugal and Spain. It is a pioneer initiative of a new kind of international institutional partnership in science and technology in Europe. It was decided that the Laboratory would be located in Braga-Portugal and that a Spanish researcher would be the first director. It has the expected objective of affirming itself as an institution of international excellence and will have about 200 researchers from Spain, Portugal and other countries and an annual operational budget of roughly 30 million euros plus an additional investment of an equal amount which the two countries guarantee to contribute equally. 19 Nov. 2005: the Memorandum of Understanding was signed; 8 Feb. 2006: 1st meeting of the Technical Review Committee; 28 July 2006: 2nd meeting of the Technical Review Committee which included the Progress Report of the committee; final model: presented at the Luso-Spanish Summit in November 2006.
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 29 and Annex, p. 66 (measure 97)
Launching of the programme to generalise the teaching of English from the First Cycle of Basic Education (four years) with all students in this cycle covered by 2009. The programme was launched in the 2005/2006 school year with teaching of English in the 3rd and 4th years assured as an extracurricular activity in 96% of basic schools (86% of students). The curricular enrichment is one of the measures aimed at the valorisation of the Basic Education.
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 27 and Annex p. 70 (measure 103)
Amendments were made to the Base Law of the Education System (through Law no. 49/2005, of 30 August), so that it would be viable to develop policy actions coherent with the following aims: (i) guarantee the qualification of the Portuguese in Europe by implementing the Bologna Process and (ii) to promote equal opportunities in the access to higher education. Following the alterations to the Base Law, the full set of regulations aimed at adapting the Portuguese higher education system to the Bologna Process were established and presented in 2006.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.40.
The reorganisation and rationalisation of the school network strives to provide the conditions to meet the aim of pre-school education for all 5 year olds and to extend compulsory education up to the age of 18, as well as to reduce the rates of early school-leaving within the educational and vocational system. The objective of the reorganisation of the network is not only to improve effectiveness but also efficiency associated with reducing and optimising the costs of running the educational system.
Report on 1st year of the NRP Implementation p. 26 and Annex, p. 67 (measure 98)
A)Launching of an on-going training programme in Mathematics for teachers of the First Cycle of Basic Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES). Teacher training is being given and monitored by professors from universities and superior schools for education. B) Launching of the Action Plan for Mathematics: the Ministry of Education has challenged mathematic teachers in basic and secondary schools to propose projects to be financed by the ME in which solutions were put forward for combating poor performance in this subject. Approval was given to 862 projects in September 2006 presented by mathematics teachers.
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 24 and Annex, page 61
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 24
Report on 1st year of NRP Implementation p. 6, 19 and Annex, p. 26 (measure 39)
Report on 1st year of NRP Implementation p. 18 and Annex, p. 36 (measure 44) p.41 (measure 53)
In 2005, the System of Fiscal Incentives for Business Research and Development was re-established.
Report on 1st year of Implementation p. 19/20
Report on 1st year of NRP Implementation p. 1, 2, 4, 14, 19, 39 and annex.  http://www.planotecnologico.pt/en/technological-plan/about-the-plan/list.aspx
National Reform Programme (2006) p. 17  National Reform Programme 2007-2010 (July 2007) p. 116 Decision of Government no 1449/2005
An important role in shaping the Romanian Research Area (RRA) is played by the National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS), established in 2005, by taking over RDI powers/duties from the Ministry of Education and Research. The ANCS mission is to harmonise national RDI policies with the current European trends in this field.
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 (July 2007) p. 53, 59-60, 89 and Annex 2 p.2 15, 17 and 25  National Reform Programme 2006 annex 3, Measure 3.3.8 (71)
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 p. 62
Through the Programme for Excellency in Research (CEEX) Romania supports complex R&D projects in fields specific to high technologies, the development of human resources for research and the promotion of the participation in European and international research programmes. The programme aims at developing the R&D activities and infrastructures with economic impact at regional level (Module I). Romania also assumes to develop the research infrastructure in the specialized bodies, such as experiment and testing laboratories, calibrating laboratories, or certification bodies (Module IV), as well as the participation in European and international research programmes (Module III).
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 (July 2007) p. 30
Reform of the judicial system continues to represent a priority domain for Romania, and the guarantee of the real independence of justice must be accompanied by ensuring the quality and efficiency of the act of justice. To this end, special attention is paid to the implementation of the measures of reform, complying with the European standards: Setting up the National Agency for Integrity; Training of the magistrates; Reorganisation of courts; infraestructure; computerisation of the judicial system.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 19, 44, 26, 36 and annex (grid) p. 64 and 86  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	A Comprehensive Audit of Barriers in Doing Business in Slovakia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Jan Oravec, co-ordinator of the project Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Union of Employers; The Business Alliance of Slovakia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Bratislava Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.alianciapas.sk/english/menu_projects_audit_of_barriers_2006.pdf
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 34; Act No. 341/2005 Coll  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 341/2005 Coll. that  amend the Civil Court Code Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 52
Progress Report on the Implementation of the NRP (October 2006) p. 41
Progress report on reforms on the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) October 2004 p. 13
An amendment to the Railway Act (No 109/2005 Coll. from February 9, 2005) , approved by the government in September 2004, proposes the establishment of an authority for the regulation of the railway transport, the so-called Railway Authority, with effect from 1.1.2005. The Act should improve access of licensed transporters to the railway infrastructure.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 37
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National NRP (October 2006) p. 17-18 and p. 60 (grid measure n.5)
The development of higher education quality was supported also by legislative measures (passing an amendment to the Higher Education Act, issuing a decree- the Motivation Scholarship Decree) and financial subsidies to introduce and provide motivational scholarships to the best and most active students, and introduction of social scholarships, which ensured equal chances of access to higher education studies. The objective of the amendment to the Higher Education Act will be to contribute to efficient operation of the higher education system in accordance with the Bologna Process documents and the needs of the practice; the operation of foreign higher education institutions as well as of private higher education institutions will be provided for to have only accredited higher education institutions operating in the territory of the Slovak Republic and, at the same time, the law will implement EU directive concerning refugees and students from third states.
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 17 and p. 61 (annex grid measure 6)
To support the quality of higher education institutions, basic conditions (criteria, plans) were created in the period of 2005/2006 for launching and developing comprehensive accreditation of higher education activity as the basis for the evaluation of their quality and for their qualitative differentiation (universities/higher education institutions other than universities, research universities/universities).(...)The procedure for comprehensive accreditation by the Accreditation Commission was updated after the Ministry of Education issued the pertinent accreditation criteria and the plan of comprehensive accreditation by the Accreditation Commission was updated
NRP Progress Report (October 2006) p. 47
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006, p.81, Initial Standpoints and Guidelines for the NRDP and Slovenia's response to the Commission's assessment of the Slovenian NRP, December 2005.
Slovenia will provide market instruments for the allocation of limited cross-border transmission capacity. The system operator of the transmission network has already launched auctions of cross-border transmission capacity in 2005.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 37  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Metodologija za izpolnjevanje in spremljanje Izjave o odpravi administrativnih ovir in sodelovanju zainteresirane javnosti Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of public administration Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mju.gov.si/fileadmin/mju.gov.si/pageuploads/mju_dokumenti/pdf/metodologija.pdf
The Slovenian Government adopted a methodology for implementing and monitoring the Declaration on the removal of administrative obstacles and the participation of interested stakeholders, which relates to the acquisition of information on the impact of regulatory proposals and their effects on the relationship between the public administration and customers as regards the introduction of new or the amendment of the existing administrative or other procedures, and as regards new obligations to report data or any other obligation of customers. This methodology intends to provide a detailed definition of the contents of the initial regulatory impact assessment. The Declaration on the removal of administrative obstacles and participation of interested stakeholders in the process of adopting government decisions introduces mechanisms which contribute to the drafting of quality regulatory proposals and to skilfully supported government decisions in a more consistent manner. The issue raised is the consistency of the implementing principles of the impact assessment of the proposed measures, the principles of consultations with civil society representatives in drafting the decisions, and the principles relating to the preliminary inter-ministerial coordination of documents. In spite of the initial problems, the final appraisal of implementation of the regulations review project in terms of the elimination of administrative obstacles indicates an improved co-operation of line ministries and adequate provision of information and co-operation for interested stakeholders. In 2006 480 rules and/or regulations at the level of individual line ministry were examined according to the adopted methodology. 31 % of the proposed regulations were refused (the total number of matters received under the "removal of administrative barriers" heading was 1652). In the year 2007 over 800 rules and/or regulations were examined.
Since May 2006 the e-government has been offering the citizens a modernized portal of the public administration electronic service (http://e-uprava.gov.si/e-uprava/), which in the one place collects forms of public administration institutions. With the new portal, any public sector body has at its disposal a free-of-charge tool for the publication of applications and the description of the services it offers the citizens and it may also use the free-of-charge modules for e-delivery, e-signature and e-payment, through which they receive charges paid by the citizens in an electronic form; electronically, they also receive applications sent through the portal. Currently, the portal is offering over 600 descriptions of services and 400 forms and the system will continue to expand in order to cover all public sector institutions and relevant persons seeking access to information of a public nature. Owing to the abridgement of administrative procedures, the project will gradually provide savings to institutions and citizens alike. Moreover, it promotes their rationalisation and removes the need for physical contact with the public administration institutions as it supports the completion of a full electronic cycle of transactions, from the submission of applications to the receipt of e-delivered documents. The e-government portal was established in 2001, for the first time updated in 2003 and for the second time in 2006.
In August 2005 the Slovenian Government adopted the Government Programme for Promotion of the Internationalisation of Companies 2005-2009, which is being implemented. The purpose of this programme is to improve the competitiveness of residents in international trade through the efficient use of public and private funds, and to reduce costs and risks for the entry of residents on markets outside Slovenia. The specific objectives of the progamme are:  - to increase the number of first entry of small and medium-sized enterprises on foreign markets; - to increase the export of goods, services and FDI; - to diversify Slovenian exports; - to reduce the business risks of Slovenian companies in their entry into foreign markets.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006, p. 37  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the realization of the Programme for removal of administrative obstacles in 2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of public Administration Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mju.gov.si/fileadmin/mju.gov.si/pageuploads/Boljsi_predpisi_OAO/OAO/Porocilo_OAO_v_letu_2006.doc 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	First report on realization of the Programme for removal of administrative obstacles in 2007 and the Second updated report on the realization of the Programme for removal of administrative obstacles and barriers in 2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mju.gov.si/fileadmin/mju.gov.si/pageuploads/Boljsi_predpisi_OAO/OAO/PRVO_POROCILO_OAO2007_IN_DRUGO2006--novo_4.4..doc
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006, p. 24 and grid (under III.A.3.4. Access to finance for small and medium-sized firms)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments: information about the Agency Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008-2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.japti.si/o-agenciji 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Decision on the transformation of the Small Business Development Centre into Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of Republic of Slovenia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200573&stevilka=3255 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Historical extract from the national Court register till 31 August 2008 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Public Legal Records and Related Services Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ajpes.si/
In 2005, the government established the Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investment (PAEFI) by joining two former agencies, the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and the Slovenian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (TIPO) in co-operation with the Slovenian Enterprise Fund. The Agency started working in January 2006 and the reorganisation has led to better synergy between the programmes of former SBDC and TIPO and improved the efficiency of the policy conducted by the Ministry of the Economy. PAEFI's programmes are much more clearly defined and quantified than the comparable programmes of the past. The new agency with its streamlined operation is expected to provide effective services to business through the one-stop-shop system.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 36  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Decision establishing Government Office for Coordination and Monitoring of Slovenia's Development Strategy Implementation and defining its field of work Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette or Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=2005106&stevilka=4568 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Development and European Affairs (web page): About the Office Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Development and European Affairs Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.svrez.gov.si/si/
In January 2006, the Slovenian government established the Government Office for Growth which is in charge of co-ordinating and monitoring implementation of the Slovenia's Development Strategy, while it also performs tasks related to economic and social reforms and development. In so doing, the Office provides all the necessary expert support for ministries and participates in drafting laws, implementing regulations and other legal acts required in implementing the Slovenia's Development Strategy and reforms. In 2008 the Government Office for Growth and the Government Office for European Affairs merged in one office, named the Government Office for Development and European Affairs. The Government Office for Development and European Affairs is responsible for the coordination of development tasks and tasks in the field of European affairs.
An electronic one-stop-shop (e-VEM) system for private entrepreneurs (sole proprietors) was launched in 2005. The time needed to set up a private entrepreneur's business was shortened from 8 days to 1 day and the fees for registration, closing and changing the organisation form of the individual private entrepreneurs were abolished. The one-stop-shop system (for registration, health and tax data declaration) should allow citizens to save SIT 179.73 mio (EUR 750,000) annually. 16% more new individual entrepreneurs were registered in 2005. The VEM and e-VEM projects for private entrepreneurs have proved effective in practice and will be expanded with similar one-stop system for the registration of companies (limited liability and unlimited companies). Activities are already undertaken and the project is due to be completed in 2008. This service will enable future entrepreneurs to settle all registration formalities in the one place and shorten the procedure from registration, submitting other required data and receiving decisions to 7 days. The costs of setting up the VEM system for individual entrepreneurs are totally SIT 59.91 mio (EUR 250,000).
NRP, page 100, NRP Progress Report 2006, page 24, annex 1 measure 177  2006 Report from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, page 180  Plan for the Internationalization of the Technology (2005). ICEX (Foreign Trade Institute)
The plan is promoted by the ICEX (Foreign Trade Institute, "Instituto de Comercio Exterior" in Spanish). It aims to enhance the technological content of Spanish exports in five target sectors:  - telecommunications and information technology - renewable energies and energy efficiency - the environment and waste management - infrastructures - and industrial innovation.  The plan, endowed with 100 million Euros for 2005-2007, comprises a promotion phase, a communication and information phase and a formation phase.
Progress Report of the National Reform Programme, annex 1 measure 69. Royal Decree 55/2005  (BOE 25/01/05) and Royal Decree 56/2006 (BOE 25/01/05).
Royal Decree 55/2005 and Royal Decree 56/2006 regulate the structure of future higher education (graduate and postgraduate respectively), with the objective of adapting it to the European Tertiary Education Space in 2010(Bologna Process). Both Royal Decrees were amended by Royal Decree 1509/2005.
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 54, Annex measure no. 196
Airlines have been allowed to provide self-handling, subject to certain requirements. However, the number of airport handling operators has increased from 4 to 10 by means of a public tender to grant licences (whose number has been increased from 33 to 55).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 295  Press Note from the Ministry of Economy and Treasury on ICO Credit Lines (31/01/2006)  ICO (Official Credit Institute) website: www.ico.es  (February 2010)
This credit line is a measure to promote the internationalisation of Spanish companies. In 2006 it has been increased from 100 million Euros to 500 million Euros (103.5 million Euros had been granted by the end of August 2006). It is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006. The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 276  Press Note from the Ministry of Economy and Treasury on ICO Credit Lines (31/01/2006)  ICO (Official Credit Institute) website: www.ico.es (February 2010)
This measure consists of a credit line offered by the ICO (Official Credit Institute) for established medium sized companies in order to promote business growth, with an allocation of 500 million Euro (of which 77 million has been used from January to December 2006). This credit line was created in January 2006, in order to offer financial support to those SMEs whose investment projects exceed the limits established by other credit lines offered by the ICO. This measure is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006. The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes:  - fostering entrepreneurship in society;  - encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth;  - increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer;  - internationalisation of business;  - and reducing red tape.
these plans were implementd in 2012 aiming at tackling early school leaving and promoting return to the educational system.  - PROA (Reinforcement, Guidance and Support). It aims to address the needs associated with the socio-cultural environment of the students, through a set of programs to support schools. - Reduction of early school leaving. This program provides preventive measures to increase the number of students who successfully complete the secondary compulsory education and favoring return to education of young people who have left without having the professional qualifications to the European Union considers necessary in 2020: High School or VET medium degree.
NRP Progress Report 2006, pages 39-40, annex 1 measure 273  Press Note from the Ministry of Economy and Treasury on ICO Credit Lines (31/01/2006)  ICO (Official Credit Institute) website: www.ico.es(February 2010)
Credit line for SME in order to promote business growth and investment projects, under advantageous conditions. The line was increased from 4 billion Euros to 7 billion Euros (this line was exhausted in September 2006). This credit line was launched by the ICO (the Spanish Official Credit Institute). The measure is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006. The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.
NRP, page 99, NRP Progress Report 2006, page 24, annex 1 measure 176 Website of the ICEX (Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade) www.icex.es (March 2010)
Market Development Integrated Plans are promoted by the ICEX (Institute of Foreign Trade). These plans target high growth-potential or large countries such as Japan, the United States, China, Russia, India, Morocco, Brazil, Algeria, South Korea, Turkey and Mexico, and they are aimed at correcting the geographical concentration of Spanish exports. More precisely, these plans are launched in order to improve Spain's image in those countries, in order to promote the penetration of Spanish products in those markets. The different plans for each country were implemented throughout the year 2005 (most of them cover the period 2005-2007). For instance, the plans for Algeria, Morocco and Japan were presented in January, February and March 2005 respectively.
NRP 2006 Progress Report pages 3, 18-23, 44, 50 and Annex measures 87-102 Progress report on economic reform of product and capital markets Spain (Cardiff report 2004)   p. 15
INGENIO 2010 (presented in June 2005) is the national strategy to foster research, development and innovation. To comply with its objectives, the State's civil R&D and innovation budget increased by an unprecedented 27% in 2005 and 32% in 2006, and this funding will continue to increase by at least 25% per year until the end of the legislative period. Three strategic programmes were established: the CENIT programme, aimed at increasing cooperation between the public and private sectors, the CONSOLIDER programme, to increase research critical mass and experience, and the AVANZA programme, whose aim is to close the gap with Europe in the area of the Information Society. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 29, Annex measure no. 140  BOE 30/12/2005 (Ministerial Order ITC/4101/2005)
In 2006, the process of eliminating tariffs for large gas users commenced. Additionally, on the occasion of transposing the Internal Market Directive, a timetable was published for phasing out the other tariffs by January 2008. Once the tariffs have been eliminated, there will be a tariff of last resort for gas and electricity that will be available to residential consumers and SMEs. The monitoring is done through the National Energy Commission (CNE).
NRP 2006 Progress Report page 21 and Annex measure 98
In order to improve the management and assessment of research and innovation, a new Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System (SISE) has been implemented. The first SISE report was approved by the CICYT (Interministerial Commission on Science and Technology) on 26 April 2006.
NRP Progress Report 06, page 31, annex 1 measures 111 and 114
The Internal Trade Action Plan 2006-2008 has a total allocation of 511 million euro, of which 127 million euro are from the budget and 384 million euro are in the form of loans. It is made of three programmes (increasing competition, improving transparency and increasing efficiency). In 2006 the entry of new operators in the network of whosale markets has been facilitated (through agricultural cooperatives and other associations) and the information on food prices given by the Food Prices Observatory has been improved.
NRP 2006 Progress Report page 40 and Annex measure 280
The capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer will be expanded by increasingly integrating research into business. Notable measures in the finance area include the ICO-CDTI technological innovation credit line (28.4 million euro). Decision by the ICO Board (26/04/05)
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 291-293  Official website of the programme: www.aprendiendoaexportar.com (February 2010)  Press Note from the ICO (Institute of Official Credit) (19/03/2007)
The "Learn to Export" programme is promoted by the ICEX (Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade, which is part of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce). Its objective is to raise awareness among SMEs of the need to diversify into foreign markets and become more competitive, by means of seminars, helpdesks and personalised follow-up in the first year of the process of internationalisation. This programme also includes diagnosis on the potential of each company, assessment services and financing, based on the agreement signed by the ICO (Spanish Official Credit Institut) and the ICEX. Financing includes a 50,000 Euro credit line of repayable loan offered by the ICO.  The programme has a budget of 5 million Euro for the first year.  Over the year 2006, the "Learn to Export" programme monitored over 4,500 companies in its information sessions. It has been included as a part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006.
The Swedish Reform Programme on Growth and Jobs 2006-2008, p. 36 Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 3
On January 1, 2006 the ordinance on market control of goods (2005:895) came into effect. The aim of the the ordinance is to clarify what is meant by market control. It also clarifies the tasks of the responsible government agencies and gives the Market Surveillance Council a stronger role. The Council consists of representatives of the market control authorities, the National Board of Trade and the Swedish Customs Service and functions as a national coordination body for issues concerning market control.
Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 10, 12
Furthermore, in order to finance commercialisation of innovations, a long-term effort to supplement investment provided by the markets is being planned, beginning in 2005.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2006-2008, p. 25
The research bill was adopted by the Government and the Riksdag - Research for a better life (Government Bill 2004/05:80) in 2005 and implemented between 2005 to 2008. This bill provides an increase of SEK 2.34 billion in government funding for research for 2005 to 2008. Research in those areas given priority in the bill - medicine, technology and research for sustainable development - has been reinforced. The governmental agencies financing research have also been able to provide long-term financing to prominent research and innovation environments that are very internationally competitive. In 2006  governemental agencies selected twenty top quality dynamic excellent research centers. They were selected in competition in various academic disciplines and subjects, for example, nanoscience, stem cells, environment, climate and demographic studies. These environments are to share SEK 3 billion over 10 years. Fifteen excellent research and innovation environments with relevance to business have likewise been selected from such sectors as telecommunications and IT services, biotechnology and product development. The government is allocating a total of SEK 2 billion over ten years as co-financing with industry. In 2007 the government has allocated additional SEK 900 million for reasearch and postgraduate education in another bill.
Swedish Energy Market, 2005 (Swedish Energy Agency p. 5).
The Energy Markets Inspectorate was established as part of the Swedish Energy Agency by the Government on 1st January 2005. This has brought together the duties of monitoring and analysing events on the market, as well as exercising supervision of the electricity, natural gas and district heating markets.
A national program for entrepreneurship was launched in 2005 with a budget of SEK 130 million through 2007. There has been considerable interest in this programme. Funding has been granted to some 80 projects. The programme contributes to positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship. The Swedish Business Development Agency's entrepreneurship barometer shows that the attitudes towards entrepreneurship among young people have become somewhat more positive in the past year. The percentage of young people who would consider becoming an entrepreneur has increased to 76 per cent, an increase by five percentage points compared with 2003. The program consists of four parts, entrepreneurship in compulsory and upper secondary school, entrepreneurship in college and universities, increased competence among business developers and regional entrepreneurship programs.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2006-2008, p. 40  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	The new Swedish Companies Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Companies Registration Office Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.bolagsverket.se/in_english/register_and_change/companies_act/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Prop. 2004/05:85 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of Sweden, Ministry of Justice Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/4456/a/40814 	 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Ny aktiebolagslag Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of Sweden, Ministry of Justice Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2005 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/5074/a/40694
A new Companies Act entered into force on 1 January 2006. One of the guiding principles for this reform has been to provide Swedish companies with a flexible and competitive legal framework. The new Act has been supplemented and amended since then. The aim has been, i.a., to increase the flexibility for companies.
Swedish Energy Market, 2005(Swedish Energy Agency p.1, 13). Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 6
Bill No. 2004/05:62 Implementation of the EU Directive concerning common rules for the single markets in electricity and natural gas etc. The proposed changes to the law were passed by Parliament on 25th May, and came into force on 1st July 2005. The changes to the Electricity Act include requirements in respect of a functional separation between grid companies and trading companies, a reduced limit for hourly metering of electricity consumption and requirements that those selling electricity shall declare the mix of energy sources used to produce the electricity that they are selling.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2006-2008, p. 37 Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 11
The issue of competition on equal terms between the public and private sectors is extremely important. The Swedish Competition Authority has observed that the public sector conducts business activities in a way that hampers the development and creation of new businesses. To ensure that measures taken in this area are appropriate and well balanced, it is important that the basis for decisions is up to date, relevant and as comprehensive as possible. When the Riksdag addressed the issue (Committee Report 2004/05: NU16, Riksdag Communication 2004/05:297), a number of measures aimed at improving the competition between private and public actors were proposed. The issue was also addressed by the Riksdag in 2007. It is important to take measures to solve the problems and improve competition between private and public actors. The Government intends to appoint an inquiry chair as part of this work.
Swedish Energy Market, 2005 (Swedish Energy Agency p.1, 34). Report on Economic Reform of the product and capital markets (Cardiff Report October 2004) p. 6
Naturgaslag SFS 2005:403. The new EU Gas Market Directive required substantial changes to Swedish legislation. In February 2005, the Government submitted a Bill to Parliament, proposing replacement of the previous natural gas act by the new act. The new act was approved by Parliament during the spring, and came into force on 1st July 2005. Among the changes in the new Natural Gas Act are further liberalisation of the market, a requirement for legal separation between network activities and trading in natural gas, a requirement that the transmission companies may not apply their transmission tariffs before the regulating authority has approved the methods used for structuring the tariffs, and the introduction of requirements concerning system liability and liability for maintaining the balance on the natural gas market.
The government agencies financing research have also been able to provide long-term financing to prominent research and innovation environments that are very internationally competitive. In 2006 twenty top-quality dynamic research environments have been selected from among their competitors in various academic disciplines and subjects, for example, nanoscience, stem cells, environment, climate and demographic studies. These environments are to share SEK 3 billion over 10 years. Fifteen excellent research and innovation environments with relevance to business have likewise been selected from such sectors as telecommunications and IT services, biotechnology and product development. The central government is allocating a total of SEK 2 billion over ten years as co-financing with industry. The Government intends to continue this activity.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2006-2008, p. 40
The 2006 support programme for research and development in SMEs attracted great interest. Up to now, applications have totalled seventeen times the funds allocated for this year. So far, 166 companies have been granted a total of SEK 154 billion.
On 1 January 2006, a new government agency, the Swedish Administrative Development Agency (Verva), was established. The agency was to work on developing public administration in Sweden. A main role was the development of an electronic administration. The agency shall also coordinate the IT infrastructure in central government agencies. It was also to work for cooperation between public administration actors. It was closed down 31 December 2008 and its responsibilities were spread out on other authorities.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 24 (section 3.47 Measuring and reducing the administrative burden)  HM Treasury Pre-Budget Report 2006, p. 48
Following the recommendation of the Better Regulation Task Force (BRTF) to adopt best practice from the Netherlands, the Government has measured the total administrative burden to business of complying with government regulations and is agreeing targets for reducing burdens with departments. Following the recommendations of Sir David Arculus (in "Regulation-less is more", Cabinet Office, March 2005), government departments have been measuring the administrative burdens which they impose on business and the voluntary sector, agreeing targets for their reduction, and setting out in forthcoming simplification plans the measures to implement these targets (the simplification plans will be published in time for the 2006 Pre-Budget Report).  Eighteen government departments and regulators published their first simplification plans in December 2006, in which they outlined simplification measures to reform and remove existing legislation, and committed to reducing by 25 per cent the administrative burden from their regulations.
HM Treasury, Pre Budget Report 2005, p. 48.
Following the Hampton and Arculus reviews, the Government published an Action Plan in May 2005 (Better Regulation Action Plan), which sets out the timetable for implementing the wide-ranging reforms to the UK's regulatory framework. The Government remains on track to deliver these fundamental reforms in full by 2009.
UK National Reform Programme: Update on progress (October 2006) p. 10
In November 2005 the Government published a strategy for transforming public services using technology (Transformational government, enabled by technology), which corresponds broadly to the Lisbon information society goals to stimulate e-government and to create conditions for e-commerce to flourish. Building on the 2004 Spending Review efficiency programme, it identifies the scope for greater sharing and standardisation in corporate and other services. The implementation plan for the strategy was published in March 2006, focusing on the immediate priorities to mid 2007. In November 2006, an annual report will be published, covering the year's achievements in key delivery areas and looking forward to 2007 to describe the challenges ahead.
HM Treasury Budget 2006 'A Strong and Strengthening Economy: Investing in Britain's Future', p.57.  National Audit Office (2009)'The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills-Venture capital support to small businesses', p. 5.
http://www.interface-online.org.uk/2101  or: Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 71
Established in 2005, Interface is a central hub connecting businesses from a wide variety of national and international industries to Scotland's 24 higher education and research institutes.    Connecting businesses quickly and easily to Scotland's world class expertise, skills and research facilities, it is designed to address the growing demand from organisations wanting to collaborate with academia.   Interface's free and impartial service aims to stimulate innovation and encourage companies to consider academic support to help solve their business challenges.   Through Interface, Scottish businesses can now increase their competitiveness, develop new products, and exploit new market opportunities by connecting with academia.
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (2007) 'Small Firm Loan Guarantee Scheme-Annual Report 2006-2007.
UK Update on Progress (October 2006) p. 27, 58-59
First Implementation Report 2006 grid, www.ffg.at/content.php?cid=352
Deepening and consolidation of the long-term cooperation between industrial and academic research aimed at creating up to five centres of excellence ("K2 centres") of international reputation. In addition, industry and science will continuously have the opportunity to develop competence within the framework of smaller centres ("K1 centres" and "K-projects"). Precursor programmes (K plus, K ind/net) have already resulted in significantly increased potential and mutual benefit in this field; the new programme aims at permanently strengthening long-term research orientation of the industry and practical orientation of scientific research. First round of tenders was opened on 1 October 2006 and encompasses 3 K2-Centres, 8 K1-Centres and 10 K-Projects with a budget of 130 million EUR of federal funds. A second invitation for tenders is foreseen for 2008.
49% of the shares were issued. IPO was completed on 30 May 2006.
More stringent definition and expansion of the bank auditor's duty to report to the Financial Market Authority. Auditing reports and audit plans for the internal auditing unit must no longer be submitted only to the bank's bodies but also to the bank auditor. The grounds for disqualification of bank auditors are being expanded. The Financial Market Authority's right to decline the appointment of a bank auditor for statutory reasons has been expanded considerably. The range of punishment in case of violation of the duty to report on the part of the chartered accountant has also been extended.
The legal form of the European Cooperative Society offers in particular cooperative companies, which are active on the internal market, the prospect of lower administration costs and a legal structure suited to the internal market. This law elaborates on the EC Regulations on the Statute for a European Cooperative Society. Facilitates restructuring and cooperation measures across borders.
Dynamic procurement system and improvement of legal aid. Restructuring of the Austrian procurement law and implementation of the EU guideline package pertaining to public procurement. Potential for savings expected.
Liberalisation of medical advertisement law.
Berufsrechts-Aenderungsgesetz fuer Notare, Rechtsanwaelte and Ziviltechniker 2006 (amendment act to the vocational law pertaining to notaries public, lawyers and civil technicians): This act introduced an electronic business signature for notaries public, lawyers and civil technicians, which allows or will allow these professions to execute electronic documents within the scope of their professional work. In addition, the legal basis was established for the secure storage of electronic documents in electronic document archives of notaries public, lawyers and civil technicians. These measures are to help bolster electronic business and document traffic on a larger scale, in particular in dealings with courts. Furthermore, the additional opportunities created by the introduction in 1989 of electronic legal communication with the courts are also part of these measures. In this context, provided that certain requirements are met, it will in future be possible to submit to the court by electronic means documents that are to be presented as originals, particularly in land and company register matters.
First Implementation Report 2006 grid, BGBl. I Nr. 69/2006 v. 19.5.2006
Advisory body consisting of representatives of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology and the Federal Chancellery plus six experts in the fields of business and science. Support in the expansion of the infrastructure and in the introduction of qualitative and innovative services. Effectiveness/General assessment: Support in the expansion of the infrastructure and in the introduction of qualitative and innovative services. An annual implementation report will be incorporated in the national i2010 implementation programme.
Progress Report 2007, p. 32  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	AS-E: Agence de Stimulation Economique Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Services Publics Walllons Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Namur Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.as-e.be
On 23 February 2006 the Programme Decree on Walloon priority schemes for the future led to the creation of an economic promotion agency. The agency's main mission is to coordinate and streamline the action of already existing structures both at regional and at local level, having as common denominator the support of entrepreneurship.
The decision by the industry regulator (IBPT/BIPT) introduces the obligation to sell on the subscription, which should enable the other operators to replicate Belgacom offers, without having the same access network, offer their customers a single bill and propose innovative pricing schemes.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, p.28. Other source: De lege schoolbank. Het Vlaams beleid tegen spijbelen; Samenleving en Politiek, 13(10), 2006, pp. 25-34.
The aim is to reduce the number of early school leavers.
In 2006, The region of Brussels launched the "Spin-off in Brussels" programme which offers researchers from both the public and the private sector funding for two or three years so that they can start up their own spin-off company. 21 projects in total got selected for funding between 2006 and end of 2009. The 2010 call is still under evaluation.
The "e-depot" system, which allows transactions via a notary to be processed electronically, was implemented in March 2007. The transformation of a paper-based process into an electronic process has reduced the time needed for completing the formalities for registering the creation of a company, from up to 56 days in 2004 to 3 days.  Several minutes after the deposit, the notary receives the new company registration number which can then be electronically activated by the starting entrepreneur in any of the ten accredited enterprise offices in the country, and the new company can start operations.
In 2006, the Brussels Region has launched the MISTRAL programme to promote innovation in SMEs and so boost economic growth. This support programme is split into three phases: portfolio analysis, development of a strategic innovation plan and coaching.
From 2007, the Hercules fund will offer funding to universities in the Flemish Region for their research infrastructure.
Starting from 1 January 2007, a 25% wage tax exemption is also being applied to private companies employing master graduates or industrial engineers in certain subject categories.
The market coupling of BELPEX, APX and Powernext is operational since its introduction on 21 November 2006. As a result, the use of the daily cross border capacity with France and The Netherlands is optimised, achieving 100% utilisation in congested hours and allowing price convergence between countries in uncogested hours; energy has been flowing between the three markets depending on the hourly demands. Market coupling has showed to be an efficient means for easing the impact of a tight supply on the Belgian market.
Walloon Region began a new oncology programme in June 2006, focusing on universities and intended to promote the creation of future competitiveness poles.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 24; Progress Report 2007, p. 27
To inform SMEs about patent procedures and offer them the support they require. The mission and funding of the units was decided on in April 2006 following an inventory and evaluation of the existing services and the various players involved. The system will begin operating in late 2006. Follow-up and evaluation will take place in 2007, when the need for possible additional units will also be examined.
In Wallonia, a fifth competitiveness pole focused on mechanical engineering was given the seal of approval in September 2006 on top of the four other ones for the life sciences, aeronautics, aerospace, agri-industry and transport/logistics. Apart from the seven already operating, the Flemish Region has set up a further two competence poles : created in October 2006 the first one is focused on product development and design, while the second one, which got underway in early 2007, prioritises mobility.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 32, 59  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	SRIB Rapport Annuel 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	SRIB Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue:  City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.srib.be/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=43&task=view_category&catid=33&order=dmdate_published&ascdesc=DESC (07/02/2011)
In Brussels, March 2006 saw the creation of B2E, which aims at facilitating access to credit for SMEs (in partnership with the European Investment Bank). B2E is intended for SMEs and, more precisely, for any business that employs fewer than 250 persons and whose turnover is below 50 million euros or whose balance sheet totals less than 43 million euros, with the condition that no more than 25% of its capital may be held by a large company. B2E grants loans for funding tangible or intangible investments. These loans are agreed with and co-financed by credit institutions, thus bringing real leverage into play for the business. B2E - Brussels SME can co-finance up to 50% of the investment credit. The amount of the loan for a minimum duration of 3 years is on a scale of 100,000 to 2,000,000 euros. The interest rate is equal to the rate offered by the bank minus 15 base points.
Since 1 January 2006, companies have had their withholding tax reduced (currently by 25%) for researchers with a doctorate in exact sciences, applied sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine or civil engineering.
In 2006, Flanders has launched the Odysseus programme, which aims to attract top foreign and Flemish expat researchers to the Region by means of generous funding. In 2006, the budget allocated for this measure is 12 million euros.
The Walloon Region has launched two new support programmes in 2006: WIST 2 for information and communication technologies and MINERGIBAT for the energy efficiency of buildings. The programmes consist of support for industrial sectors of key importance to the Region focusing on R&D and innovation that could, in due course, yield tangible, economically exploitable results. The budget for existing programmes has also been raised in 2006.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 30  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Mededeling aan de Vlaamse Regering: De verbetering van de kwaliteit van de RIA-toepassing d.m.v. de verfijning en verdieping van de beoordelingscriteria van de RIA-controle Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Minister van Bestuurszaken, Buiitenlands Beleid, Media en Toerisme Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussel  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	21-4-2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.wetsmatiging.be (3-2-2011)
The Flemish Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) system was launched on the 1st of January 2005. Every week, the Regulatory Management Unit evaluates the quality of the RIA's that are attached to the legislative proposals to be discussed by the Flemish government. The Unit gives a score from 0 to 5.   Based upon the first experiences in the year 2005 and in the light of an evaluation planned in October 2006, it was felt to be necessary to develop the evaluation criteria in more detail. Together with the refinement of the evaluation-criteria,  changes and improvements were made to the RIA-manual.   The objective therefore was to further develop the RIA-evaluation procedure in order for the Regulatory Management Unit to (1) provide a more transparant evaluation to the authors of the RIA and the competent Minister, (2) have a more solid basis they can fall back on in case of questions wrt the RIA-score given and (3) make a consistent, uniform and objective evaluation of the RIA's, independent of the evaluator.  The fact that only 60% of proposed new legislation received a positive assessment, compared with 70% to 93% before, shows that the threshold level has been raised significantly.
In order to support the initiatives by the Regions, the bonuses, capital and interest subsidies, granted by the regional authorities to companies on intangible and tangible assets within the framework of support for research and development, are exempted from corporation tax since 1 January 2007.
Launch of  the postdoctoral programme called FIRST to provide partial funding for a two-year R&D project. The project must be conducted at either a university or a research centre linked to a higher education establishment and must be of practical use to an industrial partner.
Mindful the growing social relevance of promoting the economic exploitation of university research results, the Federal Government has adopted a new scheme directly targeted on researchers, encouraging them to become involved in exploiting their findings. Consequently, starting on 1 January 2007, a favourable rate (33%) is applied to incomes that researchers receive from accredited research establishments in the context of exploiting their research results. Lastly, there is a two-year extension for the personal income tax and personal social security contribution exemptions in respect of innovation premiums introduced in 2006.
In June 2006, the Walloon Region set up a Technology Promotion Agency (Agence de Stimulation Technologique) in a bid to structure the landscape of technology transfer of research findings to the business world. The office coordinates support measures for businesses and offers assistance to businesses in receipt od subsidies. The agency has six local branches.
New job opportunities for researchers are being encouraged by allowing fundamental research institutes to reinvest their employers' social security contributions in the creation of new doctoral and post-doctoral appointments. This scheme was launched on 1 January 2007.
The Flemish Region agreed in September 2006 to initiate a new applied biomedical research funding programme of applied biomedical research with a mainly social purpose, which offers a support for the development of new therapies and/or diagnostics. The aim of this programme is to support and promote economic exploitation of research in an area that is poorly served by existing government funding channels.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 27, ERAWATCH
The Methusalem program is a sum of money (lump sum) that is divided between universities based on calculations by the BOF (special research funds). The grants are meant to give a structural 5 year support to researchers. The structural support should allow these researchers and their research groups to become leading authorities in their field.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011,p.10.
A substantial support mechanism has been available to Brussels companies since 1 December 2006, with nine incentives being available for SMEs willing to discover and develop foreign markets.
Launched on 20 July 2006, the Flemish Government's i2010 action plan features five priorities: the further roll-out of R&D in the ICT sector, developing a digital research infrastructure (e-research), promoting the use of ICT in Flemish SMEs, broadening the scope of the e-Government services and bridging the digital divide.
In January 2006, the federal government awarded the operating licence for the Belgian electricity exchange (Belpex, Royal Decree of 11 January 2006). The federal Energy Minister has also approved the market rules under which Belpex will operate.
Concerning the Flanders innovation fund, VINNOF, a sum of 75 million euros has been included in the 2006 budget. The VINNOF fund has been fully operational since 10 March 2006. It is the outcome of a public-private partnership and will be used to invest in innovative businesses starting up which, through limited funding at a later stage, will be able to benefit both from normal risk capital funds and from ARKimedes funds. Entrepreneurs who want to start a business can either act on private initiative or benefit from the sctive support of a university or research body.
Every tax payer has the right to deduct a lump sum of operating costs in his tax declaration. The federal jobdiscount increases this amount of lump-sum deductable operating costs once a year (one month a year). This leads to a reduction in the witholding tax on earned income, leading to a higher net wage (in that respective month) for employees . The measure allows the net income of employees to be increased at no extra cost to the employer. The measure was introduced for employees, the self-employed and company managers. The measure was launched in 2006 for two years (2006-2007), but the government has also prolonged the measure in 2008, 2009 and 2010. For 2011, the measure will also be implemented, atlthough it will be spread over the whole year instead of being implemented only once a year.
The Chamber passed a bill on opening hours on 6 July 2006. The existing law on evening closing and the law on a weekly rest day have now been combined into a single new law. The basic principles on opening hours (i.e. businesses may stay open until 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Fridays) and the principle of the weekly rest day have been retained, with a few exemptions e.g. providing various concrete conditions are met, service station shops can now stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Video and newspaper shops can now also sell sweets and drinks after 8. p.m.. Also, municipal councils have been given more powers to tackle night shops and phone shops operating illegally.
The Flemish government is pursuing its efforts to meet the Barcelona objective which it adopted as part of the Flemish Innovation Pact (Innovatiepact voor Vlaanderen) in March 2003. The 2006-2009 multi-year budget calls for a net gradual budget increase of 525 million euros. There was a net increase of 75 million euros in 2008 compared to 2007. An additional one-time 45 million euro increase is also planned.
Lisbon Progress Report 2006 p. 32  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Winwinlening Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	PMV (Participatie Maatschappij Vlaanderen) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.pmv.eu/nl/diensten/winwinlening 	8-2-2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	WinWin Loan Decree Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Belgisch Staatsblad Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.pmv.eu/download/nl/581266/file/winwinlening_decreet_20060519_bs_dd_20060630.pdf
Approved in February 2006 as a replacement for the former 'friends' loan'. In order to increase the availability of private capital for start up enterprises the Flemish Government is providing fiscal incentives for friends and relations of entrepreneurs who want to invest SME's (also in start ups). The investors get a tax reduction of 2,5% of the winwin loan.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 102, 118
Establishment of an efficient and modern system for monitoring, control and assessment of the degree of achievement of the state standards in secondary education.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 44  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	State Gazette  No. 24/21.03.2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Parliament Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www1.government.bg/ras/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Ordinance ? 1 of 27.07.2006 on the Administrative Register  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Minister of Public Administration and Administrative Reform Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www1.government.bg/ras/
In 2006 a project "Creation and Maintenace of an Administrative Register" was started, part of which is the development of a module for the regulatory regimes and administrative services. It is established pursuant to the Law on Administration and the Ordinance ? 1 of 27.07.2006 on the Administrative Register. The Ordinance regulates the circumstances subject to entry into the Register and the respective duties of the administrative structures in respect to the maintenance of the register. Overall, the data concerns the status of the administrative bodies at local, regional and national level, free job positions in public administration, types of administrative regimes and administrative services. http://www1.government.bg/ras/
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 69
Active measures for protection of intellectual and industrial property will be implemented in 2007 by the Council for Protection of Intellectual Property - an interinstitutional body, set up by CoM resolution of 12.01.2006 and chaired by the Minister of culture.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 53
In the end of 2006 the state-owned company Bulgargas submitted to the Sofia City Court the documents for restructuring of the company in compliance with the requirements of Directive 2003/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the common rules for the natural gas Internal Market. The company will be restructured into a holding, by dividing the company into four undertakings: Bulgartransgas EAD with function to purchase and sell natural gas, Bulgargas EAD - functions of transmission, storage and supply of natural gas, Bulgartel EAD - to provide communication services and Nabuco Bulgaria, which will organize Bulgaria's participation in the Nabuco project.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 103, 119
Qualification of teachers for teaching of key competences in the area of secondary education.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 18  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Program (2008-2010), 2009 update				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Council of Ministers				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/bg_nrp_en.pdf
In September 2006 the Council of Ministers adopted an Ordinance on the General Rules for Administrative Service Arrangement. Its name was changed in 2008 to Ordinance on Administrative Service. It regulates the organization of administrative service structures on the basis of one stop shop and ex officio principle.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme; Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 16  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	 Better Regulation Program 2008-2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.strategy.bg/StrategicDocuments/View.aspx?lang=bg-BG&Id=440
It was upon a proposal by CEG (Council for Economic Growth) that the Council of ministers adopted Measures for Introduction of the Principles for Better Regulation at a meeting held on August 3, 2006. The measures for introduction of the principles for better regulation were incorporated in the Better Regulation Program 2008-2010.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 103, 119  Bulgarian NRP Progress Report, p. 19, 38
Development of short-term modules for acquisition of profession for the students leaving the educational system after graduating from 10-th grade.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 102
Introduction of foreign language and computer training and/or vocational training for all students in 8-th grade.
National Reform Programme 2007-2009 p. 31 2007 Progress Report - p. 17; National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 14  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	State Gazette  No. 34/25.04.2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Parliament Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/broeveList.faces
On March 24, 2006 the National assembly approved the Law on the Commercial Register (Promulgated SG Issue 34 of April 25, 2006, last amendment SG Issue 101 of December 28, 2010, in force since January 1, 2008). It provides for the establishment of an unified electronic register of economic entities. Re-registration for the companies from the district courts to the commercial register, operated by the Registry Agency, was extended until the end of 2011.
Elaboration of a model for career developmet of teachers and its binding with a system for differentiated labour remuneration.
Bulgaria National Reform Programme p. 40, 44  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	State Gazette No. 24/21.03.2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Parliament Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/broeveList.faces 						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Program (2007-2009), Progress Report, p.13 (in Bulgarian) 					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Agency for Economic Forecast and Analysis					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	Ocotber, 2007					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.minfin.bg/document/8348:1					 						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	What is happening with state administration 					 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Metodi Metodiev					 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Institute for Market Economics					 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia					 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008					 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ime.bg/en/articles/what-is-happening-with-the-state-administration
In 2006 the Law on the Amendment to the Law on Administration and the Law on the Amendment of the Law on Public Service were adopted. They are intended to optimize the activity of the public administration, improve human resource development and the access to civil service, create efficient internal control of administration's activities.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 69, ERAWATCH
The programme's core objective is the promotion of scientific and technological research in Cyprus. Several specific objectives and priorities have been defined. It covers a wide range of activities. Among RPF's main activities is the development of national competitive programs for financing of research projects and support of research activities. The beneficiaries of this programme are researchers and research centres, mainly those of the University of Cyprus, as well as of the private colleges. The programme is also expected to benefit young researchers and enterprises, as specific themes are addressing these groups. The programme replaced the Research promotion foundation's framework programme 2003 - 2005. One of the three main pillars is the Development of Applied Research, which is divided into 3 programmes "Research for Enterprises", "EUREKA Cyprus" and "Follow-up Projects" - and contains 11 specific activities that are eligible for funding. The first programme aims at encouraging the cooperation of enterprises with local research organisations, the second one targets the cooperation of local enterprises with foreign research organisaiotn, and the last promotes the utilzation and commercialisation of the results of completed research projects. In addition, under the programme "Entry, Improvement and Mobility of New Researchers", which is included in the RPF Framework Programme for RTD 2006, there is a specific action for the recruitement of new researchers by enterprises for the purpose of conducting research projects related to their operations. This is a continuation of a previous scheme with the addition of new features. All abovementioned programmes are expected to be included in the new RPF Framework Programme for RTD as well.
National Lisbon Programme, October 2005, p. 40
Setting up of a task force to promote and continuously monitor the issue. The task force will be set up in the last quarter of 2005. Objective: Reduction of the regulatory and administrative burden.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 24, 74
The Government Portal has been developed. It is available to the public as from September 2006.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 23, Trendchart Country Report 2006 for Cyprus
The measure aims at the provision of financial support to enterprises or individual researchers for patent registration. Inventors or enterprises, who participate in research programmes funded by the Research Promotion Foundation (RPF) or any other programme managed by the RPF (e.g. EUREKA, FP6) will be eligible for partial funding of the costs incurred from submitting and / or being granted a patent. The measure applies to cases of research projects that have been completed. The expenditure will be covered by 50% private and 50% public funds. The measure targets to the registration of at least 10 patents within a five-year period.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 15; Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 17; Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 94
On the basis of a decision by the Council of Ministers, which was taken in May 2006, following the Spring European Council of that year, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism proceeded with the establishment of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for the setting up of a business. The OSS started to operate on the 2nd of April 2007, offering a wide range of services to the investors, including the following: - Provision of information/guidance to potential investors and aftercare service to existing investors. - Registration of a company. - VAT registration. - Income Tax registration. - Registration with the Social Insurance Fund and Employers' Registry. - Application for the issue of residence and work permits. The Council of Ministers decided on 9 July 2008 to upgrade and expand the existing one-stop-shop at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, in order to be able to take on the responsibilities of the Point of Single Contact (PSC). Up to 10 October 2007, 5383 name approvals, 2904 new company registrations.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 32, 58
Aiming at the further rationalisation of state aid towards those areas of intervention in which there is a clearly identified market failure, the following actions are being promoted: a) Carrying out of an ex ante evaluation for all proposed state aid measures to identify, whether there is a market failure in the proposed area of  intervention, as from 2007. b) Carrying out of an interim evaluation of all existing state aid schemes by the implementing authorities, with regard to the achievement of the set objectives, as from 2007.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 29
The amending law was enacted on 28/04/2006. The amendment simpifies and speeds up the procedure for filling vacant posts in the Cyprus Civil Service. This is mainly achieved via following provisions (a) a differentiated composition of the Advisory Committees, set up for the purpose of advising the Public Service Commission in connection with the filling of vacant first entry or first entry and promotion offices/ posts, so as to enhance their flexibility and (b) a reduction of the number of candidates forwarded to the Public service Commission by the Advisory Committees for the final interview, to 3 (from 4) per vacant post, in the case where only a written examination is perfomed by the Advisory Committee.
The relevant Regulations organizing the operation of the Natural Gas Market, the access to the market, the criteria and the licencing procedure, came into force in 2006. In particular, the following Regulations were enacted: - Issue of Licences' Regulations No. 298/2006 - Fees' Regulations No. 299/2006 - Investigations Procedure' Regulations No. 297/2006.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 73, Trendchart Country Report
The objective of this measure is the systematic provision of information to SMEs operating in the sectors of tourism, services and manufacturing regarding the existing programmes/schemes that are of interest to them in order to increase the participation rates in innovation supportive projects in the country. In this context, specialised workshops will be designed aiming at the provision of information and the training of enterprises'' representatives and consultants on relevant programmes. The information provided will be related to the rules of participation, while the training will be focused on more specialised subjects such as the definition of an innovative idea, relevance to the programme''s aims, consortium formulation, budgeting and preparation of the proposal. The organisation of the 10 workshops envisaged by the measure will be supported by public (70%) and private (30%) funding. The implementation of this measure is expected to begin by the end of 2006 with the organisation of one general-type seminar and with the identification of available programmes to Cypriot SMEs (European or local). Further relevant seminars will be organised regularly from 2007 to 2011.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 113
The provisions that are included in the Patent (Amendment) Law of 2006, Law 122(I)/2006 are briefly: (a) Enhanced penal provisions in case there is disobedience to a civil court order against a person, who infringes a patent again after a first infringement; (b) The disclosure of confidential information from a litigant, on the application of a person (litigant), who initiates a court action and has already filed important proof with the court that an infringement of a patent has been committed and, (c) During infringement of a patent proceeding on a commercial scale the court may on a reasoned application by a litigant order the rendering of information as to the origin and the network of distribution of the infringed products or as to the offering of services which infringe a patent.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 23, Trendchart Country Report
The measure aims at the modernisation of SMEs and at enhancing their competitiveness through the systematic provision of consulting services of longterm duration. The services will be of three-years duration and will be provided on a regular basis to the company concerned. Special emphasis will be given to the development of new products or new innovative production processes. The framework of the provided services will be described in a three years strategic development plan (SDP) in which the objectives, methodology and evaluation indicators will be defined. The SDP will be based on the results of a detailed technology audit. The implementation of the measure is foreseen for a five-year period, targeting to the participation of 60 enterprises. The expenditure will be equally covered (50% contribution) by both the public and the private sector.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 74, Trendchart.
The Council of Ministers approved the measures included in the Action Plan prepared on the basis of the RISC strategy on 02/03/2006 and authorised the Minister of Finace (MoF) to proceed with their implementation.
2007 National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 83
In May 2006 the MCIT (Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism) signed a contract for the introduction of the "Business Incubators Accreditation System for the establishment and operation of business incubators" which was expected to start at the beginning of 2007 must now follow an evaluation study of the Business Incubators Institution. In connection to this, the tender for consultancy services for the preparation of an evaluation study of the Business Incubators Institution has already been assigned.
National Reform Programme of Cyprus Progress Report p. 110
A new legislation on public procurement was enacted in February 2006 implementing the new EU Directives 2004/17/EC (coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors) and 2004/18/EC (coordinating the procurement procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts).
Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 87; Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 78
Implementation Report 2006 p. 21; Implementation Report 2007, p. 28  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Insolvency Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Justice Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Justice Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.insolvencnizakon.cz/
The efforts aimed at increasing the intensity of IP protection of results of technological creative activities are felt in the legislative are, too. In the connection with transposition of the relevant Directive of the European Parliament and the Council, a law (Act No. 221/2006 Coll., on the Enforcement of Industrial Property Rights) was adopted in 2006, which contributes to the more efficient protection of the entitled person in claiming damages, appropriate compensation and rendition of unjust enrichment. The support for the protection of intellectual property rights belongs among the priorities of the area of innovations, which form part of the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovations for the programming period 2007-2013.  Date of implementation of the measure: 26th May 2006 with the exception of Articles 6 and 8 which came into force on the 1st January 2008
A proposal to create a single economic register was adopted by government on 17 May 2006. The Act on Basic Registers approved on 13 February 2009 by the Chamber of Deputies defines contents and interconnection of four basic registers that will be implemented through the information system of basic registers. The four registers provided for in the Act are the register of inhabitants, the register of persons, the register of territorial identification, addresses and real estates property and the register of rights and duties. The register of persons replaced the initially planned single economic register and will contain reference data about economic entities registered in the Czech Republic and concerning reference data from particular registers about economic entities (companies register, trade register etc.). The system of basic registers should form the communication backbone between among public authorities and enable sharing data among individual information systems of public administration. The reason behind the Act on Basic Registers is to establish definitive registers that will support joined up government, reduce the duplication of public sector registers that hold the same information, and prevent the redundant collection of information from citizens and businesses. The Act on Basic Registers will take effect on 1 July 2010. The operation of the basic registers should launch on 1 July 2012.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 21  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Insolvency Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Justice Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Justice Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.insolvencnizakon.cz/
Implementation Report 2006 p. 22  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Basic information about Tax portal Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Czech Tax Administration Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Czech Tax Administration Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://cds.mfcr.cz/sys/cds/pdf/PDF_Udesky/Letak.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	The Annual Report of the Czech Tax Administration 2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Central Financial and Tax Directorate, Ministry of Finance Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Czech Tax Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://cds.mfcr.cz/cps/rde/xbcr/cds/vz_cds_2009.pdf
On July 3, 2006 a pilot project was launched that allows taxpayers to check the balance of their personal tax account. For the first 3 months, the Tax Portal was run as test version. The number of applicants interested in services on the Tax Portal is growing. Until 2009, there have been more than 24,000 applications registered for opening the Tax Information Box that enables monitoring the status and turnover of the personal tax account, an overview of documents, which the Tax Office has sent, as well as a personal tax calendar, which allows a better overview of the deadlines for tax compliance since the introduction of the Tax Portal in October 2006. Compared to 2008, the number of applications grew by 7,000. The Tax Portal is being further developed and graphically updated.
A new Procurement Act, which came into force as of July 1, 2006, sets legal framework for use of electronic instruments in a standard process of public procurement contracting. The new act allows for electronic contracting of public procurement, it determines electronic instruments and how these can be used in the contracting proceedings, including an obligation of having a certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and it confirms new means of electronic contracting (dynamic systems of purchase, electronic auctions). Further implementation of the framework for electronic public procurement contracting is dealt with in the National Plan for the Introduction of Electronic Public Procurement over the Period 2006-2010.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 19  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Assessment of the Initiative "Devote 10 minutes to improve legal environment in the CR" Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/dokumenty-modernizace-vysledky-2007-pdf.aspx 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Questionnaire guide Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/pruvodce-dotaznikem.aspx
In August 2006 the government has decided (Resolution No. 951 of August 16) to adopt the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researcher, based on a Commission Recommendations of March 2005. The Charter and the Code open European research area, improve the quality of researcher's working conditions and should guarantee the same entitlements and responsibilities to all reseachers throughout the EU.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 20; Implementation Report 2007, p. 26
As of August 1, 2006 One-stop shops (OSS) were set up at all 277 municipal Trade Licensing Offices, with the aim to simplify administration related to setting up and running a business. OSS allows entrepreneurs to manage all formalities necessary for starting a business or for changing their entrepreneurial activities from one place. Apart from notification of a trade, entrepreneurs at OSS will also apply for tax registration, pension and sickness insurance, submit notices according to the Authority of Social Security Administration, notify vacancies, submit notices according to the Public Health Insurance Act. The way of obtaining information from entrepreneurs will change considerably, owing to this project. If the entrepreneur uses OSS, he will submit all necessary information to the authorities on one registration form. Trade Licensing Offices will collect these data and then distribute it among relevant public administration authorities. Trade Licensing Offices will not require on entrepreneurs to submit information that is already recorded in another office's database. In accordance with the 2006 Spring European Council conclusions, the time necessary to set up a business will be further reduced, notably by improving the interconnection between public administration information systems.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth 2010.
A new position of government representative for European research was set up on July 1, 2006. His main mission is to coordinate participation of researchers from both public and private sector on European Research. The aim is to promote participation of the CR on implementation of EU R&D policy and its participation on framework programme projects. Another important mission of the government representative is to co-ordinate the planned "Europroject Terezin: Terezin as a university town". This project aims at integrating Czech institutions in the framework of discussion forums and gatherings of nations from all over the world.
In order to intensify the use of instruments securing the rights to intellectual property a new system of electronic application filing was introduced on July 1, 2006. In order to introduce this new system to general public, half-day courses are organised on filing applications for specific subjects of protection, using advanced electronic signature.
State budget expenditures on R&D will increase according to the adopted medium-term budgetary outlook and revised government resolutions of August 16, 2006 (Resolution No. 970) and of September 25, 2006 (Resolution No. 1090). After certain adjustments, total state budget expenditures are as follows. 0.73% of GDP (including co-financing from the EU) is allocated for the year 2007. Only national resources for 2007 will reach 0.62% of GDP. For 2008, the proposed funding from national resources is 0.62% of GDP and proposed funding for 2009 is 0.62% of GDP.
An amendment to the Act on Public Administration Information System, which came into force as of March 2006, regulates issuing of extracts from registers and authorized data from public administration information systems. According to this amendment, municipal authorities with extended competencies, other municipal authorities, town district authorities including those of statutory cities and Prague, Economic Chamber of CR, holder of a postal licence (presently Ceska Posta, s.p.) and notaries may issue authorized data from public administration registers.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report Annex p. 5
The relief of administrative burdens, including the reduction of the audit obligation for SMEs, was adopted in 2006. The government has set a target of reducing the administrative burdens compared to the level of burdens in 2001 by up to 25%. before 2010. The Ministry of Finance estimates that during the period from 2001 to 2007, administrative costs were reduced from about DKK 30.9 billion to approximately DKK 27.8 billion, equivalent to a 10.1% reduction. Work is continuing on further specific inter-ministerial proposals which, between them, are estimated to generate sufficient savings to meet the 2010 target. In 2006/2007, adoption of new rules generated administrative savings of some of DKK 228 million. In 2009 the government launched a new plan for debureaucratization in the business sector, and starting in 2011 the obligatory audit of SMEs has been eased even more.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 8. Denmark's National Reform Programme Second Progress Report p. 10.
The Welfare Agreement initiates a globalisation fund for increased investments in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and adult vocational training. The fund will gradually increase to DKK 10 billion in 2012. From the globalisation fund the necessary means is allocated to ensure that a) at least 85 per cent of young are able to complete a secundary education by 2010 and 95 per cent by 2015. Comprehensive reforms of the educational institutions are, and will be implemented as regards strengthened management, an assembling of institutions promoting synergy, improved quality assurance and increased competition. In addition, funding from the globalisation fund ensures an increase in the level of public research grants to 1 per cent of GDP from 2010. The quality of research must be supported by securing competition for the funds, improved interaction between private and a strengthened internationalisation. The globalisation fund will be set up after agreement with the partners during the fall. Within the framework of the globalisation fund, it is proposed to set aside DKK 150 million in 2007 and DKK 300 million annually as of 2008 and onwards to secure a rise in the quality of vocational education, including continued training.
Denmark's National Refrom Programme First Progress Report Annex p. 15
There has been a liberalisation increase in the area of vessel piloting. Regional vessel piloting - i.e. piloting to and from Danish harbours - is to be subjected to competition as of 1 January 2007.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.25
Some of the funds allocated for the commercialisation of research results are to be employed to test the commercial potential of an idea. Funds are to be allocated to research institutions by means of competition. In spring 2006 a trial scheme was initiated with Proof of Concept funds for public research institutions. In the autumn, a further DKK 40 million was allocated and distributed to the institutions over a three-year period starting in July 2007.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 29
The Globalisation Strategy contains a series of initiatives aiming at increased competition exposure in the public sector, which is of central importance in light of the relatively large public sector in Denmark. The key initiatives are: a) Stronger competition for public projects. The public sector must continually improve in using the market to supply the best and cheapest service. The municipalities must, with adequate intervals, invite tenders for a number of assignments, which are assessed as fit for tender calls. An interpublic working group is to define which municipal assignments are directly and principally fit for tender calls. b) More assignments must be openly advertised. Requirements must be made as regards open advertisements for purchases and contracts concluded with private suppliers amounting to more than DKK 500,000 but below the EU threshold value. c) Municipalities and regions must assess how building projects are best organised. Requirements must be made as regards systematic assessments by municipalities, regions and to the widest possible extent the public sector, to determine how large building, landscaping and supplying projects can be best organised. For example, this can take place as a public-private partnership, a general call for tender or through other forms of cooperation with the private sector.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 10
Chief initiatives in the Globalisation Strategy as regards publicly financed research: a) additional funds for public research, so that the public investments in research and development attain 1 per cent of GDP in 2010; b) The share of public research grands awarded through competition must constitute 50 per cent of the total research grants in 2010 at the latest. A large part of these grants must be awarded to strategic research; c) Grant procedure changes to increase the share of large and long-term research grants; d) Preparation of a long-term strategy for investments and prioritisation of larger infrastructures with a special fund for its financing; e) Systematic measurement and assessment of the Danish research quality to ensure that funds are awarded on the basis of quality; f) Implementation of a reinforced initiative to promote Danish participation in EU framework programmes and other international research activities; g) Sectoral research must be integrated into the universities to ensure that also this art of research is supported by the educational programmes; h) The number of Ph.D. grants and business Ph.D.s must be doubled; i) The universities are to establish elite educational programmes with particularly high educational standards and high admission requirements for very qualified students; j) The universities' basic funding must be distributed according to quality and all university educational programmes must be evaluated according to international standards; k) Concrete objectives for the utilisation of research results must be determined by the universities. Results must influence the amount of grants awarded to the individual universities.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 26
The promotion of harmonised standards is a key tool in removing trade barriers and improving enterprises' competitiveness in the internal market. For this reason, Denmark launched in January 2006 a general national standardisation strategy. The purpose of the strategy's 10 initiatives is to ensure a better prioritisation of the standardisation effort, increased visibility as regards the standards' importance for growth and higher efficiency in the development of international standards.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 14
In 2006 the Danish Parliament decided to make national tests a compulsory pedagogic tool in the Folkeskole (primary and low-secondary). The tests are intended to support improvement of the evaluation culture in Denmark. They are designed by the Danish National School Agency and developed under a tender contract with a consortium. Following redevelopment and pilot testing that occurred in spring 2009, the test system was officially launched in spring 2010.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report Annex p. 14
An agreement with a higher degree of price transparency. The next agreement will further increase price transparency. Moreover, current fixed prices will be replaced by maximum prices.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 16
In 2006 it has been decided that a number of measures are to be introduced to ensure ICT use by public authorities, including software, on the basis of open standards to as great an extent as possible.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 19
In 2006 changes were adopted, giving schools greater freedom in deciding how high school programmes are to be carried out.
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 10; Second Progress Report, p. 18
It is the Government's ambition to generally reduce the number of universities, which entails mergers between universities and the integration of sectoral research. Altogether 25 universities and research institutions became eight universities and three government research institutes. The objective is to strengthen the research environment at the universities as well as international competitiveness and to widen the range of education programmes.
At present the EU is considerably expanding strategic research cooperation, but the Danish participation in EU framework programmes has been declining. In 2006 the Act on the Research Advisory System etc. was therefore amended with a view to ensuring the legal basis for the possibility of the Danish Council for Strategic Research to transfer allocation and decision-making competence to international fora. This is to ensure that the Danish research council system to an appropriate degree can participate in research cooperation in the Nordic countries and the EU and any other contexts.
In the period from 2008 to 2010, the Danish government has allocated funds to set up a one-stop shop for foreign enterprises to reduce administrative barriers to foreign enterprises' access to the Danish market. The one-stop shop will serve as a single point of entry for enterprises from other EU countries. This means that they will need to communicate with just one authority in connection with the sale of services - both as temporary and permanent service providers. The Danish one-stop shop is called BusinessInDenmark. It is a website that contains information on authorisation schemes and requirements required by Danish law for services covered by the Services Directive. The Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority is the responsible organisation for the initiative.
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 78
The past few years have also seen the creation of the APEL system for accrediting prior experiental learning, which initially started to operate at the higher education level. In October 2006, amendments to the law concerning universities and professional higher education institutions were approved that stipulated implementing APEL according to uniform principles.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs p. 18
The total expenditure under the objective 4 "Increasing the quality of research and development, as well as the capacity of innovation, growth and long-term international competitiveness" increased in 2006 (compared  to 2005) 59% from 802 million EEK to 1278,8 million EEK. The planned increase for the year 2007 (compared to 2006) is also significant, close to 29%.
Progress Report for 2007, p. 26; Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 33
In 2006, the Minister of Education and Research approved the strategy for the internationalisation of Estonian higher education for 2006-2015 focussing on developing a legal framework that supports internationlisation, supporting the internationlisation of educational activities (increasing student mobility, involving foreign teaching staff and doctoral students and supporting the internationalisation of curricula) and the development of a support system for internationalisation. As part of the strategy, a long-term scheme bringing foreign students to Estonia and another scheme to support short-term research and studies by foreign students have already been launched. Another important activity is the competition of nationally and internationally marketed master study programmes carried out within the framework of the Strategy for the Internationalization of Higher Education (approved by the Minister of Education and Research on 9. January 2007).
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs; Progress Report for 2007, p. 27  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	I just used the webpage for background information, I can't put down any titles, let's just exclude the link from the list.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Estonian Development Fund Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.arengufond.ee 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Estonian Development Fund Act Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of Estonia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.riigiteataja.ee 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Interview Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Jarmo Tuisk Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Tallinn Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	16-2-2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website
The objective of the Development Fund is to stimulate and support positive changes in Estonian economy, contributing to modernisation of the economy, assuring growth of exports and creation of new jobs requiring high qualification. The Development Fund supports increase in awareness of innovation, emergence of innovative business ideas and growth of entrepreneurship in the whole society. The Development Fund shall discharge the following functions to achieve its objectives: 1) investing into knowledge-intensive and high-technology Estonian companies that are in launching stage, offering management-related support to the relevant operators; 2) organisation of foresight activities in Estonia, required for assuring sustainable economic development and making of investment resolutions; 3) promotion of area-specific national and international cooperation and keeping in touch with organisations conducting international foresight activities and investment organisations collocating foreign investors and funds.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Interview Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Kaupo Sempelson Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	10-2-2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website
The Government of Estonia discussed the guidelines on the standard cost model in April 2006 and recommended the ministries to measure the administrative burden of the most burdensome regulations. Prior to this, two pilot measurements were carried out in 2005: 1) administrative burdens related to the implementation of the Value Added Tax act; 2) administrative burdens related to the reporting of labour and salary statistics. The Estonian standard cost model is based on the methodology which was initially developed by the Netherlands. The methodology involves detailed assessment of time and money spent on completing information obligations. In addition to quantitative assessment, the methodology also provides qualitative information on problems related to implementation of legal requirements.  As a result of the application of the standard cost model, transparency of the legal environment will increase and the communication between public and private sector will improve. In addition, the guidelines on the standard cost model involves the check-list for pre-assessing the necessity to carry through the measurement on administrative burdens. The check-list was meant to be integrated with the check-list of regulatory impact assessment (economic, environmental and social impacts) which was to be developed by the Ministry of Justice. In 2010, a goal was set to reduce administrative burden by 20% by 2012 in five defined areas were baseline measurements have been carried out.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Interview Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Uku-Mats Peedosk Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Justice Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Tallinn Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	15-2-2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Conception of legislative impact analysis Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	n/a ( I received it by e-mail from the Ministry of Justice but the organisation is not mentioned at the document, could be an output of a work created by a interministerial working group ) Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	n/a
The objective is to improve the quality of new legislation initiated by the Government. In 2006, it was decided that the system of legislative impact analyses should be improved. New rules and guidelines are prepared and these require more thorough preparations in course of the development of new legislation. These amendments are under discussion in the Parliament in 2011. Among other issues, new guidelines include questions about impact on enterprises, e.g. does new legislation have an impact on small enterprises and start-ups, it requires assessment of administrative burden on enterprises etc.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs p. 16
In 2006, post-doctoral fellowships were increased by 20 per cent. Starting from 2007 (2006 applications), a EEK 100 000 relocation grant for post-doctoral fellows shall be implemented.
Online information system of the Central Commercial Register https://ekanded.eer.ee/?chlang=eng   Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Ammendment act of the Commercial Code Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of Estonia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.riigiteataja.ee
Registration of companies via internet is a further step in developing the system of single contact point in Estonia. Starting from the 1st of January 2007, registration of companies in the commercial register via the internet became possible. Although preparation of implementing this system and also adopting a new law were made in the year of 2006. Establishing a company via internet system does not involve a notary. This kind of expedited registration procedure is available to sole proprietors, private limited companies, general partnerships and limited partnerships. The expedited registration procedure is an alternative for ordinary registration. All required documents including the petition shall be submitted to the registration department of a court via internet using digital signature. The notarized memorandum and articles of association of a private limited company will be replaced by a special type of the memorandum of association whose format and contents are provided by legislation. The information verifies the submitted data and documents automatically. The state fee on the activities based on the commercial register was also reduced for two and a half time. Since 2008, Estonian Company Registration Portal can be used to found companies by holders of Finnish, Portuguese, Lithuanian and Belgian ID card holders.
Progress Report on the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs p. 51
In order to make educational opportunities more flexible and effective the Minister of Education and Research has approved e-learning development plan "Learning Tiger" 2006-2009. The  main goal of the plan is to develop e-learning associated with ICT and various content services related to e-learning, instead of focussing on hardware and software as before. According to the development plan, the main fields of activity include development of Estonian web-based study administration systems, making digital study materials available to schools, various e-learning services, provide students and teachers with the competencies required for e-learning and to find and introduce cooperation and support mechanisms necessary for further sustainable development of schools' ICT infrastructure.
In April 2006 the Government approved at a Cabinet meeting the development plan of the foreign representatives of Enterprise Estonia. Although, the foreign representatives had existed for years before, their activity was not regulated well enough before. New plan foresaw foreign representatives in 9 countries (Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Japan, USA, China). The main objective was to favour export, foreign investments as well as development of tourism sector.
The Act on Discretionary Government Transfers, aimed at generating more new businesses, entered into force on 18 June 2007 and is applied as such to 2013. The funding will be allocated primarily to SMEs to further improve long-term competitiveness, their expertise, technological competence and internationalisation potential. Grants are directed for generating new businesses, new products and services and also enchancing R&D and collaboration. New act unites previously separate investment grant and SME-development grant.
The Finnish National Reform Programm 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 96; Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 94
For projects that fall below the EU threshold value, an online procurement marketplace has been set up under the acronym JULMA. The name was changed to HILMA in connection with a reorganisation in May 2006. Companies registered in the service receive copies of procurement advertisements by e-mail. As well as gaining access to business contact information, procurement units can download document templates and other data on procurements. Information on procurement that falls below the EU thresholds is registered in HILMA, and procurement that exceeds the thresholds will also be included in HILMA at a later date.
A working group set up by the Ministry of Justice in february 2006 will have completed by March 2007 revised standard instructions on the impact assessments of legislative proposals. The instructions will apply to the assessment of the legislative impact on economic, social and environmental aspects, and it will replace existing multiple impact assessment instructions. The working group will also evaluate the need for any support or follow-up systems.  The working group noted that for example the research institutes are not fully utilized in impact assesments. Joint general guidelines for impact assesment were recommended. Electric databank with information supporting impact assesments was also suggested.
The Companies Act and the Auditing Act were amended in 2006 to make it easier to set up new companies and to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses, among other things. Under the new Auditing Act it is not longer compulsory for small businesses to have an auditor. The limits for a such small business are that it's balance sheet total doesn't exceed 100 000 EUR, operating revenues exceed 200 000 EUR or average personnel exceeds 3 persons. If two of the previous three limits are exceeded, then the business is no longer considered small and it requires a professional auditor. Contrast to previous act all auditors must be certified professionals.
Insolvency legislation has been developed to reduce the number of unnecessary bankruptcies in viable businesses. The amended Restructuring of Enterprises Act entered into force on June 2007, and the Act on the Adjustment of the Debts of a Private Individual was enacted at the beginning of 2007. The restructuring act simplifies the procedures for a restructructuring of debted firm, allows the restructured firm to keep licenses and other actions for continuation of firm activities and centralized the restructurings to be decised in selected 14 instead of all 19 courts.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 75; The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 51
The Science and Technology Policy Council of Finland made a general decision in June 2006 that strategic international clusters of centres of excellence (known by the Finnish acronym SHOK) will be created in Finland in the following areas in science, technology and innovation: energy and environment, metal products and machinery construction, forestry cluster, health care and welfare and information and telecommunications industry and services. The activities of the clusters draw on strong commitment from business, universities research institutes funding organizations. The roll-out of SHOK clusters has proceeded on schedule. Metsaklusteri Oy was founded in spring 2007, and TIVIT Oy (information and communications industry and sercives) and Fimecc Oy (metal products and mechanical engineering) in spring 2008. Fimecc Oy's objective is to triple the sector's current EIR 30 million turnover by 2020. Two other SOK clusters are in the start-up stage. A share issue for an energy and environment cluster is under way, and Suomen Bioteollisuus r.y. is handling preparations for a health and well-being cluster.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 25  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Valtionhallinnon hankitatoimi Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vm.fi/vm/fi/09_valtiontalous/06_valtionhallinnon_hankintatoimi/index.jsp 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Yhteishankintojen kustannusvaikutus Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Helsinki School of Economics Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008: B-94 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://hsepubl.lib.hse.fi/pdf/hseother/b94.pdf
Starting in autumn 2006, government departments and agencies will be obliged to use agreements jointly contracted through competitive bidding when procuring ordinary products and services, for example widely used computer hardware and software. Joint contracting and competitive bidding centralized to government's procurement center Hansel Oy.  For the year 2006 ex post evaluated amount 95 million (8,3 % of the procurements). Share estimated to increase in later years. Realistic maximum possible savings estimated to be 235 million EUR per year.
As a part of promotion of  training and education in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship strategies for universities and polytechnics implemented in 2006. Graduate and postgraduate projects that foster entrepreneurship in universities have been funded. Special topics are systematic promotion of entrepreneurship and internationalization and growth of start-ups accelerated by universities.In 2009 working group made numerous recommendations for developing entrepreneurship-supporting activities.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 50
The programme underlines the importance of early intervention, changing the structure of the school day, increasing involvement, facilitating the changeover from the last years of primary to secondary education and preventing dropout from school. It is particularly important to promote the dissemination of best practices.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 69
Funding for R&D and innovation will be increased by 5 to 7 per cent a year through to the end of the decade; this target is included in the Government's spending limits decision in March 2006. The additional funding will be primarily targeted at promoting renewal of the industrial structure and to generate innovative business. The main aims will be to strengthen business know-how, develop service innovations, support growth entrepreneurship and help businesses break into the international marketplace.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 95, ERAWATCH
Finnish Centre of Excellence Programmes are a means to increase funding of academic research units that are at, or very close to, the international cutting edge of research in their particular fields. The aim of the Programmes is to raise the quality of Finnish research by facilitating the development of high-level research environments and supporting researcher training. The current Programme is the third of its kind. The first Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Research were selected for the period 1995-1999 and the first official Centre of Excellence Programme was designated for the period  2000-2005 and the second for 2002-2007. CoEs are selected and funded by the Academy of Finland. Additional funds are provided by the National Technology Agency (Tekes), host organisations and business companies. The Academy and Tekes coordinate closely their activities related to the CoEs. Currently there are altogether 23 Centres of Excellence in Research. Seven of these are newcomers that joined the latest Programme, while others participated in previous rounds.
Europe 2020 - Strategy, Finlands National Programme Update, Autumn 2011, p.30;
The operation of the Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation founded throughout the country is continued and the smooth running of funding arrangements secured. Companies assume responsibility for funding.
The Finnish National Reform Programme 2005-2008 Annual Progress Report p. 32
A government bill on University Inventions was passed by Parliament in spring 2006. The Act on University Inventions entered into force in 2007. The Act improves recognition and practical application of interventions made at universities by clarifying issues on propoerty rights and compensation.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 71. (24.03.2010)  http://www.oseo.fr/a_la_une/agenda/evenements/le_pce_mode_d_emploi (24.03.2010)  SBA fact sheet (EC) http://www.pce.oseo.fr/
Projet de loi de finance 2007 (Budget Law 2007 project)p.38 http://www.performance-publique.gouv.fr/farandole/2007/pap/pdf/PLF2007.pdf (25.03.2010)  France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 72. (25.03.2010)  http://www.gazelles.pme.gouv.fr/  (25.03.2010)  Law implementation planning  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichLoiPubliee.do;jsessionid=253452BD8496581D0F42B85F296C31AB.tpdjo05v_3?idDocument=JORFDOLE000017758329&type=echeancier (25.03.2010)
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 24.
The act provides open competition in gas and electricity sales by giving domestic consumers the choice of suppliers as of 1st July 2007. What is more, distribution of electricity and gas should now be handled, for the largest networks, by companies which are legally distinct from those which exercise activities of a competitive nature. Protective measures for consumers have also been put in place, for example, concerning the forming pre-contract offers and energy bills.  In addition, a national mediator for energy has been appointed and proficiency of the Energy Regulation Commission has been renewed and strengthened.
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 57
Freight services have been totally open to competition since 31 March 2006 (seven operators have already filed applications for rail operator licences: Veolia Transport Cargo, EWSI, B Cargo, Rail4Chem, Eurolux, Europort 2 and Colas).
The act provides open competition in gas and electricity sales by giving domestic consumers the choice of suppliers as of 1st July 2007. What is more, distribution of electricity and gas should now be handled, for the largest networks, by companies which are legally distinct from those which exercise activities of a competitive nature. Protective measures for consumers have also been put in place, for example, concerning the forming pre-contract offers and energy bills.  A special solidarity tariff has been created for the supply of gas to those in the most underprivileged circumstances as is already the case for the supply of electricity. In addition, a national mediator for energy has been appointed and proficiency of the Energy Regulation Commission has been renewed and strengthened.
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 49
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 50
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 44.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 49
As announced in the NRP, an "Haut Conseil de la Science et de la Technologie" (HCST - High Council for Science and Technology) reporting directly to the President of the French Republic has been created to propose reforms of the research policy. This consultative body is made up of high-level figures chosen for their scientific and technological expertise (Decree of 22 September 2006). The Council is tasked with formulating recommendations about the research policy, based on a forward-thinking outlook, and ensuring that major goals match society's expectations and interests.  This is a measure forming part of the research pact.
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 43
Greater proficiency in foreign languages is the aim of a renovation plan under the pluriannual policy act for the future of schools. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has been adopted. A language certification measure has been set up in partnership with specialised bodies. As of the start of the 2006 school year, all language class numbers are smaller to raise spoken language levels and the number of European sections is set to be raised.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 50
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 39
The President of the French Republic has asked the government to hold a national debate on higher education and employment to consider the match between university courses and the labour market. A national commission was set up on 25 April 2006 to hear all the stakeholders involved in the university-employment link. Local players in each education authority area participate in the debates under the responsibility of the chief education officer. A progress report was published in mid-June and the final report was published on 24 October 2006. The commission focuses on three main issues: - Guidance, information and integration in the workplace, - Making studies more work-oriented, - Apprenticeships and the development of combined job/training schemes.
The Pluriannual Research Policy Act of 18 April 2006 is the legislative track of the Research Pact, which reforms the national research and innovation system. Making an important financial effort in this area, the government has reaffirmed the reform's goals: to step up research policy steering capacities, review the scientific co-operation methods to give, in particular, the universities a leading role, encourage partnership-led research and private research, strengthen the appeal of scientific careers and incentives to recruit young researchers (these lines are developed in the NRP).
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 40
The Equal Opportunities Act added two new guidelines in March 2006: - The junior apprenticeship, which offers school pupils aged 14 and over an introduction to careers prior to an apprenticeship; - The development of the large business apprenticeship, with a target for the number of young people on combined job/training schemes in businesses with over 250 employees and a financial incentive in the form of an increase in apprenticeship tax from 0.5% to 0.6% for businesses that do not meet the target.
Progress Report 2006 on the National Reform Programme 2005-2008 p. 38
A plan to boost priority education was presented on 8 February 2006 with a view to reducing the school drop out rate. This plan has been allocated a budget of EUR 930 million under the 2006 Budget Bill to refocus action on the underpriviledged by redrawing the priority education map. The plan is designed to concentrate more resources on the most disadvantaged pupils under the Ambition Reussite (Target Success) programme, which covers 249 networks of establishments. The aim is to create the conditions for the acquisition of basic skills as of primary school and for a positive orientation, especially towards the top education courses, for all priority education pupils.
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 38
The "Common Base of knowledge and skills" should enable the education systems and pupils to set targets and be assessed. The purpose of this is to build up the quality of education and the capacity for lifelong learning and employability.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 74.  Website of France investissement  http://www.france-investissement.fr/ (08.03.10)  Website of French ministry of economy and finances http://www.minefi.gouv.fr/presse/dossiers_de_presse/ministre/061109dp_france_investissement/som_france_investissement.php (08.03.10)  OSEO, a public structure which provides assistance and financial support to French SMEs and VSEs at regional and national scales. http://www.oseo.fr/a_la_une/actualites/france_investissement (08.03.10)
Progress Report on the NRP 2005-2008 (September 2006) p. 19 (25.04.2010)  Website of OSEO http://www.oseo.fr/a_la_une/actualites/un_portail_federateur_des_acteurs_de_la_transmission_d_entreprises (26.03.10) http://www.reprise-entreprise.oseo.fr/oseo/accueil (25.04.2010)
On July, 2006 OSEO launched a website offering business transfer services. This website is to be a national reference for information and a forum for business buyout and sales offers. It can be found at:  www.reprise-entreprise.oseo.fr   This website aims at favouring transferring businesses which is often hampered by an imperfect circulation of information and the fact that actors are scattered. It also promotes quality standards and offer support services (methodology support, up-to-date information, studies and reports) to help people buying out or selling.  Sale offers are communicated to OSEO by public and private partners. When the website was launched, 8 partners could be numbered, of which chamber of trade, chamber of commerce, employer organisations. Such partnerships allow consulting sale offers which are gathered on existing sector-based websites through the OSEO tool. Therefore the OSEO tool federates offers which partners centralise from scattered actors on their side.  OSEO is a public structure which provides assistance and financial support to French SMEs and VSEs at regional and national scales. The "bourse de la transmission" is one measure among a whole set of actions in favour of business creation and buying out which is carried by OSEO (loans, guarantees for bank loans, etc.)
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 101, no 150 http://www.esf-regiestelle.eu/content/initiative_jugend_und_chancen__integration_foerdern/schulverweigerung__die_2_chance/index_ger.html
A pilot programme to reintegrate truants and guide them to the school-leaver's certificate. Initially 1000 young people in more than 50 localities throughout Germany will be given individual offers adjusted to their personal personal circumstances to enable them to obtain the school-leaver's certificate. Case managers will be available in the local coordination offices to act as permanent contact partners and nounsellors for the young people, they may possibly also help to place the youngsters in practical courses or in extra tuition.
The programme SME innovative financially supports young and innovative enterprises active in the fields mentioned below. As the risks associated with cutting-edge research are often difficult for SMEs to carry, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has introduced the SME innovative financing scheme to significantly ease access to research funding for companies and to give access to research networks of specific technology fields. A simplified application can be assured through assistance by central support services at the funding advice bureau. Moreover binding durations and application dates should enable more reliable planning. Furthermore the credit risk assessment has been simplified for small and medium-sized enterprises. Ultimately financial support is granted for a time span of three years. Industrial enterprises could receive grants up to 50% of all eligible costs. Scientific organisations may receive grants up to 100% of all eligible costs. SME innovative is integrated into the High-tech Strategy (Research and innovation for Germany) of the Federal Government, which was adopted on 29-08-2006. The first objective of SME innovative is the mobilisation of resources and the linkage of industry and science by providing financial support for innovative enterprises. The High-tech Strategy concentrates on the following research areas: health, climate, resource protection, energy, mobility and security. Within these fields of research the programme SME innovative was launched in technology fields, which are assumed to be of particular importance for growth and prosperity. Thus the SME innovative scheme consists of the following sub-measures: 1.) SME innovative "bio-chance", adopted on 06-09-2007, implemented on 13-09-2007 2.) SME innovative "security and safety of citizens", adopted on 14-01-2010, implemented on 26-01-2010 3.) SME innovative "information and communication technologies", adopted on 30-11-2009, implemented on 23-12-2009 4.) SME innovative "nano-chance", adopted on 04-09-2007, implemented on 13-09-2007 5.) SME innovative "optical technologies", adopted on 12-03-2010, implemented on 25-03-2010 6.) SME innovative "technologies for the efficient use of resources and energy", adopted on 31-08-2010, implemented on 13-09-2007 7.) SME innovative "production technologies". (Adopted on 27-08-2007, implemented on 13-09-2007) The initiative as such is not a temporary measure. However, the sub-measure "security and safety of citizens" is available until 15.10.2012 and the sub-measure "optical technologies" is available until 13.04.2013.
Article two of the "Act on Taxation to Promote Growth and Employment" regulates a change of the Value Added Tax Act. The change implies an amendment of the thresholds for the value added taxation. This means that below a certain turnover threshold, enterprises only need to pay their value added taxes to the tax office, if they have realised their gains. On 01.07.2006 the turnover threshold increased from 125,000 Euros to 250,000 Euros in Western Germany. Enterprises in Eastern Germany enjoy a higher turnover threshold of 500,000 Euros, which was prolonged until 2009. This increase of the turnover threshold should give SMEs a liquidity advantage. The expansion of the VAT thresholds implies an annual decrease in tax revenues by 1,230 million Euros in 2006. For 2007, a decrease in tax revenues by 250 million Euros. The estimations for 2010 state an increase in tax revenues by 250 million Euros.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 28, grid no. 30. http://www.bmwi.de/English/Navigation/Technology-policy/the-information-society.html
Strategic programme of the Federal Government on ICT policy.  The Federal Government intends to promote development in these sectors - key concepts are convergence, mobility and networking - by modernising the legal and technological framework conditions and by the targeted promotion of research and market-related developments.
As part of the Cabinet decision on 25.04.2006 regarding the Federal Government's programme "Bureaucracy Reduction and Better Legislation" the standard costs model has been adopted at Federal level. The standard costs model does serve as a mean of measuring bureaucratic costs and financial consequences of new laws. Thus it does create a better basis for policy steering as it allows cost transparency and enables targeted intervention and control by ministerial departments. Based on the experiences of foreign countries such as the Netherlands and Great Britain, the state secretary board as the responsible entity for the reduction of bureaucratic costs and the federal statistical office implement and further develop the standard costs model. With the means of spot interviews and surveys in companies the time and cost parameters of bureaucratic costs in German companies should be determined. Main user of the standard costs model is the National Regulatory Control Council.
Implementation and progress report 2006 grid; Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 38
New subsidies to be granted primarily as financial aids and financed with savings elsewhere, financial aids to be limited in time and degressive, better monitoring auccess through suitable formulation of objectives of financial aids.
As part of the Cabinet decision on 25.04.2006 regarding the Federal Government's programme "Bureaucracy Reduction and Better Legislation" the appointment of a "National Regulatory Control Council" was decided. The council is an independent body for control and consultation. It examines existing and especially new norms regarding administrative costs without questioning or commenting on the political decisions and targets. The "National Regulatory Control Council" uses the standard costs model as a mean to measure administrative costs. The control council can make suggestions aiming at cost reduction and can induce processes within the Federal Government.
Article one of the "Act on Taxation to Promote Growth and Employment" regulates a change of the Income Tax Act. Among others this implies a temporary amendment of the declining balance depreciation method for investments in mobile commercial assets. As a result the rate for declining balance depreciation increased from 20% to 30%. The change holds for mobile commercial assets acquired or produced after 31.12.2005 and before 1.1.2008. The aim is to increase investment activities by creating more favourable depreciation conditions for companies.  The change of the balance depreciation method implies a (time-lag) adjusted annual decrease in tax revenues by a theoretical amount of 2,410 million Euro. The non-adjusted decrease in tax revenues is estimated as follows: 2006 - 1,070 million Euro; 2007 - 3,725 million Euro; 2008 - 4,815 million Euro; 2009 - 3,005 million Euro. In 2010 an increase in tax revenues is expected of 130 million Euros.
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 86, no 90
Increase the share of students receiving top perfomance grants from 0.7% to 1%. Promote different abilities in vocational training: target to correspond with the desired ration of gifted university students promoted.
The Act to Accelerate Infrastructure Planning replaces the Act to Accelerate Transport Planning, which focused on Eastern Germany. The Act to Accelerate Infrastructure Planning accelerates planning procedures for transport routes and energy networks for the whole country. Furthermore the new act takes suggestions from the Federal States into consideration. Acceleration shall be reached by e.g. shortening legal processes, shortening the period for comments for environmental organisations or simplifying the allocation of orders. Thereby efficiency of registration procedures should be increased and planning shortened by more than 2 years.
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 86, no 89
I.a. promote research projects on the following themes: a) The building value creation chain (e.g. organisation, systems direction, life cycle approach, market transparency) b) Building quality (i.a. architectural urban environment, technical) c) Framework conditions (technical, legal, European) d) Current challenges / new markets (i.a. new materials, adapting new techniques and processes, building safety). Altogether about EUR 30 million will be available for this purpose in the next four years from grants or orders.
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 78, no 52
i.a. implement the merger directive, enable cross-frontier conversions, hidden reserves are to be taxed immediately when assets are shifted abroad.
Implementation and Progress Report 2007, grid, no. 77
Regulatory ordinance issued by the Federal Network Agency obliging Deutsche Telekom AG to grant competitors access to unbundled broadband access on the basis of the Internet Protocol, so-called IP bit stream access, at their request. Deutsche Telekom AG is obliged to grant IP-bitstream access on non-discriminatory terms and to have the rates it is charging for this access approved by the Federal Network Agency in advance based on the criterion of the costs incurred by efficient service provisioning.
Germany's NRP 2008-2010, p. 53 grid no. 26.
Regulation of IP bitstream access: on the basis of the regulatory order of 2006, the Federal Network Agency defined the standard bitstream access service. IT includes the specific terms and obligations on which competitors may gain IP bit stream access from Deutsche Telekom. The specific charges for the upstream product IP bit stream access were then fixed.
Annual Economic Report 2007 p. 68, no 14
Promote initial investment projects in manufacturing firms, production-related services firms and the accomodation branch up to 2009, east German States and Berlin.
The initiative "Innovations for Administration" is a comprehensive modernisation strategy for Federal administrations. An inter-ministrial committee coordinates the different measures with the aim to downsize reluctant administrations and to make it more innovative, efficient and customer oriented. The main focus of the strategy lies in the fields of staff, steering and organisation: 1. Develop a professional, forward-looking and motivating staff management, taking account for future trends. Therefore managerial responsibilities should be generated and the management of skills, knowledge and training should be improved.  2. Improve the steering of personnel and financial resources to be oriented towards results and effects. Therefore administrative processes and management procedures should e.g. be modernised by implementing project and quality management as well as an efficient supervisory control committee. 3. Reappraisal and change of organisational structures and processes. The assessment should be accomplished with a critical approach to expenditure. One planned measure is the improvement of process chains by standardising administrative processes. Furthermore, information platforms and strategic competence centres should be built up. Moreover the E-Government strategy 2.0 is part of the programme. For the implementation of the complete initiative no precise time frame can be stated. However, the E-Government strategy should be completed by 2010 and Federal ministries should be able to offer cost-effective and customer oriented services by the end of 2009. The implementations of different measures, which are part of the initiative, are governed by annual implementation plans. The first implementation plan for 2007 includes five process chains and 57 pilot projects. The effect of these projects on budgetary expenditures is unknown. However in the long run the modernisation strategy for the Federal administration should decrease administrative expenses. Nevertheless in the short run the restructuring of administrative processes may involve some costs and thus may increase budgetary expenditures for a short time.
Implementation and progress report 2006 grid; Annual Economic Report 2007 p.10, and p.80ff, no 62ff High Tech Strategy; Implementaion and Progress Report 2007, p. 27, grid no. 28.
Additional investment totalling Euro 6 billion in research and development in this parliament. The funds from the Euro 6 billion programme are primarily intended for projects which promise to have disproportionately large effect in terms of additional R&D investment from the Laender and the business community, and hence exert a major mobilisation effect for innovation.  This measure is part of the Federal Government's high-tech strategy.
Implementation and progress report 2006 grid; Annual Economic Report 2007 p.81ff, nos 62-83. http://www.hightech-strategie.de/
Coordination of measures relevant to more than one innovation policy area in 17 high-tech sectors (e.g. nano and bio technology, information and communications technology, mechanical engineering, environmental and energy technology, health); introduction of new incentive mechanisms for cooperation between science and industry, taking particular account of SMEs; aid in implementation in a union between the bunsiness and scientific communities.
The "Act to Limit Abuse of Tax Accounting" was implemented on 06.05.2006 and aims at reducing tax exemptions and possibilities for tax abuse.  The law includes the following changes of existing regulations: 1) Changes in the Income Tax Act - Determination of taxable income: Acquisition costs of shares can only be deducted from the income at the moment of sale. - Private persons can only deduct 1% of the value of a vehicle used for private and business reasons from the taxable income, if the vehicle is used for business reasons to more than 50%. - Accounting groups built in the commercial balance sheet to account for financial risks become relevant for the tax balance sheet.  2) Changes in the Value Added Tax Act - Sales of gambling houses become subject of value added taxation. 3) Changes in the General Tax Code - The sale of tax relevant documents become an administrative offence. This change became necessary as administrations registered to a high extent the sale of petrol receipts, which the buyer used to reduced his taxable income. The law should increase tax revenues by a total value of 255 Million Euros in the first year after implementation. The additional taxes revenues are said to rise and will eventually reach a total annual amount of 815 Million Euros in 2010.
A "Digital Greece" Awareness Campaign has been tendered within 2006, with the aim of familiarizing citizens across Greece with the benefits of Information Technologies and Broadband. The Awareness Campaign will initiate by Q4-2006 and is already complemented by smaller-scale awareness initiatives (free Wi-Fi internet at public places etc.)
A plan for the creation of a "Digital Leap" venture capital fund was submitted by the Greek Government was also endorsed by the EC services in 2006. The "Digital Leap" venture capital aims at facilitating entrepreneurship and the development of new businesses, by financing with EUR 100 million either ICT business start-ups or ICT-related business start-ups. The "Digital Leap" venture capital fund will invest directly at businesses by Q1 or Q2-2007 and will be managed by a private manager, hired through a tender.
The initiative "Digital Local Authority" with a total budget of EUR 60 million has also been put into effect. It aims at the development of digital services at the municipal and regional level, across the whole of Greece. Such digital services are intended to facilitate the interaction of citizens with local authorities, by utilizing the power of IT and the Internet. As of today, more than 100 municipalitites with a population greater than 20.000 citizens, have submitted plans for the development of digital services and are being evaluated. More than 60 of them have already been funded and are expected to provide digital and are being evaluated.
Law 3446/2006 established the National Supervisory Authority, while organisational and operational issues will be settled through a series of Presidential Decrees, currenctly under preparation.
Specific action is taken in the field of professional services, through the establishment in April 2006 of a working group within the HCC on seven professions (lawyers, notaries, engineers, architects, pharmacists, accountants and dentists). Its aim is to identify existing restrictions to competition, assess the extent to which these restrictions are justified by public interest or economic considerations and cooperate with all stakeholders in order to secure the widest possible consensus.
Law 3470/2006 established the National Exports Council as the official advisory body to the Government on export policy, rendering it the coordinating body of all stakeholders, thereby satisfying a long standing request by export institutions. The competences of the Council involve the submission of proposals on policy measures for facilitating export activities and drawing up the national exports strategy.
Implementation Report 2006 p. 28; Implementation REport 2007, p. 22
The Greek Government submitted to the EC services a EUR 210 million project plan entitled "Broadband Acess Development in Underserved Territories", which aims to co-finance broadband investments for local-access across Greece (excluding Athens and Thessaloniki) for boosting broadband penetration and coverage in regions where citizens and businesses currently have difficulties in gaining broadband access. By June 2006, the project was endorsed both by DG-Regio and DG-Competition, with the remark that the project is to date the most significant broadband project undertaken by a Member State. The project was tendered in July 2006. In February 2007, the "Big broadband project" for developing broadband infrastructure and stimulating broadband demand at the Greek has started.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 30
The Investment Incentives Law, as amended by Law 3522/2006, has been in force since 2007. The Law allows for the maximum aid provided by the EU Regional Aid Map for the 2007-2013 period. A set of incentives is provided for attracting private funds to priority sectors such as innovative and advanced technology products and services, facilitates for applied industrial research, renewable energy sources and tourism infrastructure. The Law provides for a maximum support of up to 60%, depending on firm size and geographical location.
Law 3457/2006 has been voted. Inter alia, the new legal framework promotes equitable access to drug treatment and increases the bargaining powers of social security institutions in the procurement of pharmaceuticals, thus fostering the development of competitive conditions in the market.
As regards the main developments in 2006, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) issued (i) a decision on the terms and conditions for exemption or reduction of fines imposed on businesses (Leniency Program), (ii) a notice on agreements of minor importance which do not appreciably restrict competition (de minimis) and (iii) guidelines on the method of setting fines. Also, in December 2006 the HCC's charter of operation and management was put in effect, which, inter alia, introduced new rules concerning access to file and hearing procedures.
In January 2006, the new Digital Strategy has been put into effect after a six-month period of extensive consultation with social and economic partners, NGOs, Ministries, Governmental institutions etc. The Digital Strategy is fully compliant to the "Jobs & Growth action plan, as well as the new EU ICT policy entitled "i2010". It comprises two main strategic objectives: a. Enhanced business productivity through the use of ICT and new skills, b. Improved Quality of Life through ICT. The two srategic objectives are further decomposed into 6 main directions, inlcuding: a) Business Productivity 1. Increase ICT uptake by businesses, 2. Provide integrated digital services to businesses coupled with restructuring in the Public Sector, 3. Support the ICT sector as a pillar of the Greek economy, 4. Support entrepreneurial activity in ICT-enabled ventures; b. Quality of Life, 1. Improve citizen welfare through ICT, 2. Develop e-services for the citizen
The New Bill for Electronic Communications (L.3431/2006) brings national legislation in line with EU Directives 2002/19, 2002/20, 2002/21 and 2002/22. The new bill: 1. facilitates the smooth operation of the electronic communications market; 2. increases the competence of the regulatory and supervisory authorities; 3. enhances competition to the benefit of consumers and firms, while promoting technological progress to the benefit of the economy as a whole; 4. paves the way for the complete and effective liberalization of the broadband internet market, which is actively promoted. The crucial task of regulating the market is assigned to the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), which is granted administrative and financial independence. EETT's role and competences are being clearly defined, especially concerning competition issues, and it is becoming appropriately staffed in order to carry out its mission successfully.
The recent adoption of laws L.3426/2005, L.3468/2006 has significantly strengthened the role of the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) and has brought the legal framework in alignment with the EU Directives 2003/54, 2003/55 and 2001/77.
In March 2006, tariffs for TPA to the transmission system and the LNG terminal were set by a Joint Ministerial Decision and an independent supplier has been licensed and is actively seeking customers.
Following a circular by the Prime Minister, the submission of a Regulatory Impact Assessment Report becomes obligatory. The reports will be drawn up by special units of the Quality Assessment of Regulations which are being set up at the Ministries and Prefectures, or by existing services. The impact assessment scheme is under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Government.
The "Hellenic Observatory for Research and Technology Specialities-HORT" was created in GSRT, with the aim to monitor mismatches between offer and demand in the R&T in labor market and to identify shortages in R&T specialities. Five external experts, who consist the Observatory Team, have been hired, while for the acquisition of the necessary integrated information system (estimated budget EUR 850.000) an international public procurement bid is open. In parallel, the preparation of a study for the data selection is under way. (Estimated budget EUR 640.000). A HORT portal providing services to researchers is estimated to be available by the end of 2008. Expansion of HORT activities, to provide services in R&T issues general, which are not covered by existing bodies, is also under consideration.
In 2007 there was successful completion of the offering of state owned shares of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) to institutional investors. The shares represented 10.7% of the company's total share capital. The offering was successful and it did not involve any discount on the previous day's closing price. Revenues amounted to EUR 1,1 billion.
The upgrading of studies in the Institutes of Vocational Training (I.E.K.) has been initiated, by reinforcing the Organization of Vocational Education and Training (O.E.E.K.) focusing on its information system, its e-learning procedures, and the training of its trainers, with an overall budget of EUR 20 million, provided by the O.P. "Education and Initial Vocational Training". These projects have been enacted within July 2006.
The Privatisation Programme aims at opening up markets, restructuring and improve efficiency of the enterprises to be privatized, attraction of private sector investments, the development of new activities by using private funds and subsequently revenues. Revenue from the privatisation programme for 2006 reached EUR 1.74 billion against a target of 1.65 billion EUR: Sale of 7.18% of state owned shares of ATE Bank through an accelerated bookbuilt offering, proceeded by a large share capital increase and an extensive restructuring process, the listing of the Postal Savings Bank in the Athens Stock Exchange, also preceded by extensive internal restructuring, attracted the interest of more than 124,000 private investors, complete privatization of the Emporiki Bank after accepting the public offer submitted by Credit Agricole, also preceded by extensive restructuring.
The Ministry of Development is implementing since September 2006 through the Credit Guarantee Fund of Small and Very Small Enterprises an action on the subsidization of loans taken up by SMEs. The subsidization covers the interest rate on the loan by 4 percentage points for SMEs with up to 20 employees and a business cycle of up to EUR 10 million.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 49; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 62
By Law 3518/2006 the condition of pupil's admission in pre-school education was revised. Article 73 defines a two year attendance in kindergartens for pupils who have completed the 4th year of their age. The attendance of those pupils who have completed the 5th year of their age is obligatory, thus expanding compulsory education to 10 years.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 50
According to the amended Public Education Act, as of September 2007 in primary education (ISCED 1 and 2) the length of the period focusing on the teaching of key competences (literacy, numeracy) has been extended from the first four grades up to the sixth grade. Thus, children with learning difficulties due to their social backgroud can also acquire the key competencies, vital for their future life.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 44, 170
The amendment of Act CXXIX of 2003 has created the legal possibility for applying reduction on electronic prices and operating a dynamic procurement system. Provisions on the reduction of electronic prices entered into force on 1 July 2006 and the ones on dynamic procurement shall enter into force on 1 January 2007. Lower regulations including details provisions shall be elaborated in partnership by the Ministry of Economy and Transport as well as the Office of Prime Minister (GKM-MeH).
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 35
The system of transport authorities was reorganised and simplified under Government Decree 2118/2006. By merging the Budapest and county transport supervisory bodies, the Ministry of Economy and Transport set up the National Transport Authority on 1 January 2007. The new organisation, set up on a regional basis, is designed to be a pure, transparent body which concentrates industry expertise. It will primarily fulfil supervisory and control functions. The model also envisages the integration of other official transport-sector functions, currently fulfilled by separate bodies, into a single organisation.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 188
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006 ,  p. 46
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 16
In order to establish an organisational (institutional) framework having regard to the economies of scale of tasks  the approved legislative amendments (Act LXXI of 2006 on the amendment of Act LXXIX of 1993 on public education, and Act CXXI of 2006 on the amendment of certain Acts to provide a basis for the year 2007 budget of the Republic of Hungary) have changed the financing of public education.  - From September 2007 onwards, public education tasks will be financed based on new normatives depending on the number of students, the mandatory classroom hours of teachers and the overall time frame allocated to courses. - Primary schools with fewer than 8 forms will gradually be merged, as member institutions, into 8- or 12-form schools. - The performance of tasks in micro-regions is promoted by additional transfers in public education as well.   To promote more rational employment, - The mandatory classroom hours of teachers will be increased by two units as of 1 September 2007. - employers could demand 2 hours overtime without extra compensation during the semesters 2006/2007.  The exact impact is unknown. Nonetheless, as a result of implementation of the measure, the financing of school based education will be better adapted to the actual tasks.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006,  p. 51, annex: p. 188
Act CX of 2001 on Electric Energy (VET) and Act XLII of 2003 on Natural Gas Supply (GET), has been amended. The new laws and related regulations have been implementing a partial law harmonisation with the relevant inner market directives of the EU.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 144 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 147
Revised National Lisbon Programme, p. 182
Enhancing cooperation in the entrepreneurial sector to diminish competition disadvantages ECOP - 2.3 (151 supported projects)
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 148
Education of future researchers, employment of post-doctors, field trips abroad for young researchers
Polanyi programme: Basic research in research groups, Homecoming of talented young researchers and continuation of their research in Hungary (Budget available: 900 million HUF), Kozma Programme: Creation of research workplaces at companies (Budget available: 800 million HUF)
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 39
Amendment of the Public Procurement Act allowing bid inviters to make reference in their invitations to European, National or other international eco-labels when establishing certain environmental protection properties in the public procurement's technical description.
The new Corporate Law is attractive for the founders of companies principally because it does not restrict the implementation of business activities by imposing unnecessary requirements, establishing at the same time predictable and transparent rules granting secure market operation. At the beginning of 2006, the Parliament has passed Act IV of 2006 on Economic Companies and Act V of 2006 on Publication of Company Information, the Court of Registration and Voluntary Liquidation. Both legal rules entered into force on 1 July 2006.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 151 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 152
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 71
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 156 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 158 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 161
Implementation of electronic central public administration and its subsystems : This action is aimed at the full implementation of e-administration in Hungary, with the following focal points: Full access to electronic public administration services for citizens and companies; Overall electronic integration of public administration, strong improvement of its efficiency.  Implementation of electronic public services: This action is aimed at implementing the complex electronic public administration information system through municipalities and municipal associations in small regions (with particular attention to municipal services offered to business entities).  Programme for increasing IT security: In the 1st semester of 2006 the CERT Centre operates a 24-hour service. The CERT Centre has elaborated an expert network of cooperation on BMI virus competence. The CERT-Hungary Centre (CHK) is the IT security incident handling centre of the Hungarian Government.  Has concluded the implementation of an economic authentication centre under the e-Data Warehouse programme. A review for modelling has been started among electronic communication service providers concerning the elements of critical infrastructure.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 46, 48, 174
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 156 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 156
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 45, 171
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 28, 124
The maximum state-financed student numbers will be reduced and their structure changed (the ceilings for lawyers, liberal arts students, teachers and economist being reduced, natural sciences, IT and technical students being increased in numbers). Normative subsidies will be adjusted to the new headcount and the budgetary frameworks, and regulatory and financing rules will become predictable;
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 106
a) Gradual liberalisation of the opening of pharmacies, the current monopolistic constraints removed. b) The sale of a defined number of non-prescription drugs will be allowed for non-pharmacies. Expected results: Establishment of a service focussed system adjusted to the EU norms providing cost-efficient recreational- preventive services of higher general quality.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme 2006 ,  p. 55
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 28, ERAWATCH
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 46, 84, 85
The new Corporate Law (Act V/2006 on the publicity of companies, company registration procedures at court and final settlement) accelerates company registration procedures through the introduction of electronic procedures. From 1 July 2006, unlimited private partnerships, unlimited partnerships and limited liability companies can follow a simplified and accelerated corporate registration procedure. As a result of that, the company can be registered already within 2 working days after the application. Prior name registration, the use of contract samples and the electronic submitting of the application are preconditions of this special procedure. A new element of the act is annex of contract samples to be used, enabling a more simple and fast company foundation in case of the three most frequent corporate forms - unlimited private partnerships, unlimited partnerships and limited liability companies. The application of these contract samples will also result in the reduced costs of registration. From 1 October 2007, the Court of Registration has to decide on the approval or refusal within 8 working days after the submittal. If the deed of foundation is not prepared according to the contract samples, then the Court must decide on the approval or refusal within 15 working days after the submittal. In the transitional period - 1 July 2006 and 1 October 2007 -, the final deadline of decision is 15 working days with contract sample and 30 days without that - this is practically the same as the effective rules but currently there is difference between the procedures to be followed in case of companies with or without legal entity. The objective set on page 57 of the Programme of the Government for 2006-2010 is that companies must be assisted in entering the market. Therefore, the administration procedure must be accelerated by the end of 2007. This means that the corporate procedure should not take more time than 7 working days.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 128, 141
To rapidly create balance, it is necessary to increase revenues and to temporarily raise tax burdes at the beginning of the programming period: a) Increasing the rate of simplified business tax from 15% to 25% (Implemented, 1st October 2006), b) Corporate businesses will pay a special tax of 4% on their adjusted profit before taxes (Implemented, 1 September 2006), c) In respect of corporate taxation, if the tax base determined according to the gneral rules fails to reach 2% of the total revenue for the given tax year (less the purchase cost of goods sold and sales revenue of permanent establishments abroad), the 2% of the total revenue for the given tax year shall be deemed to be the tax base. The concept of expected tax will also apply to individual entrepreneurs. (Decision has been made, 1 January 2007), d) In order to reduce cash movement, as of 2007, corporate businesses will have to pay a petty cash tax of 20% on unreasonably high amounts held in petty cash (This measures eliminates the possibility of taking personal income from companies without tax, Decision has been made, 1 January 2007) e) Credit institutions, which shall pay a 20% annuity on interest income from loans associated with state subsidies. (Decision has been made, 1 January 2007)
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 56
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 47
A new regulation effective from 1 July 2006 is that the Company Service (this is the name of the former Company Information and Electronic Corporate Assistance Service) provides legal consultation as well and that the Company Service will operate the public registry for creditor protection from October, 2007. According to the actual legislation, the companies in trouble have maximum 150 days to recover themselves - in agreement with their creditors.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 146 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 146 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 150-151 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 144
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 159 Revised National Lisbon Action Programme	p. 160
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 70, 210
The new Vocational School Development Programme II has been started focusing on the reintegration of the young dropped out from the school-based education system.  Preparatory courses for vocational training have been organised in 21 vocational schools with the participation of more than 300 students.
Revised National Lisbon Action Programme, p. 33, 145
Improving the conditions of research, technology transfer and cooperation in publicly financed and non-profit research centres - ECOP-3.2. Expected results: Development of research infrastructure in publicly financed and non-profit research centres, promoting by this means their involvement in domestic and international joint projects and their R&D services offered to the corporate sector. Further development of technological partnerships and networks and strengthening the technology transfer between publicly financed research institutes and companies.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 33
In 2007, the institutional system for SME finance was completely overhauled (see government funding intermediate organisations). In line with the government programme, the Hungarian Development Bank (MFB Zrt.), under a decision by Parliament in summer 2006, took control of the credit institutions Hitelgarancia Zrt., Regionalis Fejlesztesi Holding Zrt. and Krisvallakozas-fejleszto Penzugyi Zrt. By Government decision, MFB Zrt. set up the Hungarian Economic Development Centre in September 2006, which fulfils funding intermediation functions for entreprise development grants funded from domestic sources, GVOP and the Economic Development Operational Programme (starting in 2007). The main purpose of overhauling the system of institutions was to increase transparency and establish the framework of one-stop funding intermediation. Under the one-stop procedure set up by the National Development Agency and the Ministry of Economy, new schemes announced since 1 January 2007 are managed via this integrated funding intermediation network.
The Institutions of Technology Act 2006 provides for the Institutes to have greater autonomy in fulfilling their remit. This reform provide a more strategic approach to the development of higher education in line with national priorities. It also preserves the differentiation of mission between the different third level sectors in line with the OECD Review of Higher Education recommendations.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, 32
The Audit Exemption threshold above which businesses are required to be audited was raised under Section 9 of the Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2006 which came into effect from 24 December, 2006. The new audit exemption threshold are turnover of EUR 7,3 million and balance sheet of EUR 3,65 million.
An increase in VAT registration thresholds for small businesses from EUR 25,500 to EUR 27,5000 in the case of services and from EUR 51,000 to EUR 55,000 in the case of goods to take effect from 1 May 2006.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 80
In 2006, the Applied Research Enhancement (ARE) programme was introduced on a national, non-competitive basis providing opportunites for the Institutes of Technology to develop research capability in areas of strategic importance to the individual colleges and which are of relevance to industry in the particular region. To date (Oct. 2007), eight centres have been funded with investment of EUR 10 million.
2nd Annual Implementation Report Oct. 2007, p. 23
State-aid approval has recently been received from the European Commission for the extension and amendment of the Business Expansion Scheme (BES) and the Seed Capital Scheme (SCS). The BES and the SCS play an important role in helping bridge the financial gap for businesses in the pre and early start up phases of new enterprises. The extension of the two schemes in the December 2006 budget for a further seven years provides for an increase in the amount of money that firms can raise through the scheme to EUR 2 million, up from the previous limit of EUR 1 million. The higher limit is subject to a maximum of EUR 1.5 million being raised in any more 12-month period.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 43
The Energy (Miscellanous Provisions) Act 2006, was sigend into law in December 2006. It provides, inter alia, for an expansion of the functions of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to underpin its work on the all-island energy market, the taking of emergency measures by the Minister in the event of a sudden crisis in the energy market threatening physical safety or energy infrastructure, the facilitation of full gas market opening and the regulation by the CER of the activities of electrical contractions and gas installers with respect to safety.
In March 2006, the Groceries Order, a ban on below-cost selling by retailers, was abolished. The legislation required to repeal the Groceries Order, the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006, was enacted on 20 March 2006. The Groceries Order prohibited the sale of grocery goods by retailers at below the "net invoice price". Therefore, it allowed wholesalers and suppliers to determine the minimum retail prices being charged to consumers thereby restricting price competition in the market. The removal of the Order should stimulate competition, drive increased efficiencies at all levels of the distribution chain and produce a consequent downward pressure on retail prices from which consumers will ultimately benefit.
2nd Implementation Report Oct. 2007, p. 21
SFI's CSET Programme is the largest commitment to research within SFI. CSET grants are worth up to EUR 25 million over five years, and may be renewed for an additional term of up to five years subject to performance and maintaining relevance and research excellence. The objective is to fund centres that can exploit opportunities for discovery and innovation, link academic and industry researchers in promising ways, generate products of value in the marketplace, and contribute to the public's interest in science and technology. The 2006 CSET for Proposals was also launched in the second half of 2006. The review/assessment process (postal, strategic, and site review) is underway with final funding decisions expected to be made before the end of 2007.
The independent Transmission System Operator 'EirGrid' was established in July 2006 to assist in the development of a competitive electricity market. The establishment of EirGrid as a fully-fledged legally independent entity is a crucial milestone of opening up the Irish electricity market in line with EU Internal Market legislation.
The measure includes: The replacement in June 2006 of the Expenditure Review Initiative with Value for Money Policy Reviews designed to better value for money from public expenditure and greater accountability in this regard. The new VFM Policy Reviews will also strengthen the arrangements for securing better value for money and improve decision making in regard to the allocation and prioritisation of expenditure.
As set out in the National Reform Programme in 2005, the Irish Government completed the preparation of and published its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 (SSTI) in June 2006. The SSTI represents a further step-change in national support for R&D and innovation with EUR 8.2bn in investment over the period (increased from EUR 2.5bn in the current funding period of 2000-2006 and EUR 0.5bn in the period 1994-1999). It is a "whole of Government" strategy and Government backing was demonstrated in the co-operation across eight Government Departments in the formulation and now in the implementation of the SSTI. The SSTI, which has been informed by our engagement in the EU's OMC process, sets out initiatives for Ireland in the context of the Lisbon and Barcelona objectives in the following areas: 1) Strengthening the higher education research base, 2) Capturing, protecting and commercialising ideas and know-how, 3) R&D in enterprise, 4)Science, education and society, 5) Sectoral research, 6)All-island and international R&D, 7) Policy oversight and review.   For maximum stakeholder engagement the Strategy maintains a sophisticated governance structure cascading down from a Cabinet Sub Committee and High Level Interdepartmental Committee through dedicated working groups and external advisory and validating bodies.  The most significant operational groups are:  Technology Ireland (TI) and the Higher Education Research Group (HERG).     TI is chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.  Its other members are Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Enterprise Ireland (EI), IDA and Forfas.  Its particular focus is to ensure coherence between the enterprise family of agencies active in and with the SSTI.  Its focus for 2007 includes the development of  simplified agency R&D support schemes and the development and strengthening of Technology Transfer Offices and of a Competence Centre programme.
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 31
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 31; Second Implementation Report, p. 70
In order to launch this process, the 2007 Budget Law made provision for an extraordinary plan to recruit researchers to work in universities and public research bodies. For universities, a specific decree in the process of being issued establishes the methods of procedure for public examinations for researchers, with the aim, stated in the law, of ensuring swiftness and transparency in such procedures, in line with international standards. Funds of EUR 20 million have been set aside for 2007, EUR 40 million for 2008, and EUR 80 million as from 2009, which, once the system is fully operative, will translate to approx. 1,600 new posts for university researchers. For the national research bodies, recruitment procedures will be slightly different but shall be based on the same criteria of professionalism. Again once the new system is fully operative, around 600 new posts should become available.
NRP 2006-2008 Update on progress, page 31-32
In July 2006, a new regulation came into force doing away with the obligation to have a licence, with the respective numerical quota, to start up a business producing bread. The result was an increase in the number of companies.
Law 248/2006 (Decree Law 223/2006) Art. 14 Comment MS
Precautionary powers have been introduced: the Antitrust may decide ex officio that interim measures must be adopted in case of serious and irreparable damage to competitiveness. Furthermore, the law has stated that companies investigated may offer the Antitrust a commitment to correct the anti-competitive conduct. Finally, a leniency programme has also been stated, giving the Antitrust the possibility to reduce or not apply fines in case of assistance by companies under investigation in ascertaining infringements of competition rules.
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 18
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 23
Provision is made in the 2007 budget for a fund to be established at the Ministry of Communications in order to aid the switch to digital technologies covering the 2007-2009 period, with the following objectives: - to provide incentives for producing quality output using digital technology; - to provide incentives for the holder charged with coverage of the national territory to switch to digital; - to facilitate the design, implementation and broadcast of interactive public utility services via digital television; - to help economically or socially disadvantaged families switch to digital; - to provide incentives to raise the population's awareness of digital technology. For 2007, the fund has been divided as follows (established by decrees issued by the Italian Minister for Communications): - EUR 33m roll-out to digital technology over the national territory by the incumbent public radio and television broadcasting concessionaire responsible for providing universal coverage, through supporting new investment activities, both in terms of network construction and development of a new portfolio and revamped product offering. This support for RAI is intended to television in digital format utilizable by the entire population during the switch-over phase; - EUR 4m for work to complete the partial switch-off in the two "all digital" areas of Sardinia and Valle d'Aosta; - EUR 750,000 for the "Digital Sardinia" and the "Digital Valle d'Aosta" consortiums.
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 18, comment Member State
One major deterrent on future infringement procedures will be ensured by Article 1, Paragraphs 1215-1218 of the 2007 budget law, which provides that the Italian state is entitled to claim against the persons or entities responsible for financial expenses incurred as a result of being found guilty by the European Courts of Justice and/or Human Rights. In particular, the state is entitled to claim against the regional authorities, the independent provinces of Trento and Bolzano, local entities, other public entities.
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 18. Link to the coverted DL: http://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2006-07-04;223
NPR 2006 2008 Update of progress report 2006, page 31
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress, page 30
NRP 2006-2008 Update on Progress (Oct 2006) page 17-18
Italian Legislative Decree 5/06 brought about a wide-ranging reform of procedures for dealing with cases of bankruptcy. The system has moved away from what was essentially a liquidation procedure, with the company's outstanding assets being frozen and involved in a major, time-consuming litigation, to a more flexible procedure aimed rather at recovering productive capacity. Execution of the procedure has also been simplified with respect to the methods adopted, with greater emphasis being given to entrusting the assets to professionals external to the judicial apparatus for independent management, who decide whether or not trade relations in course should be continued, and plan compositions with creditors. Persons who have gone bankrupt, once their situation has been assessed and they have been dispossessed of their assets, are released from their debt provided certain conditions of merit are met, so that their may start up a new business or in any case be restored to their economic condition as consumers of goods and services. A preventative phase prior to opening bankruptcy proceedings has also been strengthened, which provides for the possibility of reaching debt restructuring agreements.
NRP 2006-2008 Update of Progress (October 2006), page 18
A task force has been created within the Department of European Policies with the dual objective of swiftly reducing the number of existing infrigement procedures and finding methods to prevent new cases.
- Second Implementation Report, p. 41 - Official Journal n. 100, 2 May 2006
In 2007, government action to simplify and improve the quality of regulation was marked by the creation of an 'Interministerial Committee for direction and strategic policies to simplify and improve the quality of regulation'. The Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister or the Minister for reform and innovation in the public administration.  By 31st March each year the committee draws up an action plan ("PAS") for pursuing government objectives in the area of simplifying, reorganising, and improving regulation for the coming year. The establishment of the committee is a response to the government's intention to set out "strategic guidance" in the areas of quality regulation and regulatory/administrative simplification. Development of a unified directional policy constitutes an attempt to overcome the fragmented nature of previous action. The measure has not been implemented yet, being the time-limit postponed to the 31st December 2009, according to the Law 69 of 18th June 2009.
Report on Progress p. 18; Report on Progress 2007, grid, p. 16
On August 30, 2006 the Board of SJSC "Latvenergo" took decision to establish separate/independent distribution system's operator JSC "Sadales tikis". Since July 1, 2007 a structural unit of JSC "Latvenergo" with seven distribution network branches operates with the status of a separate legal person.
Public Procurement Law was adopted by the Saeima on April 6, 2006. This law implements Directives 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 31, 2004.
The Electronic Procurement State Agency (EPSA) was established in January 2006 that maintains the developed e-purchase system.
At present Latvia carries out all necessary measures for adopting the remaining non-transposed internal market directives into national legislation and notifying the lacking transposing measures through the State implementation database. To ensure Latvia's ability to implement EU legislation in due time and with good quality, the development of a new database that will control the transposing of EU legal acts has started. It is also envisaged to develop a regulation for state institution activity transposing requirements of EU legal acts and providing information in the newly developed EC notification database that started functioning on May 3, 2004.
Report on Progress Annex p. 3, Trendchart Country Report 2006 for Latvia p. 30
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 581 "Procedure for Distribution of Financing for Market-Oriented Research Projects" of July 11, 2006 has been approved, which presribes how the Ministry of Education and Science distributes financing for market-oriented research projects on the basis of scientific and economic expertise. In 2006, the National Audit Office carried out an evaluation of the assessment and financing of market-oriented research projects in 2004 and 2005, testing its compliance with current legislation. During the audit, several shortcomings (insufficient evaluation, lack of registration of expected results, lack of informative and financial reports) were identified. The findings of the Audit Office have been criticised by the research community, emphasising that they ignored the specificities of research funding. On 11 May and July 2006, the Cabinet of Ministers passed two resolutions on the evaluation of and the funding distribution for market-oriented research projects. It should be noted that in the future increased transparency of the process will be ensured since information on the project (project annotation, achieved results, amount of funding etc.) has to be made public (on the website) by the contracting entity.
Crediting Programme for Beginners was started at MLBL in March 2006 and is co-financed from the state and EU Structural Funds resources.
On June 7, 2006 the Ministry of Education and Science, Riga City Council and University of Latvia signed the Protocol of creation of a Science and Technology Centre in Riga. Expert consultations on operation strategy of the Centre, models of its financing and the process of its creation took place in August 2006. For that project were invited else Riga Stradins'University, Riga Technical University, Latvian Agricultural University, Latvian Academy of Sciences.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.38
On the basis of the agreement of May 8, 2006 concluded between the Mortgage and Land Bank of Latvia (MLBL), the Ministry of Economics and the SEA, ALTUM implements financial support programme for training, consultations and financial support for business starters co-financed by the ESF. Within the framework of the programme 998 persons have received training on basic economic activities and 327 persons have received financial support (in the form of loans or grants) for implementation of their business plans. The implementation of the programme was concluded on October 31, 2008.
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation no. 345 "Procedure of Assessment and Financing of fundamental and Applied Research Projects" of April 25, 2006 has been approved.
In April 2006 LGA established 3 Venture Capital funds co-financed from the state budget and European structural funds, which might start making investment in the 4th quarter of 2006 already. These funds will invest in small and medium-sized commercial companies with high growth potential and value added, making investment in own capital of companies or granting it in form of financial instruments related to own capital. As a result, the attracted additional financing is used for expansion of the current operation or for development of new products or technologies.
The national programme "Support for Modernisation of Scientific Infrastructure in State Research Institutions" is taking place since 2004, attracting co-funding from ERDF. It has a goal to modernise infrastructure in state research institutions that carry out scientific research in priority scientific disciplines. 22 agreements have been concluded on implementation of projects and allocation of co-funding from ERDF, of which six projects have been implemented already.
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 479 "Regulations for Provision of Business Support to Projects in the Framework of EUREKA Programme" of June 13, 2006 has been approved, which defines conditions for the amount of state support and procedure of its granting, by which co-operation between scientific institutes and SMEs in research on development of new competitive products, technologies and services is supported.
Tourism Development Programme of Latvia for 2006-2008 has been approved (Cabinet of Ministers Instruction No. 505 of July 5, 2006). Action Plan for Tourism Development of Latvia for 2006 has been approved (Cabinet of Ministers Instruction No. 425 of June 6, 2006). Project applications in ERDF project competition "Efficient use of cultural and historical heritage in tourism development" (LVL 6.48 million) have been received and assessed.
Concept "On Management of Maintenance of Centralised Information Systems" has been approved (Cabinet of Ministers Instruction No. 526 of July 14, 2006), which determines how centralised information systems will be maintained.
Report on Progress, p. 6, 23, 24, Annex p. 14
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 215 "Action Plan for Improvement of Business Environment for 2006" of March 29, 2006 has been approved.  The Action Plan of 2006 solves problems in construction, employment, tax administration, introduction of e-government, etc.. As both international studies and local entrepreneurs point at exceptionally non-flexible labour relations in Latvia, in the framework of the Action Plan, the tasks to be accomplished have been explored and the tasks to be perfomed for improvement of labour relations have been worked out and approved by the government, considering issues of prolonging the test period, extending the term of labour contract, and other issues. The Action Plan also prescribes that preparation work for starting use of safe electronic signature has to be completed in 2006. It is envisaged to improve normative acts in the area of construction in order to simplify the procedure of co-ordination for individual buildings as well as determine implementation of principles of "one-stop-shop".
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation "Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 740 "Regulations on Scholarships" of August 24, 2004" has been approved on April 4, 2006, which determines the amount of scholarship for students in professional education institutions in the amount of LVL 20 per month (LVL 4.3 million per year) (the current amount is LVL 8.5).
In order to encourage private investment in applied research, promote technology transfer and ensure introduction of research results into production, the functions of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIDA) are being expanded. As from June 1, 2006 the Technology Agency is established, which is integrated in LIDA as a separate structural unit. LIDA will administer the corresponding state support programmes, will conduct analysis of the innovation system and instrument efficiency on a regular basis, will promote application of knowledge (especially outside Riga Planning Region), will prepare proposals for new innovation policy support instruments and co-ordinate their development, will prepare, co-ordinate and lead innovation international co-operation projects, etc.
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 9 "Procedure for Licensing of General and Professional Education Programmes" of January 3, 2006 has been approved and amendements have been made to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation "Procedure for Licensing Higher Education Programmes" (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No 679 of August 22, 2006), which allows to organise the licensing procedure more rationally.
Portal www.latvija.lv (1st stage) with links to Latvian state institutions has been developed and was launched on August 3, 2006.
In order to make settlement of tax liabilities easy and simple taxpayers, when signing agreement with the SRS concerning use of electronic signature on electronic document, do not have to submit hard copies of tax declarations if this has been done electronically by using electronic signature allocated by SRS
Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 39  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2006, No 77-2975  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=303622 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Explanatory letter to the amendment to the Law on Public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=376879  	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2011, No 4-125 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=390913
The new edition of the Law on Public Administration approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania on 27 June 2006 provides a more clear regulation of the administrative procedures, establishes the basis for better provision of public administration services and enhancing their efficiency. This Law creates the necessary preconditions for the implementation of the provision of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania stipulating that all the state institutions shall serve the people; shall establish the principles of public administration, the spheres of public administration, the system of entities of public administration and the basics of organising administrative procedures; shall guarantee the right of persons to appeal against the acts or omissions or administrative decisions of entities of public administration as well as the right to statutory and impartial consideration of applications, complaints and statements submitted by persons.
The drafting of legal framework necessary for micro crediting was completed on 22 May 2006 by approving rules for the provision of micro credits to SMEs (loans up to EUR 25000), setting up terms for provision and use of microcredits, allocations, interest calculation and payment rules, criteria and procedures for banks selection. The main features of this legal framework are: the size of the target loan and the granting from the micro-credit fund. A loan should be not more than 15 million Litas and such loan is granted not later than 31 December 2012. A bank should grant to a SME not more than 2 loans. Up to 85 percent of micro-credit funds must be granted to micro-companies. Repayed amounts to banks are used for granting new micro-credits to SMEs only. Risks of re-granted loans fall under the bank's responsibility. In determining the interest rates, mark-ups should not exceed 4 percent. Banks should grant the loans not later than 12 months from the date that the amount from the micro-credit fund was transfered.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Lithuania p. 7, 31
The Government of the Republic of Lithuania adopted the Resolution No. 335 of 5 April 2006 on the Approval of the Higher Education Development Plan for 2006-2010. The scientific practice model for students of stage II studies has been developed and the strategy of disseminating information about science and studies and promoting science and technology in Lithuania has been implemented. The following measures of the first stage (2006-2007) of implementation of the Lithuanian Higher Education Development Plan for 2006-2010 (Resolution No 1133 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 17 November 2006, Official Gazette 2006, No. 126-4789) have been approved and initiated: establishment of the Science and Studies Monitoring and Analysis Centre; preparation of the overview of foreign legislation regulating use, management and disposal of state-owned real estate by higher education institutions (public and private); preparation of the draft legislation on management, use and disposal of state-owned real estate by the public research and educational institutions of the Republic of Lithuania; perormance of the study Development of Lithuanian Higher Education System in 2007-2012.
Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 32, National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme for 2008-2010, p. 14
During the second quarter of 2007, the Education and Studies Monitoring and Analysis Centre (MOSTA) was founded, one of the main functions thereof being initiation and organisation of technology in-depth analysis (long-term forecasts).  The measure is part of the first stage of the Lithuanian Higher Education Development Plan.
Resolution No 321 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 24 October 2006 approved High-Tech Development Programme for 2007-2013.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Lithuania grid p. 31
Improve the system of intellectual property rights protection by transposing, to this end the respective EU directives, concurrently providing financial support facilitating the patenting abroad.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Lithuania grid p. 48; Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 73
Since 2006, the Project "Development of PIAPs (public internet access points)" financed from the EU SF was launched. By 2008, another 400 PIAPs will be set up in Lithuania and 83 already existing PIAPs will be upgraded, and the national PIAPs network will be created throughout Lithuania.  Financed by ERDF, therefore monitored. Financing: LTL 9,764 million (LTL 7,127 million ERDF and LTL 2,636 million of national funds).
Annual Progress Report 2006 Lithuania, p. 51  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 March 2006 No 307 onamendment of the e-government concept implementation action plan (Official Gazette, 2006, No 36-1284) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=273105&p_query=&p_tr2=
On 29 March 2006, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania issued the Resolution No. 307 approving the Action Plan for the Implementation of e-Government, which specified the obligations of Lithuanian authorities with regard to transferring public financing for implementation of actions. The e-Government implementation action plan includes: incomes and property e-declaration, search of vacancies, issuing of social securitiy allowances and compensations, issuing of ID, registration of vehicles, issuing of construction permissions, submission of notices to police, search of editions, documents and publications in libraries, issuing of birth, marriage and divorce certificates, submission of declarations on the place of residence, provision of consultancy on health services and registration for visits to doctors, submission of data to the Statisitics department, public procurement, applications to universities of long-life learning, submission of tax declarations by legal persons, registration of new companies, e-payments of social security taxes, issuing of permissions related to environment, and other public services provided by ICT.
Resolution No 1050 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 24 October 2006 approved Lithuanian Industrial Development Programme for 2007-2010.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Lithuania grid p. 3  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official Gazette, 2006, No 31-1087 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=272060
Strategic Guidelines are seeking to create more favourable conditions for economic entities to find new trade partners, more active operation in new markets, growing export volumes and to improve economic and social indices of the country. Export promotion strategic guidelines are to create opportunities to find new trade partners, more actively penetrate into new markets and to create a favourable export environment. It is expected to maintain export growth rates at least at the same rate, to increase the number of exporting companies, to improve the representation of Lithuanian business interests abroad, to widen the dissemination of information for business, and will lead to more rapid economic and social development of country and prosperity.
Under Order No. ISAK-2474 of 29 December 2006, the Minister of Education and Science approved the description for the procedure for the inclusion of the vocational training programme module into the secondary education curriculum and recognition thereof when continuing training under the vocational training programme. The description of the guidelines for technology examinations was drafted and discussed in the General Education Examination and Schoolchildren Achievement Research Board.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 71
While implementing the program for 2006-2008 of the Government of the Republic Lithuania approved by the resolution No. 1020 dated October 17 2006 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, No. 112-4273), during 2007-2008 salaries of lecturers and scientific workers has been increasing three time: from July 1 2007 salary of lecturers and scientific workers was increased by 20 per cent (35.6 million LTL were allocated from the state budget); from September 1 2007 salary of academic workers earning the least (assistants, junior research associate, lecturers, research associate, researchers) was increased by 10 per cent (5.5 million were allocated from the privatization fund); from January 1 2008 salary of lecturers and scientific workers was increased by 20 per cent of the average (i.e. 11.3 per cent same as for other workers of budget institutions due to increase of basic salary, and coefficients of official salaries of lecturers and scientific workers were increased by 9.7 per cent). In 2008 88.7 million LTL were allocated in the state budget for that.
Annual Progress Report Lithuania p. 34 and Annex 1 p 38  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Order of Minister of Economy of 2 May 2006 No 4-152 on approval of the Methodology for for Identifying and Assessing Administrative Burdens on Business (Off. Gaz., 2006, No 51-1896 ) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ukmin.lt/lt/veikla/veiklos_sritys/reglamentavimas/regl_lt/adm%20nastos%20ivertinimo%20metodika%202006-05%20isakm%20Nr%204-152.doc 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Commission working document of 14.11.2006 COM(2006) 691 final Measuring administrative costs and reducing administrative burdens in the European Union Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Commission  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2006:0691:FIN:EN:PDF
With a view to reducing the administrative burden falling upon businesses in Lithuania and improving the quality of the new and existent regulation, the Methodology for Identifying and Assessing Administrative Burdens on Business (hereinafter - the Methodology) was approved on 2 May 2006. The Methodology defined duties to the state and municipalities institutions or bodies to identify and assess administrative burdens, which are rising form their activities or regulations, defined guidelines how to identify and assess administrative burdens, and set up a duty to disseminate this information publicly. The Methodology might be applied for the assessment and evaluation of administrative burden, rising by implementation of the EU regulations to Lithuanian business. The main objective of the Methodology is to regulate assessment and evaluation of administrative burden, which are rising from liabilities and duties to provide information, data or documents, set up the imperative legal acts of the state, municipal institutions or mandated bodies about production of goods and services. Concerning preparation of new legal acts or regulations by state institutions, requirements are defined for mandatory consultations with business organisations or other representatives of business, requirements to assess and evaluate administrative burden, which might rise from the set up of duties to provide information, data or documents by business to these institutions.
In promoting direct foreign investment, the Government has bolstered the network of offices of the Board of Economic Development (BED) abroad. In September 2006, a new office was established as part of the Luxembourg consulate in Shanghai, China. This office will consolidate and enlarge contacts with China, a country of premier importance. Since early 2006, a new office has been operational in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai. This office is bolstering links with the Arab nations in a particular prosperous and dynamic region.
Luxembourg Implementation report 2007, p. 27.
The electronic portal www.marches.public.lu for public markets has been in operation since the beginning of 2006. This portal aims at centralizing all notices concerning tender offers, vending opportunities and services originating from Luxembourg public sources in a single location. The portal also allows the various public sources to attach submission documents to notices to tender. Placing public markets online guarantees greater transparency and benefits include a larger field of contractors for public customers, better value for contracts and lower administrative costs for both interested contractors and public entities. The Government has just launched the second electronic public markets portal phase with the purpose of publishing offers in electronic form.
In September 2006, the Government approved a multi-year founding contract between the State and the University of Luxembourg. In application of the law of 12 August 2003 creating the University of Luxembourg, the development of the University is the subject of a founding contract extending over several years negotiated between the State and the University. The contract, concluded for a period of four years, applies to the general policy of the university, its strategic choices, its objectives and its activities in the areas of teaching, research, student mobility and administration. It specifies the seven research concentrations considered to be priorities for the period including 2006-2009. These are information security and reliability, material sciences, life sciences, European law and Commerce Law, international finance, educational sciences and Luxembourg studies. In the area of budget, it is stated in the contract that the State agrees to finance the activities of the University through an annual budget allocation that will increase annually, reaching the sum of 72 million euros in 2009.
With regard to mobility of researchers, a recent Grand-Ducal regulation specified several modifications to the measures applicable for employing foreign workers in Luxembourg, while adoption of the new legislation on immigration is still pending. It will no longer be necessary for non-Community researchers who stay in Luxembourg for a period under three months as part of scientific exchanges or research work to obtain a work permit. In addition, the procedure for obtaining work permits has been simplified. It is no longer necessary to obtain a bank guarantee prior to receiving a work permit, which accelerates the process.
The National Research Fund (NRF) launched a long-term forecast by theme in January of 2006 with the ultimate goal of pinpoiting research subjects of socio-economic interest for Luxembourg that could involve all of the players concerned, public and private, as well as civil society.
2006 Implementation Report p. 27; National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 30
Aware that the system for transposing for transposing Community law remains inadequate, the Government has committed to finding rapdi and lasting improvements. The latest measures are based on coordinated work method set ou in the Prime Minister's circular dated 10 July 2006 that ensures a consistent and rigorous follow-up on European legislation queued for transposing. These new measures are intended to allow a systematic and rigorous follow-up, including within the Government Council, of each legislative proposal of the European Commission throughout the European legislative process. As of 1 June 2008, a record is created for each Community legislative act. The record is drafted by departments within the Ministry in charge of negotiating the legislation with the Council of the European Union and contains information on the objectives and content of this draft Community and its legal basis, as well as its probable implications on Luxembourg. The descriptive records go before the interministerial Coordination Committee for European Policy (CICPE). When a piece of Community legislation is adopted by the EU, the Minister responsible for transposing it produces an updated record of it accompanied by a forecast of the date by which it will be transposed.
Since fall of 2006, the Luxembourg Government set up a Simplification Coordination Committee (CCS) that analysis the impact sheets and draft recommendations for the Government concerning all draft laws and Grand-Ducal regulations dealing with companies (called ex-ante procedure).
In July 2006, the Government introduced a new bill pertaining to information highways. The goal of the project is to improve Luxembourg's international connectivity by introducing a very high speed network between the center of Luxembourg and the primary Internet access centers abroad. This is a general economic policy measure that benefits companies established in Luxembourg as well as consumers, who should see Internet access costs drop even further.
Increase public funds allocated for R&D.
Annual Progress Report 2006 Appendix p. 29
A 'Foster Entrepreneurial Skills' scheme was launched to provide for the necessary stimulus for those unemployed who wish to set up their own business. The persons attending for this training course have to prepare a business plan for the commercial activity that they intend to take. If the business plan is approved, a grant will be given to trainees to assist them in starting their own businesses. There are several courses in the pipeline, and a number of courses have already been carried out. Following the course, trainees would need to draft a business plan and be submitted for approval. On verification of plan, a grant will be given to trainees to start their own businesses. This measure is still in its implementation phase. Moreover, in order to nurture an entrepreneurial culture Government has introduced entrepreneurship education within schools and colleges (at primary, secondary and post-secondary school levels).
Annual Progress Report 2006 p. 41, ERAWATCH
The Government of Malta has also launched a scholarship scheme with the aim of accelerating the process for more research and specialisation at the highest levels of education particularly at Masters and Doctoral level. The key objectives of this scholarship scheme are to: a) encourage and promote more student participation in higher levels of academic research, both locally and internationally; b) assist exceptional students to pursue further levels of academic research; c) contribute towards research in identified areas requiring expertise; and d) increase the capacity and level of research and development activity at the University of Malta and in Malta in general.
Over the past years Government has amplified its efforts to improve the educational sector both at primary, secondary and higher educational levels. Government has constantly increased expenditure in this sector. This shows Government's commitment to improve the quality of education at all levels. To this effect, a new Education Law has been passed by the Parliament. The Law makes a provision for setting up a Directorate for Quality and standards in Education and a Directorate for Educational Services.  An agreement has been reached with the Malta Union of Teachers.  Two new Directorates have been set up and 10 Colleges are now in operation.
During 2006, Government has set up a National Commission for Higher Education to guarantee the quality of provision and inclusive participation in further and higher education. It's aims are to: 1.) act as advisory body to the Government on issues concerning Higher Education, 2.) initiate discussions with all stakeholders and to start the process of formulation of recommendations on the major issues in higher education, 3.) ensure that the opportunity of, and access to, HE remains available to all individuals who can benefit there from in the Maltese society; 4.) keep up with Malta's commitment to EU objectives relating to HE, including, specifically but not exclusively, widened access, improved participation rates and a basis to lifelong learning; and 5. )ensure that consolidation occurs with all major stakeholders in order to guarantee that decisions, advice and policy measures can be implemented with the widest consensus possible, within a reasonable timeframe, and to produce the desired results within the context of the national sustainable development plan. Sectoral federations, trade unions, students and accademic staff were involved in the set up of the National Commission for Higher Education.
In September 2006 Government has committed itself to increase its national research and development expenditure to around Lm 4.5 million in 2010.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 144
The MGSS Post Graduate scheme is an ongoing scheme which started to be offered in 2006. This scheme supports applicants who wished to pursue studies at Doctoral and Masters Level. As from the year 2010, in order to avoid double applications and at the same time ensure the full exhaustion of funds available under the STEPS scheme , a decision was taken to limit MGSS for Masters with duration of over two years since courses shorter than 2 years were covered under STEPS.   Following the closure of the STEPS Scheme in 2013, the MGSS-PG scheme still continued to be opened for Master Studies exceeding two years with Master Studies up to two years now being covered by the Master IT scheme.
Tourism Policy for the Maltese Islands 2006 page 40; www.mtac.gov.mt
The revision of income tax bands with a view to provide a greater incentive to those who wish to work.
The National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation 2007-2010 has been launched with the aim of building and sustaining the research and innovation (R&I) framework. This strategy is based on the following strategic principles: 1) addressing National Issues; 2) focussing on Selected Areas of Economic Perfomance, 3) enabling SME's to innovate, 4) exporting locally generated R&I, 5) expanding Malta's Science, Engineering and Technology Human Capital Base, 6) establishing the nexus between Knowledge institutions and business, 7) developing a National Pro-Innovation Culture supportive of Invention, Risk Taking and Entrpreneurship.
An Industry Strategy for Malta was launched during the Budget for 2007. This strategy was drawn up following extensive consultation meetings with various stakeholders, more prominently with the Federation of Industry. The Strategy clearly defines the need for incentives to promote research, development and innovation capacity in Malta. It also promotes the need for fiscal incentives to those industries that cluster with SMEs and higher education institutions. The strategy proposes the sectors and activities that Malta should target in order to increase its competitiveness in its industrial areas. These areas include: * Education * Health Care * Business Process Outsourcing * Financial Management * Professional Consultancy * Creative Services * Logistics and Warehousing * Bio-technology * Bio-informatics * Pharmaceuticals * ICT * High-Tech Manufacturing and Services * Maritime and Maritime Maintenance * Aviation and Aviation Maintenance
Malta NRP, Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 22.
The remaining 60% share in the telecommunications company Maltacom held by the Maltese government was sold to Tecom.
The digital business counter www.bedrijvenloket.nl was launched at the end of January. This website is comprehensive source of information for businesses about central government, provinces, municipalities, chambers of commerce and other relevant parties. In time, companies will also be able to conduct important transactions on this site.
In January 2006, the Secondary Education Act and the Education and Vocational Education Act were amended to create more scope for cooperation between the educational institutions regulated by the two acts (Decree on Cooperation between Secondary Education and Vocational and Adult Education). The aim of the new legislation is to create more scope for cooperation between the educational institutions and so facilitate a more tailored approach for students for whom the regular route is inadequate.
The business effects test (BET) highlights the consequences of the regulation for SMEs. Since 1 June 2006, the BET has been improved with respect to the assessment of the costs of compliance with the terms of the regulation by introducing a new methodology which produces more quantitative data than heretofore.
The Guarantee Scheme for SMEs [Borgstellingsregeling MKB] (BBMKB) makes it easier for SMEs, and particular start-up companies, to secure bank credit to acquire a company and, increasingly, for innovative companies. The guarantee percentage has been increased from 66.67% to 80%. Other measures are also planned to promote the provision of small loans. The use of the guarantees has risen so much that the budget for 2006 has been increased by EUR 150 million to EUR 600 million. From 2006, the quotas allocated for each bank can be adjusted to match them to the actual use made of the facility.
The unbundling process will be governed by the Independent Network Management Act, which amends the 1998 Electricity Act and the Gas Act. In addition to the unbundling process, this Bill requires network managers to perform all strategic network tasks themselves and limits their tasks to those set out in the 1998 Electricity Act and the Gas Act. Referred to as 'fat' network managers, they are also required to have economic ownership of the network. Another requirement in the Bill is that the manager of the national high-voltage grid must manage all 110+ kilovolt networks. The Lower House passed the Bill in April 2006. In November 2006, the Upper House passed a motion preventing the unbundling, or 'group prohibition', from taking place until later date (to be determined) when complete unbundling occurs in the European Union, or until such time as the public and independent network management is in jeopardy.
In 2007, the Smart Mix scheme will start with an annual budget of EUR 100 million. This scheme has two objectives: (1) to create and mass in excellent scientific research, and (2) to create economic, social and cultural value through collaboration between knowledge institutes and the business sector or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Consortia of companies/NGOs and public research institutes have until 1 September 2006 o submit their first outline project proposals.
Progress Report 2006 p. 22; 2007 Progress Report, p. 24
One of the measures was intensification of the tax incentives provided under the Research and Development (Promotion) Act (WBSO).
To stimulate and support social innovation initiatives, the Cabinet and the social partners identify where potential problems lie and remove barriers. To this end, the Netherlands Centre for Social Innovation (NCSI) - a partnership of employers' and employees' organisations and institutions of higher education and research, subsidised by the Ministries of Economic Affairs, Eduation, Culture & Science, and Social Affaris & Employement - was officially launched in June 2006. Since then, the NCSI has initiated various activites, including launching a website (www.ncsi.nl) to provide knowledge and information about social innovation, organising workshops and seminars about social innovation, and carrying out and encouraging other parties to carry out practical experiments and programmes for change in sectors and companies. In the autumn of 2007 the NCSI website will launch a database containing a broad range of information about experiments, publications and research in the area of social innovation.
The Netherlands' target is a reduction of the administrative burden by 25% in 2007. Around 100 measures have already been implemented and have reduced administrative costs by EUR 1.9 billion (the administrative burden had been reduced by 12% in March 2006). The remaining 70 measures, which will reduce the administrative burden by a further EUR 2.1 billion, will be implemented in 2006 and 2007. The next eighteen months will be crucial, since a number of measures involving substantial reductions of the administrative burden are due to be carried out. Recent research has shown that SMEs, which actually suffer the most from administrative burdens, have benefited most from the reductions (both in absolute and relative terms).
Progress Report 2006 p. 21, complemented by Trendchart Newsletter June 2006.
In June 2006, a pilot programme package called Point One (nano electronics and embedded systems) was launched with a EUR 50 million subsidy out of total project costs of EUR 137 million. The Point-One programme consists of the following elements: a) two strategic R&D collaboration platforms, also open for SMEs (contribution of the Ministry of Economic Affairs: EUR 29 million)  b) The establishment of a widely shared strategic innovation agenda and international profiling and collaboration (contribution of the Ministry of Economic Affairs: EUR 1 million) c) R&D projects: two tenders in 2006 and 2007 to broaden the technological base and the involvement of innovative SMEs (contribution of the Ministry of Economic Affairs: EUR 14 million) d) establishment of a Venture Capital Fund with EUR 50 million by 2009 to support start-ups in nanoelectronics and embedded systems (no contribution by the Ministry of Economic Affairs) e) establishment of road maps, coaching programmes and upgrading activities for SMEs, international grants for students, and an industrial PhD programme (contribution of the Ministry of Economic Affairs: EUR 6 million).
In order to increase the efficiency of the procedure for applying to the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland for the protection of inventions, industrial designs, trademarks and geographical indications, a draft of the Act on amendment to the Act on industrial property was send to the Sejm in July 2006. This amended law liberalises requirements concerning the format of application documentation and attributes more precise meanings to the provisions which have given rise to interpretation doubts and cause problems in applying the law. This Amending Act on industrial property entered into force on 1 November 2007.
First Annual Progress Report, p. 25 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 144, item 1046
Essential progress should also be expected in the railway transport market. The process of implementing the Second Railway Package in the national legal order was completed with the adoption of the Act of 22 July 2006 amending the Act on rail transport.
1) First Annual Progress Report, NRP, 2006, p. 21 2) Note on official web site of Ministry of Justice: http://www.ms.gov.pl/aktual/060327_spr_gosp_not.rtf (07.03.2010) 3) Interpellation no 6006: http://orka2.sejm.gov.pl/IZ5.nsf/2df80fe4116b3f62c12573be003cb40d/c8cf21037accf3c9c12574860041d5dc?OpenDocument (12.07.2010)
In 2006, a significant number of posts was added in commercial divisions and land and mortgage register divisions of courts, e.g. increasing the number of junior judges (referendarz) by almost half of the initial number (adding 162 posts), as well as adding more assistants to judges (increase by 390 posts). Also under way are preliminary efforts to fully computerise the courts.
First Annual Progress Report p. 15 http://foresight.polska2020.pl/mis/ Interim reports
Implementation of the National Forsight Programme (NFP) Poland 2020 commenced in January 2006 within the following research areas: sustainable development, ICT technologies, and security. The goal of NPF is to orient the research and technologies into the areas which warrant dynamic economic growth in mid- and long-term perspective, and to rationalise public spending on R&D.
First Annual Progress Report grid p. 7 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 107, item 723
Amendments to the Act on certain forms of support for innovation activities, and to certain other acts entering into force (12.05.2006), simplifying the application of tax relief for purchase of a new technology (tax amendments effective from 1 January 2006).
First Annual Progress Report p. 31 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 158, item 1123
In May 2006, the government adopted also an amendment to the Energy Law adjusting its provisions to the guidelines contained in Directive 2004/67/EC of the Council concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply.
First Annual Progress Report p. 13 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 137, item 971
On 9 June 2006, the Sejm passed the act amending the act on State aid and the restructuring of public health care establishments, enabling the increase in financial aid to the indebted healthcare units covered by the restructuring programme. More reduction in the debt of the healthcare units is expected in the near future.
First Annual Progress Report p. 21 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 164, item 1163
Amending the Public Procurement Act (passed by the Sejm on 7 April 2006), including simplification of public procurement procedures of the value below EUR 60 000 (no appeals and complaints allowed); restricting the number of entities covered by the obligation to apply the above legislation, introducing more orderly arrangement of appeal procedures, introducing new public procurement procedure, introducing one central purchasing body, increasing thresholds for applying some of the provisions of the Act.
1. Second Annual Progress Report, NRP Report 2007, p. 25 (PL).    2. Parliament Paper No 484 (http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/Druki5ka.nsf/wgdruku/484) pp. 30-31
In March 2007 an amendment to the Act of 17 November 1964 - Code of civil proceedings entered into force. It simplified the operation of business judicature - the so-called fast business courts.
In the third quarter of 2006 (based on the approval obtained from the European Commission in June), a support for seed capital funds was launched to invest in newly established enterprises in their initial stages of development.
1. First Annual Progress Report, ENG, p. 29 (PL p. 30) 2. "Guidelines to Regulatory Impact Assessment",  http://www.mg.gov.pl/Reforma+Regulacji/Ocena+Skutkow+Regulacji/Wytyczne+do+OSR/ (12.07.2010) 3. Information on training provider: http://www.mg.gov.pl/NR/rdonlyres/57DAE680-484C-40A0-84CE-69CF9D5874A1/57973/Wyboroferty.pdf (12.07.2010) 4. Information ob number of trained: http://www.mg.gov.pl/Reforma+Regulacji/Aktualnosci/Szkolenia+dla+administracji+w+zakresie+OSR.htm (12.07.2010)
On 10 October 2006 the Council of Ministers adopted the "Guidelines to Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)", which constitute a set of principles for preparing and verifying RIA. Implementing these principles should contribute to improved effectiveness and quality of the system for preparing RIA.
1) First Annual Progress Report p. 20 (ENG), Report 2006, p. 23 (PL)  2) Parliament Paper no733 http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/proc5.nsf/opisy/733.htm (12.07.2010) 3) Parliament Paper no732 http://orka.sejm.gov.pl/proc5.nsf/opisy/732.htm p. 193 (12.07.2010)
In the framework of the fiscal policy, the fiscal provisions were amended in such a way as to facilitate the settlement of tax formalities. The changes to the corporate income tax are brought into effect by the Act of 16 November 2006 amending the act on corporate income tax (Journal of Laws no 217, item 1589). Changes to the personal income tax are brought into effect by the Act of 16 November 2006 amending the act on personal income tax and amending certain other acts (Journal of Laws no 217, item 1588). The Act of 16 November 2006 amended the Tax Law Act and certain other acts (Journal of Laws no 217, item 1590). These changes are aimed to streamline and simplify the tax system and provide incentives for taxpayers to start business operations and for enterprises (in particular SMEs) to make new investments. The Act limits substantially the scope of the reporting obligations of taxpayers by liquidating the obligation to submit tax returns during the year and have more beneficial amortisation rules for small taxpayers and taxpayers initiating business operations. Moreover, pursuant to provisions of these acts a system was introduced unifying the application of the law by the tax authorities and improving the transparency of tax procedures through a central model of issuing interpretations and tax and customs provisions. The unification and improved transparency of the procedures is to prevent the disparities between opinions issued in relation to the same factual state.
1. First Annual Progress Report, NRP 2006, p. 28 2. http://www.mg.gov.pl/Reforma+Regulacji/ (07.03.2010) 3. http://www.mg.gov.pl/Wiadomosci/Przedsiebiorcy/Przedsiebiorca+ma+prawo+czyli+nowa+odslona+Programu+Reformy+Regulacji.htm (07.03.2010) 4. "Program Reformy Regulacji", pp. 4-5, (PL) http://www.mg.gov.pl/NR/rdonlyres/8B7D02A4-0E03-47D9-8A9E-E0157C8F26A9/56451/ProgramReformyRegulacji_20062008.pdf (07.03.2010) 5. Interpellation no7795 http://orka2.sejm.gov.pl/IZ6.nsf/2df80fe4116b3f62c12573be003cb40d/f5de55a8fbabe3a0c12575990045ba16?OpenDocument(12.07.2010)
The "Regulatory Reform Programme" was a type of comprehensive document containing references to the most important issues identified in the national regulatory system. The document addresses both postulates presented by Polish enterprises and the own analyses of the regulatory system, as well as recommendations brought forward by international organisations. The "Programme" focuses on seven sections associated with improvement of the regulatory environment in Poland: (1) simplifying domestic legal instruments, (2) implementing the Commission's rolling programme at domestic level, (3) improving the efficiency of the EU directives implementation system, (4) applying a system for measuring and reducing administrative costs imposed on businesses, (5) optimising RIA, (6) strengthening regulatory capacity owing to cooperation with the European Commission and OECD under SIGMA Programme, and (7) implementing the "Think small first" principle. As far as measuring and reducing administrative burden is concerned, the "Programme.." envisages the implementation of the Dutch Standard Cost Model, which has been successfully applied in a number of countries, and helps to measure quantitatively all information-related obligations imposed on entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the measurement of administrative burden is planned with respect to all economic regulations along with the determination of the factor of their reduction and the deadline for completion. The "Programme" introduces a systemic approach to reforming national regulatory system and together with the "RIA Guidelines" (adopted shortly after) it constitutes an explicit and comprehensive better regulation strategy.  In January 2010 a new document ("Lepsze prawo"/Better Regulation) devoted to regulatory reform was prepared by the Ministry of Economy. The document presents a new approach for the period 2010-2011 and is still under consideration (March 2010).
First Annual Progress Report p. 22 Journal of Laws of 2006, No. 107, item 721
The Polish Government commenced actions aimed at eliminating such an obsolete organisational/legal form of business as a "State-owned enterprise (hereinafter "soe") from the sphere of economy (except enterprises set up or exempted from this process pursuant to special provisions). On July, 28 2006, the Act of 12 May 2006 amending the Act on commercialisation and privatisation and other acts, went into force. The Act envisages that the legal existence of soes subordinated to the Minister of the Treasury shall cease by 30 June 2007, and that the process of commercialisation of soes subordinated to other founding authorities shall cease by 30 June 2007, and that the process of commercialisation of soes subordinated to other founding authorities shall start by the same date.
A second phase of a programme designed to help companies from the fashion sector (textiles, apparel, and footwear) to enhance their strategic position in the international market. The Dynamo programme used funds of the national grant system in force during the III Community Support Programme (2000/2006), to provide grants to 99 companies part funding their investment, research, marketing and internationalisation projects.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 23; Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, 25
In the field of tax, new measures were adopted in December 2006 to dematerialise acts and procedures using new information and communication technologies. In this context, alternations were made to most of the tax codes with a view to eliminating and simplifying a broad range of accessory obligations imposed on taxpayers and taxable persons, and the procedures taken by the Tax Administration were dematerialised. In the case of the latter, the allotment of the judicial value to the documents and to the acts undertaken electronically is stressed. From the perspective of the taxpayers and taxable persons, we note that documents of tax relevance processed by computer can be filled electronically and provision is made for the discretionary appeal on tax related matters to be presented via the internet, in a further development of the growing availability of the on-line services.
Report on 2nd year of implementation grid.
Systematically boost the scientific investment conditions for teachers and students of Higher Education. In the ambit of the Pledge in Science initiative (Apr 2006), among other measures, the Government decided on a 60% incrase in the number of Phd and post doctoral scholarships (already being implemented), to create a programme of invited full professors expected to reach 50 in 2009, create a doctoral programme in clinical research associated to the work placements in the medical career with a view to involving 300 PhDs by 2009 and create integration scholarship in reasearch (in recognised research centres) for masters and bachelors students (already being implemented in 2006/07).
Report on 1st year of Implementation, page 23
In the oil sector, Decree Law no. 31/2006 was approved with the obligations from the International Energy Agency and the principles and objectives set out in the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 169/2005, 24 October (National Strategy for Energy); this establishes the general basis for the organisation and operation of the National Oil System (SPN).
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 17 and Annex, page 36 and 37 (measures 44 and 47)
FINICIA supports access to finance (seed and venture capital, mutual guarantee for loans, microcapital and  microcredit) and provides technical assistance (coaching) to companies and entrepreneurs in the start-up and early development phases of products or services with good growth potential, competitive advantages and market readiness.
Report on 1st year of Implementation p. 27, Annex p.70 (measure 103)
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 17 and Annex page 39 (measure 49)
This initiative aims to improve scientific knowledge and technological competencies to the highest international level, the human resources and the scientific and technological culture, strengthen responsibility, the organisation of networks of public and private R&D institutions, internationalisation, the demands for good performance and evaluation, reaching the economic value of research. The initiative involves a vast range of concrete measures, starting from 2006, with ambitious targets for 2009. The total public S&T budget for 2007 will be increased by 250 millions (an annual increase of roughly 22%, extending the 11% boost of this budget from 2005 to 2006).
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 24 and Annex, page 61 (measure 87)
The Santiago Agreement was approved and published by the Assembly of the Republic on 1 July 2006. With its ratification, conditions are created for the formal start of the Iberian Electricity Market. Order in Council n. 643/2006 dated 26 June, was approved with respect to considering the status of a "commercial agent of the last resort" in the ambit of the MIBEL and giving automatic recognition to producers, commercial agents and other agents from Spain who shall no longer be considered external agents. This Order alters the order in Council n. 139/2005 dated 3 February (commercialisers of electrical energy and external agents). Effective launch of the OMIP/OMIClear (managing entity in charge of the organisation of the Portuguese pole of MIBEL) on 3 July 2006.
Report on 1st year of Implementation, page 23 and Annex page 61
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 18 and Annex page 36 (measure 44)
Report on 1st year on Implementation page 18 and Annex, page 36 (measure 44)
Establishment of new international partnerships to stimulate an international opening up of universities and motivate international excellence in R&D activities and advanced training in the front running S&T fields. Protocols have been signed in 2006 with MIT, Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Texas at Austin. Partnerships with European institutions (Fraunhoffer Society and others) are being prepared. The development of partnerships will be contractualised by the end of 2006.
National Reform Programme 2006 grid, Measure 4.3.10. (167)
'High School Money' Programme: Providing fee free places in state/private universities; places in master programmes and doctoral programmes financed from the national budget.
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 p. 38
The law amending the Fiscal Code, approved in July 2006, comprises legislative measures aiming at achieving the objective of the Government Programme of generalizing the single quota of 16%, expanding the tax base, adopting the relevant directives in the European Union legislation, improving and simplifying the current legislative framework.
National Reform Programme 2006 p. 17, Measure 3.1.7. (39)
To boost the Romanian Research Area, the National Council for Research & Development was set up in 2006 with the aim of coordinating the strategic R&D and innovation courses of action taken by the major players in the field.
National Reform Programme 2006 p. 15, Annex 3 (assessment grid) measure 2.4.7
For this purpose, a Strategy for the Improvement of the System of Planning and Preparation of Public Policies at the Central Public Administration level was adopted in 2006 and procedures for accounting regulatory acts were instituted at central level. This practice shall be continued by introducing regulations on impact assessment studies. In addition, the burden exercised horizontally and vertically by the public administration shall be reviewed using a Dutch Standard Cost Model approach.
National Reform Programme 2006 page 35 and Annex 3 (assessment grid) measure 3.5.10
For the purpose of creation and implementation of an ex-ante consulting system with the competition authority and ensuring its operation on a permanent basis, a specialized unit for the application of the regulatory impact assessment (RIA) techniques was set up through the appointed ministries unit, responsible for RIA implementation.
NRP 2006 pages 15 and 33, Annex 3 (assessment grid) measure 3.5.6.
In 2005 the general framework for drawing up impact assessments and cost-benefit analysis was set up. This exercise begins in 2006 by introducing the obligation to complete (economic and financial, social and environmental assessments) the public documents endorsing draft regulatory acts.
National Reform Programme 2006 p. 34 and annex 3 (assessment grid) measure 3.5.7.
For the purpose of Romania preparation for accession to the EU, a working group has been set up, composed of representatives of the most important national suppliers of state aid for elaborating the "Policy in the Field of State Aid (2006-2013)", a document approved by the Government in May 2006. The Government approved The Action Plan for its implementation in the meeting of 6 September 2006. The document is intended to be revised periodically - every three years - according to economic and legal developments at Community and national level.
We shall mention especially the package of fiscal measures especially meant to stimulate the RDI activities, promoted by the new Fiscal Code that entered into force on 1 January 2007 and that lays down the 100% deductibility of certain types of expenditure for RD, the 20% deduction of the RD direct investments with an economic impact, the non-taxation of income obtained by natural persons, from the use of patents (by the patent holder or by the licensed persons) or from granting of patents, tax reduction through flexible options for the amortisation of expenditure for tangible and intangible assets.
National Reform Programme 2007-2010 (July 2007) p. 62  Decision of Government no. 918/2006
In view of strengthening the absorption capacity of the Structural Funds, the Government is financing the national programme IMPACT, by means of which the portfolio of RDI projects is elaborated. The implementation of these projects shall have an impact, at regional level, on the increase of the competitiveness of industrial enterprises, as well as that of those in the RDI infrastructure.
National Reform Programme 2006 grid p. 36 (Measure 96, 3.5.14.)
Enlisting at BSE the shares owned by the Romanian State at Romtelecom S.A. (2006); Privatization of the Company "Radiocomunicatii" S.A. (2006); Privatization of the Company "Posta Romana" S.S. (2006).
The separation of the public utility subsidies and the introduction of the quality standards have been achieved by the adoption of the Law bo. 51/2006 and of the Law no. 286/2006 for the modification and the completion of the Law on local public administration. The measure also continued in the first semester 2007 by the drawing up and adoption of the draft implementing rules.
National Reform Programme 2006 grid, Measure 4.3.3.(160)
'Early Education Reform' Programme aims at reducing the phenomenon of early school living, for Roma people, children from special schools and from socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Increasinng efficiency of investments for improving laerning conditions, Equipping schools with furniture.
At present, regional structures have been set up (INNOVIMM programme) to inform and offer advice to SMEs in order to encourage better protection of their industrial property rights. This network is now extended to counties and seeks a better interaction with centres of excellence and innovation poles to review innovation elements and ensure the transfer and use of industrial property rights to SMEs when acquiring new technologies that are research results.
National Reform Programme 2006 page 21 and annex 3 (assessment grid) measure 3.2.1.; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 74
With reference to the simplified procedures for market exit, the legislation on insolvency has been approved, establishing a general procedure and a asimplified one, the insolvency causes being judged by specialised judging panels. A "Handbook on good practices" shall also be approved before the end of 2006 as a guideline for the implementation of the insolvency procedures. Updating the Manual of good practices when applying the insolvency procedure is in the process of being implemented; afterwards, a working group will be set up within the Ministry of Justice. This working group will consist of representatives of the MJ, National Union of the Insolvency Practitioners, the ONRC, of civil society and legal professional associations. Its main objective will be analyzing the insolvency jurisprudence, since the entering into force of the Law no 85/2006 till present. The working group will analyze and monitor the enforcement of the Law no 85/2006 provisions seen from the perspective of opening the insolvency procedure, application of the general insolvency procedure, of the simplified one, of the approval and execution of the reorganization plan, of the execution of the asset liquidation, of ending the insolvency procedure either by erasure or by coming back to the former situation etc.
SK NRP Progress Report (Oct 2007) Annex 2 (assessment grid)
The national scholarship programme to support the mobility of students, PhD students and pedagogic and scientific staff was launched on 19 April 2006. On 18 April 2006 a services and funding agreement between SAIA (The Slovak Academic Information Agency) and the Ministry of Education was signed. This agreement provides a legal basis for the implementation of the programme through an independent institution. This programme creates additional practical opportunities to support mobility for both national and foreign students, in accordance with the need of creating an European Higher Education Area.
SK NRP Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 27  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree 324/2006 from April 19, 2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=12555
In conformity with the conclusions of the European Council on easing company regulation, the Government adopted Resolution No. 324/2006 on 19 April 2006 whereby it approved the "Draft Concept for Establishing a One-Stop Shop Network in Slovakia". The Resolution set off the implementation of a number of tasks with a view simplifyng the entry of (domestic and foreign) entrepreneurs to the market of services, thus also fulfilling one of the objectives of the NRP "Public Administration as a Partner and Not as a Burden". Gradual fulfilment of these tasks will lead to the establishment and operation of one-stop shops (OSSs) in Slovakia, which will make it possible to concentrate all administrative procedures connected with the registration of business entities in one single spot. They are intended to serve the widest possible variety of entrepreneurs. The OSSs will make it possible for future entrepreneurs to obtain all necessary permits, authorisations, and forms necessary to start a business (and later on to perform business activities) in one single spot. Moreover, they will act as mediators as regards obligations of entrepreneurs towards health and social insurance agencies, tax authorities, the statistical office, the company register, etc.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 43 and Annex 2 (assessment grid) p. 78
In March 2006 it has been adopted new methodological guidelines and principles for the assessment of the quality of the outputs of public R&D programmes. From May to July 2006, a selection of public R&D programmes has already be assessed using the new methodology.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 52 and Annex 2 (assessment grid) page 84
The objective of the project is to increase broadband Internet access penetration and IT literacy of young people with a contribution from the state. The Internet for All project together with the creation of the Clearing Centre that was a necessary prerequisite for the project, was launched on the basis of the approved amendment to ordinance No. 2424/M-2004 on 5 May 2006.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 43, 46 and annex 2 (assessment grid
This task involved the establishment of a new department and a new financial facility as well as the publication of call for projects. 1/As of 1 April 2006, the SARC (an organisation of the Ministry of Education) was disolved and became the new department for international scientific and technological co-operation within the Slovak R&D Agency, focused in fostering the participation of Slovak entities in international projects. 2/The financial facility is a new state budget reserve (SKK 50 million from the Minerva project for 2006) for VAT refunds to successful participants of the projects within the 6th EU FP. 3/The Slovak R&D Agency announced the first calls for projects (for VAT cost compensations) on 31 May with closing date of 31 July 2006.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 49 and assessment grid page 81  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	portal.gov.sk Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance SR Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://portal.gov.sk/Portal/sk/Default.aspx?CatID=48
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 31-32  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 275/2006 Coll. on Public Administration Systems Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
On 20 April 2006, the National Council of the Slovak Republic approved a law on public administration systems repealing Act No. 261/1995 Coll. on the State Information System. The new law lays down the rights and obligations in the area of public administration information systems, basic requirements for their security, and the procedure for issuing electronic excerpts of data from public administration information systems. The law creates the first systemic technological basis for the functioning of public administration as a single entity. The aim of the Parliament-approved bill on public administration information systems is to create conditions for effective work of public administration and its communication with the public through interconnected and secure information systems, making the best possible use of the potential of modern technologies. The law deals with information systems without difference of the content of processed data. An exception is represented by information systems that contain confidential data, and information systems serving for the defence and security of the state and its inhabitants, which fall outside of the scope of the law. Moreover, the law does not change the rights and responsibilities provided for in other laws.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 42, 46 and Annex 2 (assessment grid) p. 78, 79
This Programme of the Slovak Research and Development Agency was approved by Government Resolution No. 216 of 8 March 2006. It is a new financial instrument in the area of competitive financing of research and technological development under the priority 1 area (Raising and supporting highly qualified scientists) of the Minerva programme. It supports the promotion of the mobility of human resources and the popularisation of science in the society. The Agency issued the call for projects under the above Programme on 18 April 2006, and the deadline for applications was set at 19 June 2006.
SK Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 38, 50 and annex 2 (assessment grid) page 82 and 84; Progress REport 2007, p. 40
The Public Procurement Portal is accessible for the public since May 2006 (www.evo.gov.sk).The Electronic Public Procurement (EVO) project related tasks are defined in the Resolution of the Government No. 230 of 15 March 2006. In December 2005, public procurement for the project was concluded by the  Ministry of Transport, Posts and Telecommunication (MoTPT) and a contract was signed with the winner, the IBM Slovakia,s.r.o. On 22 April 2006 the pilot project using real data of a real MoTPT tender was started. This pilot project was successfully concluded with the announcement of the successful bidder on 5 June 2006. The EPP project allows the government and public sectors organisations to prepare for the statutory obligation of electronical procurement of all goods from 1 January 2007, on time.
SK NRP Progress Report (Oct 2006) p. 19 and Annex 2 (assessment grid, page 63)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 124/2006 (on health and safety at work) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 125/2006 (on labour inspection) Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
New Act No. 124/2006 (on health and safety at work) and Act No. 125/2006 (on labour inspection and on amendment of Act No. 82/2005 on illegal work and illegal employment) were both drafted with a view to reducing the administrative burden caused by their application on employers as well as on entrepreneurs (who are not employers). Both acts came into effect on 1 July 2006. The new legislation eliminates the following former employer's obligations a) have an authorisation for the performance of some entrepreneurial activities (e.g. for manufacturing and reconstructing specific technological equipment); b) obligations on the side of the employers for performing regular annual work health and safety inspections; c) reporting the date of business operation start to labour inspection authorities. In addition, competent labour inspection state authorities publish some of the permits and certificates required by the new legislation, thus simplifying access of employers to information they need for their work.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 24
The establishment of a Slovenian entre for competitiveness and innovation at the end of 2006 will enable the networking of all support services, innovative enterprises, investors, universities and research institutions. The centre will also serve as the national centre for innovation and will be used to create a fully operative innovations market with the aid of one-stop-shops. The centre will work to establish and improve the links between the Euro Info Centres, the Innovation Relay Centre (IRC), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, the Chamber of Craft of Slovenia, innovation hubs, agencies, institutions and funds.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 20
The national air transport legislation is being harmonised with EU law in order to liberalise the commercial aspects of transport and ensure common standards in transport, technical and safety regulations. A total of 21 regulations (rules, decrees, acts) for this area were adopted in 2005 and further six regulations were passed in the first six months of 2006. Administrative procedures were shortened and new lines were opened, including lines for low-cost airlines.
The Programme of Measures to Promote Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness 2007-2013, which the Government approved in July 2006, lays down clear policies for the comprehensive and transparent formulation and implementation of measures to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship and a rise in competitiveness, and along with this the targeted use of budget funds and financing from Structural Funds. The Programme encompasses four key areas:  - the promotion of entrepreneurship and an enterprise-friendly environment; - knowledge for industry; - development and innovation in industry; - the promotion of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through equity and debt sources.
http://www.mf.gov.si/slov/javnar/53646-ZJZP_EN.pdf; Implementation Report 2007, p. 28
Public-Private Partnership Act regulates the purpose and principles of private investment in public projects and/or of public co-financing of private projects that are in the public interest (hereinafter: public-private partnership), the methods of encouraging public-private partnership and the institutions concerned with its encouragement and development, the conditions, procedure for creation and the forms and methods of operating public-private partnerships. In July 2007, the Government also adopted the Council for Public-Private Partnership Ordinance.
Since its establishment in 1985, the Young Researchers Programme has provided several PhD degrees and made a significant contribution to lowering the average age of researchers in Slovenia. It has been based on the doctoral training of researchers trough their full participation in research projects of public research organisations, and providing the students with regular income throughout their study. A new manner of distributing funds for young researchers was implemented and consolidated in 2006, by the selection of  their mentors (instead of individual candidates as in the past) leaving to mentors the responsibility to select most promising students and bring them to a successful termination of the programme. A list of accepted mentors in English was also published by the STA, which gave the option to foreign students to submit 2007 applications and have their doctoral thesis financed by Slovenia.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 6  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implementation Report on the Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals 2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.umar.gov.si/fileadmin/user_upload/projekti/02_SI-porociloNRP2006-slo.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	akon o davku od dohodkov pravnih oseb (ZDDPO-2), eng.: Corporate Income Tax Act Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=2006117&stevilka=5014
In September 2006 the Government adopted seven new draft tax laws. Apart from simplification, these laws particularly provide for: (i) a reduction of the personal income tax brackets from five to three and the marginal tax rate from 50% to 41%; (ii) retention of the schedular taxation of passive income (income from property) introduced in 2006 at a single final rate of 20%; and (iii) a gradual reduction of corporate income tax from 25% to 20% and abolition of the general investment tax credit by retaining tax relief for regional investment in research and development.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 44  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Zakon o davcnem postopku Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=2006117&stevilka=5018
The Tax Procedure Act essentially simplifies the tax procedure and eliminates unnecessary administrative operations both with taxable persons and tax authorities, thus substantiating the expectations of reducing costs when implementing the fiscal legislation and improving the perfomance of the tax administration.
Important steps were carried out by the SRA in 2006 to increase application of scientific achievements and strengthen popularisation of the social and economic role of science: (i) introduction of a self-promotional normative principle, under which research programmes and projects financed by the SRA have to annually manage promotion in their respective fields; (ii) systematic presentation of top Slovenian scientists, projects, achievements, award winners and other topics in TV shows, in order to bring the success of Slovenian R&D activities to the audience in a popular manner; (iii) cooperation with newspapers and TV stations to bring to the fore the scientific information relating to issues of every-day life.
In order to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system, the Protection of the Right to Trial without Undue Delay Act was adopted in April 2006. The purpose of this Act is to provide adequate protection in this field, while its impact also pertains to the simplification of legislation and standardisation of legal proceedings. The Act regulates in detail a single simplified procedure according to which alleged infringements of the constitutional right to trial without undue delay are settled, while stipulating relatively stringent deadlines for settling any claim under this Act.
The SRA wants to introduce a professional and transparent system of managing R&D, in line with the principles of the National Research and Development Programme. To achieve this goal, in 2006 the SRA started to intensly introduce electronic forms of communication and cooperation with end users of its services, especially electronic application forms, evaluation of research applications and research reports. The results of research, including research reports, publications and other achievements of every researcher or a project and programming team are available on-line. In order to achieve transparent management with its budget, the SRA introduced a regularly updated overview of the allocation of funds for all contracts.
In 2006, two amendments to the Enforcement of Judgements in Civil Matters and Insurance of Claims Act (ZIZ-C and ZIZ-D) were adopted that inter alia follow the objective of the simplification and acceleration of legal proceedings, and provide for the acceleration of the enforcement procedures and disburden the executive courts.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 13, 16
The state's share in Telekom Slovenia, the largest operator in the electronic communications market, total 62.53%. If we also take into account its indirect share owned through the national restitution and pensions funds (KAD and SOD), the state owns 74.14% of the company. Strategic proposals for the privatisation of Telekom Slovenia and NKBM were approved by the Slovenian government on 11 May 2006. The plan is to sell all shares in the direct and indirect ownership of the state. The company will be sold in one piece together with its subsidiaries. The first step in the process was taken by floating the company on the stock market on 1 October 2006. The main objectives of selling the state's share in Telekom Slovenia are to: (i) establish an ownership structure that will ensure efficient management, competitiveness and successful development of Telekom Slovenia and its subsidiaries in the long run; (ii) achieve the maximum possible selling price along with other objectives and to create positive effects for the development of the electronic communications sector; (iii) guarantee the transparency of all transactions, including by safeguarding the interests and rights of all stakeholders, and refund the claimants estalished pursuant to the Return of Investments in the Public Telecommunications Network as soon as possible. After privatisation the state will retain 25% of the company plus one share, which will allow the government to have a say in some of the company's strategic decisions. Relatively high budgetary revenues are expected from this source, however, they cannot be estimated exactly at the moment.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 43  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implementation Report on the Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals 2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Institute of macroeconomic analysis and development Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.umar.gov.si/fileadmin/user_upload/projekti/02_SI-porociloNRP2006-slo.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Zakon o davku na dodano vrednost (ZDDV-1), eng.: Value Added Tax Act Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=2006117&stevilka=5012
In order to simplify procedures for small taxable persons, the renowated Value Added Tax Act (Zakon o davku na dodano vrednost ZDDV-1) raises the taxable turnover threshold, which means the obligatory entry to the VAT system, introduces tax warehouses and abolishes the obligation of keeping special tax records on VAT. By changing the definition of taxable turnover, which is taken into account when assessing the scope of business operations for the obligatory entry to the VAT system, the number of VAT taxable persons will be reduced and the system simplified for those taxable persons who pursue predominantly VAT-exempted activities withtout the right of claiming the deduction of input tax.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 32, 34
The Vocational and Technical Education Act was adopted in July 2006 and introduces the enhanced interconnection of general, technical and practical knowledge and education adjusted to individual competencies (capabilities). Moreover, it introduces the openness of curricula and envisages the obligation to carry out part of the educational programme directly in the work process, i.e. at the employer's premises.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 17
The operation of the energy market was also enhanced by the adoption of the amended Energy Act, which the government submitted to the parliamentary procedure in July 2006, and which should abolish the licence required for wholesale energy trading in Slovenia. This will primarily simplify the access of foregin providers to the Slovenian energy market and especially to the Slovenian power exchange.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 13
The programme of the withdrawal of state control from companies was adopted by the Government in July 2006. State owned companies were divided into three groups. The first group comprises non-profit enterprises, from which the state is supposed to withdraw in 30 months. The second group includes enterprises listed on the stock exchange, for which a period of 24 months is foreseen for the state's withdrawal. The third group covers major companies where time limits for sale are inappropriate. Advisory panels were also appointed for four leading Slovenian commercial companies (Telekom, Triglav Insurance Company, NLB bank, NKBM bank) to prepare privatisation programmes for these firms.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 13  http://www.apek.si
Since the fragmentation of publicly funded research projects has been high in Slovenia (high number of very small projects), in 2006 special measures were taken by the SRA to reduce it. In 2006, the agency received 1% more money for research projects than the previous year, and at the same time decreased their number from 779 to 613.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 30 and Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, 136/2006, 110/07.
The new Corporate Income Tax Act introduced tax relief for investments in R&D whereby taxable persons have the possibility to claim a reduction of the taxable base in the amount of 20% of the total sum intended for investment in R&D in a particular tax period, yet only up to the amount of the taxable base. Investments qualified for relief include investments in the internal R&D activities of taxable persons and in the purchase of R&D services provided by other people, including affiliated entities, or other public or private research organisations. Such relief is further improved with a regional component, i.e. regional relief (in less developed regions tax relief for R&D investments will be increased up to 30-40%).
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 29, Trendchart Country Report 2006 for Slovenia
Moreover, a public tender for co-financing researhcers in the economic sector amounting to SIT 1.350 m (EUR 5.63 m) to be used in 2006-2008 was held in 2006 under the programme for the transition of researchers from national and foreign institutions of knowledge to Slovenian enterprises. The main goal of the measure is to increase the number of Ph.D. researchers in business sector. This should be achieved by stimulating the mobility of researchers from public research institutions to business sector. In the long run, this measure should contribute to better linkages between researchers from enterprises and public research institutions and minimise cost of transfer of innovations.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 15; Implementation Report 2007, p. 13
Another measure aimed at increasing competition in the telecommunications market is number portability. Number portability was introduced by mobile operators at the beginning of 2006 and for publicly accessible telephone services at a fixed location in May 2006.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 32  Official Gazette of the RS, No. 139/06
The Human Resources and Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 to implement the scholarship policy and develop human resources. The Fund will also contribute to the implementation of instruments designed to improve collaboration between science and research institutions and the corporate sector. In carrying out the scholarship policy, the Fund will provide scholarships and scholarship schemes, student loans, and incentives for graduate and post-graduate students to complete their bachelor's, masters', and doctoral theses in the year intended for graduation after the final semester.  The Slovene Human Resources and Scholarship Fund was established by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia by adopting the Act, with which it transformed the existing Ad futura, Science and Education Foundation of the Republic of Slovenia, Public Fund into the Slovene Human Resources and Scholarship Fund.
In 2007, the Government adopted the Venture Capital Companies Act and the Corporate Income Tax Act and introduced individual tax relief for venture capital investment in fast-growing and innovative SMEs through venture capital companies. The Venture Capital Companies Act and the Corporate Income Tax Act lay down the implementation of statutory and tax solutions for the promotion of equity financing of companies in Slovenia.
The Act Amending the Minor Offences Act adopted in March 2006, among other things, already provides for the disburdening of judges regarding some tasks, which speeds up judicial proceedings and thus improves the efficiency of courts.
In 2006, the Slovenian Research Agency (SRA) set up a system for monitoring the transfer of know-how from research programmes (that present some 40% of all budgetary funds, allocated by the agency for research activities) through favourising those public research programmes whose findings are actually utilized by users of the know-how. Data for all programming groups shows an increase of the funds that were gained by the transfer of know-how to companies, from EUR 11mio in 2005 to EUR 12.8mio in 2006.In 2006, the programming teams had an increase of 3% of funds by transferring know-how to companies in comparison with 2005.
Slovenia Implementation Report 2006 p. 13, Implementation Report 2007, p. 12
Strategic proposals for the privatisation of NKBM were approved by the Slovenian government on 11 May 2006. The state is currently selling its 49% share in the NKBM bank to be completed in Novemebr via an Initial Public Offer (IPO).
Regulations in the area of electronic communications were updated by the Act Amending the Electronic Communications Act, adopted in December 2006. The amended law intends to: (i) eliminate the shortcomings that become obvious during the implementation of the old law or the directives under the 2002 regulatory framework; (ii) enable the launch of new electronic networks and services; (iii) implement Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks, and amending Directive 2002/58/EC. The amendments also concern the operation of the Post and Electronic Communications Agency. They extend the Agency's autonomy and powers of surveillance and its powers in the administrative enforcement and the possibility to act on irregularities established in the operations electronic communications and postal services power.
The new Road Transport Act adopted in December 2006 is harmonised with European legislation. Thus, it provides for the implementation of regulations on road passenger and freight transport and transposes the relevant directives into national law.
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 29, annex 1 measure 129, Ministerial Order ITC/1201/2006 (BOE 26/04/06)
The content and quality of the information supplied by retail distributors (price data) to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce has been increased, thus improving the information available to consumers.
NRP 2006 Progress Report pages 22 and 40, Annex 1 measures 286-288 SBA fact sheet
The reform package Entrepreneurship Programme supports technology transfer bodies through: 1/the launch of the Technology Center Plan (Plan ACT) that stimulates cooperation between these research "Centros Tecnologicos, CCTT" in different regions and supports the creation of new centers and 2/the streghtening of the existing PROFIT program (financing R&D projects by Technology Centers). The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.  Main objective of technology centres is to provide technological services to businesses, especially SMEs, as they do not usually have resources for developing their own technology. Thus, the major purpose of CCTTs is promoting technological innovation among companies.   The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 25 Annex I measure no. 12 Royal Decree RD 1418/2006  (01/12/2006) Act 28/2006 (17/07/2006) AEVAL Agency Website (www.aeval.es) (March 2010)
The creation of the agency AEVAL was authorised by act 28/2006 (of the 17th of July) on State Agencies. The Royal Decree RD 1418/2006 (of the 1st of December) regulates the statutes of the agency. The Agency is responsible for evaluating the activities carried out by State Agencies and other public institutions. Furthermore, AEVAL monitors the implementation of the various laws and regulations approved by the Government, particularly the National Reform Programme. The creation of this agency is part of the modernisation and innovation process of the Spanish Public Administration. The Agency started its activity on 01/01/2007.
NRP 2006 Progress Report page 40, Annex 1 measure 293 Press Note from the ICO (01/03/2006) Website of the ICO (Official Credit Institute), www.ico.es (March 2010)
A credit line of 50 M EUR has been created by ICO (Official Credit Institute) to support SMEs' efforts to export (market exploration expenses, net investment needed, etc). Firms can receive a loan of up to 100,000 EUR for three years at 0% interest rate (the loans must be repaid). The ICEX (Institute for Foreign Trade) will finance the interests (estimated cost 3,71M EUR in next three years). This measure complements two programmes launched by the ICEX: the "Learn to Export" training programme (launched in 2005), and the Programme to Initiate Promotion Abroad (PIPE, 2000). This ICO credit line is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme, approved by the government in January 2006. The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 3 and 41, Annex I measures no. 301 and 303  Report on Sectors and Policies. Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (2007)  Royal Decree 1332/2006, 21st November 2006 Minister Cabinet Meeting (17/11/2006) (www.la-moncloa.es)
NRP Progress Report 2006 page 28, annex measure no. 135.
In the second half of 2006, distributors in Spain and Portugal were authorised to trade in forward instruments. This is the first forward instrument traded on an organised market and extending its use will provide distributors with a vital tool for risk management. The monitoring is done through the Regulators Council (Spanish and Portuguese energy regulators).
NRP 2006 progress report, pages 3, 18, 22 and Annex 1 measures 91-93.
CENIT (part of the INGENIO 2010 programme, June 2005) aims to enhance public-private cooperation through large projects.  The first 16 projects were approved in March 2006 (200 M euro public funds and 230 M euro private funds, 130 companies and 200 research groups). Also within CENIT, the Neotec Venture Capital Fund (launched February 2006) aims to increase early-stage investment in technological companies whereas the Torres Quevedo programme supports integration of researchers into private companies. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 26, annex 1 measure 156  BOE 19/07/2006 (Boletin Nacional del Estado or National Gazette)
This act establishes the regulatory framework for state agencies, with the aim to achieve a more autonomous and agile Administration and reduce red tape. State Agencies are now constituted as autonomous and flexible public organisations with a new management culture based on objectives and with their own statute/rules.
2006 NRP progress report, page 39, Annex I measure no. 270  Update on expenditure from the 2007 NRP progress report, p. 48.  Press Note from the Ministry of Economy and Treasury on ICO Credit Lines (31/01/2006)  ICO (Official Credit Institute) website: www.ico.es  (March 2010)
NRP Progress report 2006 page 28, Annex 1 measure 119
Introduction of necessary mechanisms to improve supply security and manage the system more efficiently. The monitoring body is the National Energy Commission (CNE).
Tariff methodology review and energy auctions. Royal Decree 1634/2006, which revised the electricity tariff from 1 January 2007 onwards, advances towards allowing the progressive implementation of an additive structure for the electricity tariff by improving the estimation of the cost of generating electricity. The reform of the process of calculating regulated prices will mitigate the distortions caused by the tariffs in the liberalised market. This Royal Decree also includes supplyside measures to promote competition, such as virtual power plant auctions, under which generators are obliged to assign part of their capacity to third parties outside their business group. Two of the planned five auctions have already been held successfully.
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 30 Annex III.4
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 117. Royal Decree 1630/2006
One of the main novelties of the LOE relates to foreign languages. For the first time, all students will study english from 6 and a second foreign language from age 10. Key learning areas such as the vernacular are strengthened and more time is devoted to reading: a minimum of half an hour per day of reading will be compulsory in primary school.
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 21, 25 and 41 Annex I  measures no. 306, 308 and 310 Press Note from the MAP (Ministry of Public Administration) 19/01/2006. www.map.es Press Note from the Presidency of the Government (14/09/07). www.la-moncloa.es
This measure implies the development of several initiatives foreseen to implement e-Administration: creation of the central administration's common on-line register, establishment of an electronic data interchange system between administrations (SARA), and the possibility to carry out more processes via the single electronic document (DUE). These initiatives to promote e-Administration are included in the Moderniza and AVANZA reform packages, which were approved at the end of 2005 to promote the use of ICT and the Information Society in general. Public policies related to science and technology are analysed and monitered through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report , page 19. Annex 1 measures 94-97. BOE 07/04/06
The Consolider Program aims at increasing research critical mass and excellence. It includes the CONSOLIDER Projects, the CIBER Projects, the I3 Programme and the Strategic Fund for Science and Technology Infrastructure, each one containing regular public announcements of grants. In decision of 30/03/06 (BOE 07/04/2006) one of the announcements for grants of the CIBER projects was issued. The Consolider programme is contained in the reform package Ingenio 2010. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report, page 24-25, annex 1 measure 201, BOE 30/12/06
The main measures introduced by this act are as follows: 1) Eliminating rounding. The new law classifies rounding up time usage, prices or bills as abusive, 2) Matching of conditions for initiating and terminating service contracts and 3) Regulation of consumer associations to adapt the rules to the current association movement and to make them more transparent and independent.
NRP 2006 Progress Report pages 7 and 40, Annex 1 measure n.5 Law 35/2006. Spanish National Gazette www.boe.es (29/11/2006)
The Law on Company Tax was amended by Law 35/2006 (of 28/11/2006). There will be a reduction of 5 percentage points off the general company tax rate (from 35% to 30% in two years) and the rate for SMEs (from 30% to 25% immediately). In addition, the law foresees the gradual reduction of most tax allowances (including those for R&D) up to their elimination in 2011, 2012 and 2014. This measure is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006. The Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 29, Annex measure no. 123 ;  Royal Decree Act 7/2006
The transient system of Competition Transition Costs (CTC), created ten years ago to facilitate the transition from a regulated to a liberalised market, was abolished. The abolition was supported by reports that the generating fleet was highly depreciated and that the CTCs might be creating distortions. The definitive solution for the CTCs aims to prevent CTC from interfering with, or distorting, price discovery in the market. The monitoring body is the National Energy Commission (CNE).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 21 Annex I measure 101
New Regulations to the General Subsidies Act (38/2003) approved by Royal Decree 887/2006, to include measures which speed up and reduce bureaucratic barriers in relation to financial aids for R&D and Innovation activities. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP 2006 Progress Report pages 7 and 40, Annex 1 measure n.290
The Law on Company Tax ammended by Law 35/2006 maintains tax allowances for R&D until 2012, but foresees a gradual reduction of those deductions. Alternatively, companies can obtain a 40% rebate on employer Social Security contributions for employees directly involved in research and development activities. This last discount will continue being applicable after 2012. Both initiatives are part of the Entrepreneurship Programme (PFE),  structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 17-18 Annex I measures 45 and 46
The Strategic Plan for Childhood and Adolescence (2006-2009) and the new Education Organic Act favour early-age schooling through initiatives as the increase in the number of places for schooling children aged under 2 and 100%  schooling of children aged 3 to 6 free of charge by 2010. The monitoring body is the Childhood Observatory (Observatorio de la Infancia).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 299 Website of the ICEX (Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade) www.icex.es (March 2010)
As a measure to increase the internationalisation of Spanish companies, this programme trains over 500 graduates in foreign trade through internships, providing them with experience on working abroad and business management. The public announcements for the different types of grants are issued in the first semester of each year. This grant programme started in 1975, but its content and structure has constantly evolved since then. In 2006, the programme included more vacancies and new destinations, together with more specialised profiles for grant holders. This measure is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006, and it aims at supporting Spanish companies' exports and internationalisation, among others.
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 74.  http://www.ipyme.org/IPYME/en-US/ProgramasAyuda/InnoEmpresa/
The InnoEmpresa programme deals with one of the most important strategic priorities of the National Reform Plan, which was drafted by the Spanish Government. It aims to improve the innovative capacity of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, as these represent a substantial part of Spain's business fabric.   Royal Decree 1579/2006, of December 22 created the aid scheme "InnoEmpresa" 2007-2013 and established how this would be administrated. With the framework of this Decree, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade draws up the terms and conditions for supraregional projects and jointly administers the Programme along with the Autonomous Communities, which draw up the terms and conditions for their respective areas and publish the annual calls for proposals.  The InnoEmpresa programme, with an estimated budget of 500 million euro for the period 2007-2013, will also be co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the tune of approximately 95 million euro, and it will receive additional financing from those Autonomous Communities that choose to cooperate within the framework of the Sectoral Conference for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
NRP Progress Report 2006, pages 19 and 20, annex 1 measures 87-90; BOE 28/09/06
The Avanza programme (2006-2010), adopted in November 2005, pretends to extend the use of information and communication technologies, aiming at convergence with Europe in the main indicators of the Information Society. The programme includes regular public announcements of grants. The regulatory basis for the grants is the ministerial order ITC/2234/2006 (BOE 11/07/06) and the announcement for the 2006 grants is found in decision 20/09/06 (BOE 28/09/06). The Avanza programme is contained in the reform package Ingenio 2010. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 40, annex 1 measure 284 Ministerial Order ITC/2691/2006; BOE 21/08/06 Informative Paper on Industrial Districts (number 1144). Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce. November 2006.
As a measure to increase the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer, studies and analyses regarding business clusters have been carried out (pending tender to identify clusters or innovative business groupings). Furthermore, the Ministerial Order ITC/2691 was published (21/08/2006), in order to regulate Innovative Business Groupings (AEI) and their public support regime. Innovative Business Groupings (AEI) are included in the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006, and they are seen as a means to promote innovation and spread innovation procedures among collaborative companies.
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 21, 25 Annex I measure 99
The Act 28/2006 " of State Agencies for the improvement of Public Services" allows the Higher Council for Scientifc Research and the Carlos III Health Institute to adopt of a new legal form ("state agency") that is more in line with their procurement and contracting needs. State agencies are mend to be more autonomous, flexible and accountable on results. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Progress Report 2006, page 39, annex 1 measure 268  Press note from the Presidency of the Government (17/01/2006). www.la-moncloa.es
This measure consists of a credit line based on a micro-loans programme for women in order to foster entrepreneurship in the society (it was originally created in 2001). This programme was given a boost thanks to the new agreement signed by the General Directorate of SME Policy, the Institute of the Woman and "la Caixa" (Building Society of Barcelona). It offers a credit line of 6 million Euros to support those women who want to start a business. Women organisations will also collaborate by offering assessment and information services to women. This measure is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme ("Plan de Fomento Empresarial") approved by the government in January 2006, which is structured around five major axes: fostering entrepreneurship in society; encouraging the creation of new companies and business growth; increasing the capacity for innovation and knowledge transfer; internationalisation of business; and reducing red tape.
As one of the measures to improve governance and information, in July 2006 the R&D and innovation Information Points were created to offer companies a one-stop shop for information about support for R&D and innovation from the regions, the State and the European Union. The network offers support by phone and via the internet, and it has 118 points of presence, to which all the information offices of the Central Government will be added gradually. The monitoring and evaluation is done through the SISE (Integrated Monitoring and Assessment System).
NRP Implementation Report 2006, page 14 and Annex I measures 45-58, 62,74. Institute of Evaluation.
The Organic Act 2/2006 foresees a budget of 7033 million euro and a set of measures to be implemented by Central and Regional Government in the period 2006-2010 with the following aims a) avoid failure and early school-leaving and to promote successful completion of education (pedagogic support, funding for remedial programmes); b) ensure equitable access to education and free education for all (increased budget for all types of grants) c) improve the learning of foreign languages and ITC from an early age d) improve the integration of immigrant students; e) improve teachers' training, motivation and social prestige.The monitoring is done by the Institute of Evaluation (within the Ministry of Education and Science).
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 28  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regeringens nya e-strategi presenteras idag  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/07/37/30/ece25c1e.pdf
To make management in the central government more effective and improve service to citizens and companies, a new strategy for electronic management has been decided. The strategy contains targets for handling electronic messages and electronic purchasing processes and public procurement. A corresponding coordination of electronic management also takes place in the municipalities and county councils, in the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. Together with the Swedish Administrative Development Agency and National Financial Management Authority and others, organisations have worked for a uniform IT infrastructure for the public sector.
On 1 January 2009, the liberty to apply for admission to an upper secondary school outside the normal catchment area will be introduced (Govt. Bill. 2006/07:71). This means that student's will have greater possibilities in choosing an upper secondary education outside their home municipality. This is expected to contribute to increased cooperation between municipalities, to enhance the supply of education and to increase growth in the region.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 31
In June 2006 the Riksdag decided on guidelines for future long-term energy policy measure on research, development, demonstration and commercialisation in the energy area (Govt. Bill 2005706: 127, Research and New Technology for Future Energy Systems). The decision provides a long-term basis for activities and an allocation of over SEK 800 million annually is planned for the purpose. The Government believes that the level of ambition for transforming research results into marketable products and services should be raised.
A measure already implemented by the previous government is the recently decided simplification of accounting laws. The work on further simplification in this area has continued. The Government has abolished the mandatory auditing in 2010 for small private limited companies.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 26
In 2007 the Government will increase basic financing of the institutes by SEK 45 million in order to strengthen their competence and thus make it easier for industry, especially SMEs, to get access to research results.
The Swedish Reform Programme on Growth and Jobs p. 40  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regeringens proposition 2005/06:135, Elektronisk ingivning till Bolagsverket Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Department of Justice Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Stockholm Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/05/99/58/7dda41d1.pdf
New rules about submission of electronic documents to the Swedish Companies Registration Office entered into force on 1 July 2006. The new rules mean that limited liability companies may send in notifications of registration, applications and annual reports electronically. The possibility of electronic annual reports has also been introduced. As of 1 July 2006 it is possible to register limited liability companies and file annual reports via the Internet. Electronic communication of the same kind is planned for other legal forms of business entities, such as cooperative societies and partnerships.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 61
In July 2006 the previous government decided an ordinance on antidiscrimination in public procurement contracts (2006:260). According to this ordinance thirty central government agencies are obliged to specify terms in their procurement contracts to discourage discrimination by suppliers.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 74
Resources to basic higher education, postgraduate edcation and research will be strengthened to enable academic insitutions to maintain quality in education. In 2006 SEK 133 million will be spent on improving the quality of basic higher education. The Government will continue its planned measures to improve the quality of basic higher education with funding of SEK 256 million in 2007.
Resources have been set aside to promote new public-private partnerships in six key industry sectors of special importance. For this purpose, strategic development programmes have been designed in the course of a dialogue between the Government and government agencies, industry and employee organisations. The central government is contributing SEK 200 million a year from 2006 to 2010 for strategic development programmes co-financed with the business community.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 42  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regeringens proposition 2006/07:1 Budgetpropositionen 2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Stockholm Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/06/96/26/f9078b24.pdf
It is the Government's view that the wealth tax should should be phased out during this electroral period, which would inter alias improve the business sector's access to risk capital. As a first step, the tax rate will be halved from 1.5% to 0.75 % per cent on entrepreneurial capital, i.e. financial assets, from 2007.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 28
In 2006 a three-year programme aimed at stimulating more use of e-identification was initiated. By supporting government agencies' demand for electronic identification (eID) in a market, these agencies are given the opportunity to develop electronic services that enable them to improve management efficiency.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs p. 27
In order to make the patent system even more attractive, the Government in the summer of 2006 decided to reduce the fee for patent applications so that it will not be regarded as an obstacle, particularly by individual inventors or small enterprises.
Budget 2006 announced a new 30 per cent rate of income tax relief for investments in Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), to help ensure that the VCT industry has a solid foundation for stable fundraising and continued growth. The Government has also increased the minimum holding period for new shares in VCTs to five years.
HM Treasury Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth: UK National Reform Programme 2008, p. 14.  Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 2007 'Companies Act 2006: A Summary of what it means for Private Companies', p. 3.
Since April 2008 small companies have been benefiting from changes that mean private companies do not have to appoint a company secretary unless they choose to, nor do small companies need the signature of two directors to execute deeds.
At Budget 2006, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced a programme for streamlining the tax system which includes: a) reducing the administrative burdens on business of dealing with HMRC forms and returns by at least 10 per cent over 5 years; b) reducing the administrative burden on business of dealing with HMRC's audits and inspections, by 10 per cent over three years and at least 15 per cent over five years; c) launching a new business-led Administrative Burdens Advisory Board chaired by Teresa Graham, to propose and develop reforms to administration of the tax system; and d) examining the scope further to align income tax and national insurance systems in order to improve outcomes for the low paid and to reduce burdens on employers, particularly SMEs.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 28 (section 3.62 SMEs and innovation)
UK Update on Progress (October 2006) p. 31, 34
The Government is committed to ensuring that all young people reach the age of 19 equipped to enter higher education or skilled employment, and aims to raise participation in education and training from 75 per cent today to at least 90 per cent at age 17 by 2015. The Government recently set out a comprehensive programme of reform to transform the English further education system in a Further Education White Paper (Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances). Following the publication of the Further Education White Paper, a free entitlement to tuition for first, full level 3 qualifications for those aged 19-25 will be implemented, alongside an expanded Adult Learning Grant, from 2007-08. A programme of learner accounts, focused on level 3 skills acquisition, will also be trialled, which aim to give learners greater choice and control over their learning.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 19 (section 3.21 regulated industries)
The water regulator, Ofwat, has established a regime to enable water providers to compete to supply large water users.
Women's Enterprise Task Force (2009) 'Greater Return on Women's Enterprise' Final Report, p. 42.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 23(section 3.44 Implementing the 2005 Better Regulation Action Plan)
The Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act aims to make it quicker and easier to tackle unnecessary or over-complicated regulation and help bring about a risk-based approach to regulation. This measure was foreseen by the "Better Regulation Action Plan" published in May 2005. The Bill was introduced to the Parliament on January 2006 and received Royal Assent on November 2006.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 20 (section 3.26 promoting entrepreneurship)
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 21 (section 3.33 High Growth business coaching)
Building on the services currently available via Business Link, all nine Regional Development Agencies have rolled out the High Growth SME Coaching Scheme, a structured programme of intensive coaching and assistance for high-growth SMEs, on a phased basis since April 2006. The scheme will be scaled up in every region in the coming years to improve coverage and maximise impact.
UK NRP-Update on progress (Oct 2006) pages 26, 29
HM Revenue and Customs 2006 Compliance Cost Review Changes to the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme, p. 1-2.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) page 22 (section 3.38 Improving access to finance)
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 32 (section 3.79 Skills - Participation)
The Welsh Assembly Government published its first overarching Strategy for Science in November 2006, covering areas such as schools science, Higher Education research, public engagement and commercialisation. The strategy identifies healthcare and life science, the low carbon economy, and science to enable sustainable economic and social renewal as priority areas for the commercialisation of research.
UK NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 24-25.  http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/_files/9F94BB4CBDE89549C3CDE6D8DDDE432F.pdf  http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/ukpga_20060021_en_1
The Childcare Act 2006 is the first ever act to be exclusively concerned with early years and childcare. The act will help transform childcare and early years services in England for generations to come, taking forward some of the key commitments from the Ten Year Childcare Strategy, published in December 2004.  Measures in the act formalise the important strategic role local authorities play through a set of new duties. These duties will require authorities to:  - Improve the five Every Child Matters outcomes for all pre-school children and reduce inequalities in these outcomes  - Secure sufficient childcare for working parents  - Provide a better parental information service   The act also reforms and simplifies early years regulation and inspection arrangements, providing for a new integrated education and care quality framework for pre-school children and also for the new Ofsted Childcare Register. The aim is that the act's main provisions will come into effect in 2008.
Postcomm (the postal services regulator) opened up the UK mail market to competition in January 2006, ahead of the proposed EU directive timetable.
UK NRP-Update on Progress (oct 2006) p. 20 (section 3.26 Promoting entrepreneurship)
In order to help young people develop the enterprise skills and aspirations necessary to start up and grow their own business, and in order to bring a more innovative approach to the workplace, the Government took launched in 2006 the Entrepreneurship Fellows Scheme for outstanding UK university students, which includes a six month placement in the US.
Austrian Reform Programme for Jobs and Growth - 2nd Implementation Report 2007, p. 8.  Circular letter of the BMUKK 2007-9
This law is transposing the DIRECTIVE 2005/56/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 26 October 2005 on cross-border mergers of limited liability companies into national law.
Law on cross-border mergers of incorporated enterprises.
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - 2nd Implementation Report 2007, p. 21.
Several components:  * Innovation Cheque (The Innovation Cheque is a facility for SME with the aim to offer them the entry to continous R&D.) * Feasability studies for SME * 10 to 20% reimbursement of R&D * Aid to start-ups * reimbursment of the salaries of junior researchers * risk and start-up financing
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010, p 23
The Austrian federal government planned to develop a comprehensive research strategy for 2020 by summer 2009. As part of the "Austrian Research Dialogue" numerous events dedicated to topics of strategic importance for the future of Austrian R&D policy through until 2020 took place between August 2007 and 2008. The results of the Austrian Research Dialogue were presented at the Alplbach Technology Talks 2008. The national discourse was supplemented by the presentation of the view of European experts on the Austrian policy-mix in the area of research and development. The main challenges on the road to a competitive R&D-environment are: ensure efficient networks between science and entrepreneurship; encourage innovations in every economic sector; support for founding companies in the field of technology; strengthen entrepreneurial competence of universities; linking-up of college of higher education and universities.
An electronic citizen card has been introduced which can be used for online banking or online-commerce.
Second Austrian reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 22.
Realisation of the infrastructure projects laid down in the six-year framework plan for the Austrian Federal Railways (OeBB) and the construction programme of ASFINAG (the state-owned motorway financing company)(6.4 billion  for railway, and 4.6 billion  for roads). At the same time, planning processes for state-wide projects in the rail-, road and electricity grid networks will be tightened and become more efficient. Other important factors within the public infrastructure are flood control, the extension of river transport as well as broadband technology.
The new programme COIN is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Economic and Labour and the Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology which combines a series of former R&D, Technology and Innovation programmes. The aim is to stimulate the innovation performance of enterprises.
As an innovative extension to the Christian-Doppler-Forschungsgesellschaft (CDG) a pilot programme establishing Josef-Ressel-Centres at colleges of higher education (Fachhochschulen) was launched. The aim is to establish Fachhochschulen as a R&D partner of the economy with a focus on applied research. Especially SME shall be the focus of these public private partnerships.
With regard to auditors, tax advisers, independent accountants as well as accountant bookkeepers, the reforms towards liberalisation were more extensive;  Including making horizontal movements between individual liberal professions possible, abolition of barriers to entry and the introduction of the new profession of accountant bookkeepers as of 1 January 2007. The non-binding recommended fees applicable to these professions were abolished at the end of August 2007.
Second Austrian reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 22. Mittelstandsfinanzierungsgesellschaften-Gesetz 2007
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - 2nd Implementation Report 2007, p. 21.  Information on ProTrans: http://www.awsg.at/portal/media/3233.pdf
Aim: direct funding to support technology- and innovation-oriented SMEs
Second Austrian reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 26.  Austrian Stability Programme for the period 2007 to 2010
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - 2nd Implementation Report 2007, p. 22.  Information on the Guidelines: http://www.bmwa.gv.at/procure_inno
The EU innovation policy pays particular attention to the demand side. In particular, the public sector is to increasingly drive innovation by awarding public contracts, the more so as the potential entailed is fairly large. Accordingly, the Federal Government presented a practice-oriented guideline on public procurement encouraging innovation called "procure_inno" in July 2007, as announced in the NRP 2005. The guideline is to assist procurement officials by informing them about how to use the provisions and instruments of procurement law for innovation purposes and which tendering instruments are particularly suited to stimulate innovation.
Belgium NRP 2008-2010, p. 14.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	"Integraal verslag-  Plenaire vergadering van-VRIJDAG 16 FEBRUARI 2007 " Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	"BRUSSELS  HOOFDSTEDELIJK  PARLEMENT " Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.weblex.irisnet.be/data/Crb/Cri/2006-07/00018/images.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	1 MAART 2007. - Ordonnantie tot wijziging van de ordonnantie van 23 juli 1992 betreffende de gewestbelasting ten laste van bezetters van bebouwde eigendommen en houders van een zakelijk recht op sommige onroerende goederen (1)  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	MINISTERIE VAN HET BRUSSELS HOOFDSTEDELIJK GEWEST  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/doc/rech_n.htm
The regional tax in the Brussels Capital Region for "(built-on) property owners and holders of a right in rem in real estate goods" has been decreased from 179,1euro to 89 euro. This means a lump-sum tax reduction for businessess and households, implemented by the Ordonnance of 1 March 2007 (Published in the Belgian National Gazette on 17 March 2007).
Flanders has increased the Methusalem programme budget. Launched in 2006, the programme offers each university long-term funding on annual basis to enable top researchers to continue their research projects.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 59  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Lisbon strategy. National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Belgium. Progress Report 2009, p. 53-54 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	ouvrage collectif Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.be2010.eu
Both in Flanders and Wallonia, R&D support for SMEs was simplified, e.g.: simplification of procedures, streamlining, harmonizing and integrating similar schemes / programmes, postponing reimbursements (in case of payable loans).
Just like for electricity, regulatory provisions have been developed in order to start with multi-annual tariffs as from 1 January 2008. This will keep the tariffs almost stable for four years which will have a positive impact on the prices for the energy-intensive enterprises.
Progress Report 2007, p. 32  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Nota aan de Vlaamse Regering: Structurele maatregelen ter verbetering van de wetgevingskwaliteit in Vlaanderen: de invoering van de regelgevingsagenda en de goedkeuring van de concrete uitbouw van de Cellen wetskwaliteit binnen de Vlaamse overheid Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Minister van Bestuurszaken, Buiitenlands Beleid, Media en Toerisme Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue:  City	Brussel Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	16-mei-07 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.wetsmatiging.be/fileadmin/user_upload/Beslissingen_Vlaamse_Regering/nota_cellenwetskwaliteit_regelgevingsagenda_16mei2007.pdf (28-3-2011)
On 16 May 2007, the Flemish Government decided on the introduction of the regulatory agenda and the development of "legislative quality cells" within the Flemish government administration.  The regulatory agenda is a publicly available list of planned new legislation or planned changes to existing legislation, which is updated on a regular basis. Such an agenda aims for a better coordination, planning and transparancy  when preparing legislation and is therefore important for the improvement of the quality of the legislation. The agenda's are discussed in meetings between the legislative quality cells which will allow to identify potential overlaps or the need for coordination. They will be updated every 6 months . The agenda's are published on the website of the Regulatory Management Unit and made available to the strategic advisory councils and the Flemish Parliament, resulting in more transparancy.  The "legislative quality cells" must centralise, within each of the policy domains, the expertise to write legislation.  The cells should also result in more cooperation and exchange of information within and between policy domains in the context of the preparation of Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIA) and measurements of the administrative burden.  The Cells were developend as a response to the observation that those involved in the preparation of new legislation are very scattered which leads to a reduced quality of the regulations and forms. Those preparing the legislation are very often only responsible for writing a very small part of the legislation which is at the expense of overall consistency. They also have very different educational backgrounds and very often miss the specific expertise required. They also pay too little attention to possible alternatives for regulation.  The Cells will have to develop and implement the regulatory management within their policy domains, i.e. the management and the monitoring of the regulation, measuring and reducing the administrative burden, application and quality control of the RIA's, etc. They can also help with the actual preparation of new legislation. As a consequence, the Cells will help to counter the negative consequences of the dispersed preparation of legislation and will contribute to a better quality of the legislation.
Progress Report 2007, p. 19  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	19 JULI 2007. - Ordonnantie ertoe strekkende de gemeenten te betrekken bij de economische ontwikkeling van het Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (1)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	MINISTERIE VAN HET BRUSSELS HOOFDSTEDELIJK GEWEST  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	MINISTERIE VAN HET BRUSSELS HOOFDSTEDELIJK GEWEST  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/doc/rech_n.htm
The Brussels Capital Region has put in place a EUR 15-million Fiscal Compensation Fund aimed at harmonising, simplifying, stabilising and eliminating, within the municapilities that make up Brussels, a whole series of taxes that hamper business activity.
Two Laws and a set of Royal Decrees that appeared in early 2007 provided a means of rounding off the transposition of the EU's second railway package. A key component is the creation of the Department of Safety and Interoperability of the Railway Network (DVIS/SSICF).
Progress Report 2007, p. 31  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Nota aan de Vlaamse Regering: Structurele maatregelen ter verbetering van de wetgevingskwaliteit in Vlaanderen: de invoering van de regelgevingsagenda en de goedkeuring van de concrete uitbouw van de Cellen wetskwaliteit binnen de Vlaamse overheid Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Vlaamse Minister van Bestuurszaken, Buiitenlands Beleid, Media en Toerisme Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussel Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	16-May-07 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.wetsmatiging.be/fileadmin/user_upload/Beslissingen_Vlaamse_Regering/nota_cellenwetskwaliteit_regelgevingsagenda_16mei2007.pdf (28-3-2011)
On 16 May 2007, the Flemish Government gave the final approval to a regulatory agenda and the development of the Cellules Wetskwaliteit (quality of legislative texts). Operating within the Flemish Region's public authorities, the Cellules Wetskwaliteit, the regulatory agenda, the forms website and the monitoring system for the quality of legislative texts are due to be fine tuned in the future.    On 16 May 2007, the Flemish Government decided on the introduction of the regulatory agenda and the development of "legislative quality cells" within the Flemish government administration.  The regulatory agenda is a publicly available list of planned new legislation or planned changes to existing legislation, which is updated on a regular basis. Such an agenda aims for a better coordination, planning and transparancy  when preparing legislation and is therefore important for the improvement of the quality of the legislation. The agenda's are discussed in meetings between the legislative quality cells which will allow to identify potential overlaps or the need for coordination. They will be updated every 6 months . The agenda's are published on the website of the Regulatory Management Unit and made available to the strategic advisory councils and the Flemish Parliament, resulting in more transparancy.  The "legislative quality cells" must centralise, within each of the policy domains, the expertise to write legislation.  The cells should also result in more cooperation and exchange of information within and between policy domains in the context of the preparation of Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIA) and measurements of the administrative burden.  The Cells were developend as a response to the observation that those involved in the preparation of new legislation are very scattered which leads to a reduced quality of the regulations and forms. Those preparing the legislation are very often only responsible for writing a very small part of the legislation which is at the expense of overall consistency. They also have very different educational backgrounds and very often miss the specific expertise required. They also pay too little attention to possible alternatives for regulation.  The Cells will have to develop and implement the regulatory management within their policy domains, i.e. the management and the monitoring of the regulation, measuring and reducing the administrative burden, application and quality control of the RIA's, etc. They can also help with the actual preparation of new legislation. As a consequence, the Cells will help to counter the negative consequences of the dispersed preparation of legislation and will contribute to a better quality of the legislation.
January 2007 was the month in which a new tax incentive was agreed to encourage companies to develop or acquire patents. This means companies may now deduct 80% of their patent-related revenue from their basic taxable amount, so that the actual tax rate applicable to these revenues is restricted to 6.8%.
The Federal Public Service-Economy was provided with a separate "Directorate-General for "Competition" in 2007. Now fully operational the DG is set to make a wider review of market operations while delving down deeper into the competition issue.
Subsequent to the liberalisation of the cross-border freight transport market in 2006, domestic freight traffic was opened up on 1 January 2007.
The obligation for approximately 120,000 small businesses and shop owners to keep a paper trail of their receipts (apart from their invoices) was removed in November 2007. An electronic cash register system is now sufficient.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 19
The call for proposals for the Establishment of Favourable Multicultural Environment for Practical Implementation of Intercultural Education and Upbringing Programme has been launched since August 2007. This programme will be carried out within the Operational Programme Human Resources Development. It is aimed at reducing the number of drop-outs and of children and pupils, who are not covered by the educational system or are from ethnic minority groups, and at providing for the successful integration thereof through getting to know the cultural differences and bridging over discrimination. National co-financing under the programme amounts to EUR 427.5 thousand. The programme will be implemented in 2008-2009 and will also contribute to the decrease of the drop outs precentage.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 25
A PHARE Project BG 2005/17-586.04.02 Initiatives for Cluster Development, Stage II, has been launched since the third quarter of 2007. It will support already existing or newly arising clusters through investment, consultancy services and training, with two clusters already been supported thus far. Until the middle of 2009 6 - 10 clusters are envisaged to be project beneficiaries. Direct budget costs for the implementation of this initiative are estimated at EUR 0.6 million.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 12  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual Reports of Bulgarian Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Bulgarian Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.bcpea.org/english/articles.php 							 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the implementation of measures envisaged in the National Reform Program (2008-2010) and the Action Plan under the National Reform Program (2008-2010), p.4  (in Bulgarian)						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010						 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	1. www.minfin.bg/document/8361:3
At the beginning of 2007 the Ministry of Justice launched the procedure for building-up and introducing electronic systems into the work of the judiciary: - The system of judgement enforcement it to be completed in 2008 and at present there is a tender procedure for choosing the contractor. - The system of legal assistance will be finalized at end 2009. Signing the contract for assignment of tis implementation is pending.  The above is expected to contribute to increasing the transparency of judgement enforcement, facilitating and optimizing the control over the activity of enforcement officers and ensuring unified standards for administrating the enforcement cases, while enabling citizens to exercise their constitutional rights. Use of the Information system of judgment enforcement started in November 2008. The Register of public sales was launched by the Bulgarian Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents in 2009. The development of an online Central register of debtors is among the main priorities of the Chamber for 2011. National Register of Legal Aid is maintained by the National Legal Aid Bureau.
National Reform Programme 2006-2009 BG p. 61; 2007 Progress Report BG p.44  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the Implementation of the Approved Policies and Programs of the Ministry of Economy and Energy for 2009 (only in Bulgarian language)						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009						 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/doc_vop/Otchet%20Prog_%20budget_09.doc
This measure is implemented under a PHARE project 2004/016-711.11.04 - Support for raising the competitiveness of the Bulgarian enterprises. The main objective of the project is to raise the competitiveness of SMEs from the production sector, i.e. to prepare them to cope with the competitive pressure within the EU through targeted support in accession related aspects of their development, e.g. achieving compliance of manufacturing processes with EU environmental standards and occupational safety & health (OSH) requirements, introducing Quality Management Systems, Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices, increasing energy efficiency, enhancing the capacity for innovations and Research & Development (R&D), and promoting the sustainable development of enterprises with growth potential.
Republic of Bulgaria - National Reform Programme (2008-2010) - 2009 Update, p.22 Council of Ministers Decision N146 as of 12.03.2009
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 20203 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 67 and p. 69. Complemented by: Managing Authority of Operational Programme Development of the Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Economy 2007-2013.
Under it the enterprises can receive grants for the development of innovative products, processes and services, for protection of intellectual property rights, testing trial models, etc. The programme also foresees the development of applied research in research organisations in Bulgaria, the innovation network BG aimed at improving the relationships between the participants in the Bulgarian innovation system, the construction of technological parks, the establishment of regional business incubators, meeting internationaly recognised standards in enterprises, technological upgrade in SMEs and cluster development.
Progress Report, National Reform Programme (2007-2009), p. 11  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	State Gazette No. 46/12.06.2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Parliament Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/broeveList.faces 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regulatory Impact Assessment of the E-Governance Law Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Metody Metodiev Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Institute for Market Economics Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ria-studies.net/bg/documents/
On 31 May 2007, the National assembly adopted the Law on Electronic Governance (LEG). It provides for automation of administrative procedures ensuring transparency of state administration processes, reduction of the possibilites for corruption practices as well as of the administration's costs of maintenance. The LEG also provides for shortening the time period for the administration to perform its activities (incl. upon providing services to citizens and businesses). The Law regulates the one-off creation and repeated use of data; inter-institutional exchange of e-documents, compatibility of information systems, and information security has become obligatory for the administration.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.62
The training of teachers in basic IT skills is almost completed, reaching 90% in primary and secondary education. This training session is expected to be completed in 2010. Moreover, in September 2007, the implementation of the next training session planned for teachers started. This training session concerns the use of multimedia in class. Further than that, the training on the use of the electronic school (DIA.S) started and a small number of educators were trained on the use of the Learning Management System and the Educational Portal.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 91
With regards to impact analysis, the Centralised Specialised Unit of the MoF, in cooperation with the Attorney's General's Office has adopted a simplified mechanism for impact analysis, until a full model of Cost-Benefit analysis is applied. A standard questionnaire has been developed, and has to be attached, as from November 2007, to all Bills/draft Regulations upon their submission to the Attorney General's Office for legal vetting, and at a later stage, to the Council of Ministers and to the House of Representatives.
In compliance with the Bergen standards and guidelines, specified in the context of the Bologna Process for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area, a proposal for the establishment of the Cyprus Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency was approved by the Council of Ministers on 5.9.2007. The Agency is going to replace the existing separate evaluation and accreditation bodies by integrating their responsibilities into one sole body. The aim is to correct the weaknesses of the existing system (like duplication and contradictory decisions) while, at the same time, to extend the area of responsibility of the system so as to cover, in addition to private tertiary education institutions, the state ones, as well as to cover institutional and also internal evaluation and accreditation, in addition to programme quality assurance conducted by the present system. The Agency will also incorporate the functions that are currently performed by KYSATS - the Cyprus Council for the recognition of Higher Education Qualifications.
The new Scheme for the enhancement of SMEs competitiveness in the manufacturing sector has been launched on the 6th of August 2007 and the first announcement will close on the 30th of November 2007. The purpose of the scheme is the support, reinforcement and promotion of the SMEs in the manufacturing sector. More specifically the purposes of the scheme are:  - the improvement of the productivity of the existing manufacturing units - the creation of new manufacturing units for the production of high value products - the creation of new work positions - the promotion of a balanced geographical development.  The budget is EUR 11 mln for the 2007 announcement, and the total budget for the period 2007-2013 is EUR 22 mln. The new scheme, will cover the Programming Period 2007-2013 and will be co-financed by the Structural Funds.
Cyprus National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, April 2O11, Table 3, p.70.
During the 2nd phase (2007-2013) which is co-financed by the ESF, the development of 72 new standards of vocational qualifications is foreseen in priority occupations at various levels.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, pp. 138
Establishment of Private Universities, following the enactment of the relevant legislative framework regulating their operation in July 2005: Following the enactment of the law regulating the establishment and operation of private universities in Cyprus, the Council of Ministers approved, on the 12th of September 2007 the establishment and operation of three (3) new Private Universities. The three private universities with a total number of 7581 students have increased the opportunities for university studies in Cyprus significantly.
The Ministry of Education and Culture in collaboration with the University of Cyprus has announced the increase, by 132, in the students intake, to be effected in academic year 2007-08. The new students will join existing programmes.
The NAP [first edition] has been approved by the Council of Ministers on the 25th of July 2007. It incorporates some of the suggestions regarding the issue of BR in Cyprus,made in the report prepared by Sigma Organization of OECD, following its visit to Cyprus in 2006. The NAP also takes into consideration the commitments of the Republic of Cyprus,resulting from the Spring European Council of March 2007 Conclusions, to set the national targets by 2008 and determine national areas of priority by March 2009.   The implementation will be materialised in two phases: The first phase of the NAP focuses on the reduction of the administrative burden,targeted on areas of legislation, which have major impact on enterprises. The NAP provides that the issue of impact assessment on existing and new legislation will be carried out during the second phase. The NAP provides also for the development of a structured approach to consultation upon preparing a legislative proposal. More specifically, before the examination of any legislation, all the stakeholders related to the proposal should be consulted, through a standardized and effective procedure.   Annually a progress report is being submitted to the Council of Ministers as to the implementation of the NAP(currently 3rd revision]
The e-procurement solution covers eRegistration, eNotification, ePreparation of call for Tenders, eTendering and eAwarding phases and it was extended to include eOrdering and eCatalogues. Currently the e-procurement system is in the second phase of pilot operation where real public procurement competitions are carried out via the use of the system. The Pilot operation will be concluded on 15 November 2009 and from thereon generalised e-procurement services will be available via the system to all contracting authorities in Cyprus. The system can be used free of charge by all Contracting Authorities in Cyprus and all Economic Operators in Cyprus and Abroad.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.43
Renewed National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 21, 67
The upgrading of the Research and Innovation System of Cyprus, approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2007, provides inter alia, the establishment of a National Research Council to be chaired by the President of the Republic, the establishment of a Scientific Council, and the integration of research and innovation activities under the Research Promotion Foundation (RPF). So far (Oct. 2008), the integration of innovation activities in RPF's operations was completed. The establishments of the Scientific Council and of the National Research Council are expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.42
The One Stop Shop (OSS) that started to operate on the 2nd of April 2007, at this point of time is in a position to complete the approval of a business name within a day and the registration of a company within 2-3 working days. For the period October 2008 up to August 2009, 4381 companies have been registered in the One Stop Shop (compared to 8788 in the previous year) and 6003 names were approved.  Also, the recruitment of the first employee takes place within the One Stop Shop and is an easy, quick and simple process. In addition, assistance is provided to the interested employers, for finding personnel through the system for recruitment of unemployed people. Finally, 226 foreign investors were given the appropriate information and guidance about setting up a business in Cyprus.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 102
In May 2007, the Council of Ministers approved the programme of actions for the amendment of public transport in Cyprus with the overall objective to enhance the public transport system (in terms of capcity and quality) and increase its attractiveness so that its use increases from 2% in 2006 to 10% by 2015. More specific objectives also include the following: - Reduce the bus journey times and the average passenger journey time and cost; - Increase the number of bus routes and bus stops so that the maximum walking distance to a bus stop would be 500m approximately; - Increase the frequency of operation of the buses both during daytime and at peak periods (no more than 20 minutes interval during off-peak hours); - Increase the service amplitude (during off-peak periods, night and week-end); - Reduce the average level of harmful gases emissions by buses; - Facilitate the use of public transport by people with impediments, or reduced mobility; - Establish a comprehensive parking policy in order to facilitate public transport.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 23; National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p.50  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Analysis of the Efficiency of Impact Assessment Implementation 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/ria-dokumenty-2009-dokument-ke-stazeni.aspx 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implemenation Report of the National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf
National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 42
Methodology for the Interpretation of the Law on License Agreements was developed in 2007 - it is a very important instrument for the preparation and implementation of PPP projects.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 39 OPEI-Implementation Report 2007, Chapter 7 (p. 62-67); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2008, Chapter 7 (p. 61-66); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2009, Chapter 7 (p. 83-93); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2010, Chapter 7 (p. 102-116); www.mpo.cz
Implementation Report 2007, p. 40 OPEI-Implementation Report 2007, Chapter 7 (p. 62-67); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2008, Chapter 7 (p. 61-66); www.mpo.cz; OPEI-Implementation Report 2009, Chapter 7 (p. 83-93); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2010, Chapter 7 (p. 102-116); www.mpo.cz
Implementation Report 2007, p. 42;  OPEI-Implementation Report 2007, Chapter 4 (p. 46-52);  www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2008, Chapter 4 (p. 44-51); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2009, Chapter 4 (p. 56-62); www.mpo.cz OPEI-Implementation Report 2009, Chapter 4 (p. 67-77); www.mpo.cz
Ministry of Education Youth and Sports http://www.msmt.cz/areas-of-work/structural-funds/education-for-competitiveness-operational-programme-period  OECD Education Policy Outlook. Czech Republic. Page 16
National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 21  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implemenation Report of the National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf
In 2008 the income tax rate for legal entities was decreased from from 24% to 21%. According to the current legislation further gradual decrese will occur relative to the lowering of the tax rate of legal entity income tax in 2008, at first to 20% in 2009 and afterwards down to 19% in 2010.
National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 80;
The Framework education programme for grammar schools and the Framework education programme for grammar schools with sport preparation were issued in the 1st stage of the curriculum reform. A two-year period in which grammar schools will prepare their education programmes, on the basis of which they will start teaching no later than in September, 2009 started in September 2007.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 24;  National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 50 www.mvcr.cz  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Analysis of the Efficiency of Impact Assessment Implementation 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Permanent Committee for Regulatory Impact Assessments Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mvcr.cz/soubor/ria-dokumenty-2009-dokument-ke-stazeni.aspx 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Statute of Board of Deputy Ministers for Regulatory Reform and Effective Public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Board of Deputy Ministers for Regulatory Reform and Effective Public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Board of Deputy Ministers for Regulatory Reform and Effective Public Administration Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://racek.vlada.cz/usneseni/usneseni_webtest.nsf/468a25824715779dc1257107003089de/5e5e5b4753bfdc96c125733f003ecf9a/$FILE/w070822a.0927.doc 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implemenation Report of the National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Office of the Government of the Czech Republic Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/cs_nrp_en.pdf
Denmark's National Reform Programme First Progress Report p. 27  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Strategi for digitalisering af den offentlige sektor 2007-2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Den digitale taskforce Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Den digitale taskforce Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Copenhagen Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://modernisering.dk/ 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Startpakke om virksomhedsportalen Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Center for virk.dk Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Center for virk.dk Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Copenhagen Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.virk.dk/
Establishment of additional and improved digital solutions for the business sector.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.26.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.16
In 2007 the Danish Council for Technology and Innovation (appointed by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation) has drawn up an overall four-year plan of action for the implementation of the Globalisation Strategy in areas important for the dissemination of knowledge and innovation, called InnovationDenmark 2007-2010. The plan of action contains more than 70 specific initiatives aimed at promoting innovation in trade and industry - in particular by means of enhanced interaction and dissemination of knowledge between knowledge institutions and companies.
In June 2007 a broad political agreement was reached concerning the future of digital TV. The agreement means that from the end of October 2009 five nation-wide transmission networks (MUX) can be used for TV purposes. In addition, a MUX has been reserved for research and experimentation puroses. This can take place between the end of October 2009 and the end of October 2010. It will subsequently be transferred to TV purposes - inter alia broadcasting mobile TV. In addition, two MUX have been set aside as an innovation reserve.
The strengthened competition act, which took effect on 1 July 2007, improves opportunities for dealing with cartel cases. First, a leniency programme has been introduced. Under this programme, individuals and enterprises that cooperate with the competition authorities in cartel cases will be eligible for a reduction in - or full exemption from - the penalty they would otherwise incur. Moreover, the competition authority has been given increased powers at control inspections and, in some cases, the competition authority has the authority to issue administrative penalties and bring cases before district and high courts.
Consolidation act. no. 1410 dated 7. december 2007
The "Act on Invitation to Submit Tenders on certain public and publicly funded contracts" replaces the "Act on Invitations to Submit Tenders in the Building and Construction Sector", and introduces new rules in relation to public procurement below EU-thresholds in the fields of services and goods.   When contracting authorities (same definition as in the public procurement directive 2004/18/EC) wish to enter into public contracts concerning services (both A and B-services) and goods the value of which is below the EU thresholds the authorities are required to advertise their intention. This can be done on the contracting authorities own website, or national websites. There are however no procedural rules. The following information shall be made public:  - A description of the assignment - Contact information - Time limit for receive of Tenders - Information on where to send the tender - Criteria for award of the contract
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.10
A total of DKK 325 million has been set aside for the period 2007 to 2009 to enhance quality, standards and development based knowledge at the university colleges. The objective is to support a targeted focus on offering attractive academic study environments, a clear benefit for the students in their internships, and targeted efforts to reduce drop-out rates among students at medium-cycle higher education programmes.
The second pool, called UNIK (University Research Investment Capital) can be applied for by universities for large, long-term initiatives. DKK 240 million has been earmarked in the first instance for 2008 and again for 2009. In April 2008, the individual university managements are for the first time to present proposals for long-term research activities, which are to be evaluated by an internationl panel of experts. The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation will make the final decision concerning the distribution of grants.
All university programmes - existing as well as new - are to be evaluated by an Accreditation Council, which will be an academically independent body within the state administration. The Accreditation Council is to live up to internationnally recognised standards and involve foreign experts in evaluating the education programmes. The criteria for accreditation are to ensure that the education prgrammes live up to international standards. Only programmes that are accredited can receive state grants. The field of work of the Council encompasses the higher education programmes under the Minister for Education, the Minister for Culture and the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. On 1 April 2007 the Act entered into force in the area of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, while it is not to enter into force for the other ministerial areas until 1 January 2008.
The Regional Innovation Agents is a three-year project being conducted by the Danish Council for Technology and Innovation in cooperation with regional authorities. The job of the innovation agents - who are experienced company advisers from the GTS - is to create innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to innovate but with no tradition of making use of knowledge institutions. The goal is for the innovation agents to contact at least 750 enterprises over the next three years and to create innovation in a minimum of 300 of these enterprises. A total of DKK 300 million has been set aside for the initiative, which was launched in spring 2007.
The Gazelle Growth program is a 3-years measure which runs from 2007. It aims at strengthening innovation and growth in knowledge intensive SME's through targeted advisory and educational activities. The objective of the Gazelle Program is to accelerate the growth of 40 Danish companies with high potential for international growth.
Every citizen has the right to have a number of basic telecommunications services supplied. This is the so-called "universal service obligation". Today this service obligation includes basic telecommunications services such as fixed telephony, ISDN, certain leased lines, special services for the disabled, directory inquiries services, and maritime emergency and safety services. The current universal service obligation runs to the end of 2007. As part of the future designation, in 2007 an Act on the Alignment of Rules on the Universal Service Obligation was adopted in 2007.
Funds have been allocated for the establishment of mroe bachelor programmes at the IT university to increase students' options in the field of ICT. DKK 40 million has been allocated in 2007-2009 over the research funds of the Globalisation Fund.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.21
The Infrastructure Pool, with a total of DKK 600 million for financing investments in large-scale, interdisciplinary research infrastructure in Denmark and abroad. The first application round, with a pool of DKK 200 million, opened in spring 2007, and decisions regarding the distribution of funds are expected in autumn 2007.
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 54
In 2007, the Government adopted the Estonian information society strategy, which listed the priorities of the information society development and the resources to be allocated to carry out those activities until 2013.
A follow-up programme is currently being prepared for 2007-2013. Preparation of a new programme prescribes an interim evaluation in 2007 and, in connection with amended requirements of the of the planned programme, application for a state aid permit from the European Commission. The new centres of excellence programme are scheduled to start at the beginning of 2008.
Progress Report for 2007, p. 23; Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 28
In February 2007, the Riigikogu approved the Estonian Research and Development and -innovation strategy 2007-2013, "Knowledge-based Estonia", focusing on the widening of the circle beneficiaries of the Estonian innovation policy and supporting the rise of the development capacity and growth of businesses that today are still mere implementers and improvers of ready-made technological solutions. The government also approved an implementation plan for the said strategy, planning 1 298 million EEK for funding activities in 2007. In 2008, the funds budgeted for R&D activities shall increase by 58% compared to 2007, for the first time exceeding 2 billion kroons.
Progress Report for 2007, p. 39; Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 53
In order to increase the efficiency of market competition and technical supervision institutions and improve information exchange between them, the government decided to merge the functions of the Energy Market Inspectorate, the Competition Board, the Railway Inspectorate, the Communications Board and the Technical Supervision Inspectorate into two strong authorities from the beginning of 2008 - one institution dealing with market regulation and the other dealing with technical supervision. The institution dealing with market regulation will place increased focus on in-depth analysis of the competition situation in the more important economic sectors in Estonia. Along with the merger of the said institutions, a conceptual methodology for the implementation of in-depth analysis is alos being developed.
Progress Report for 2007, p. 46; Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 78
Financing higher education will increase notably from 2008. On 2 August 2007, the government approved an implementation plan for 2007-2009 under the Estonian Higher Education Strategy 2006-2015 with the principal aim of ensuring greater international competitiveness for higher education. The basic cost of a student place will  be increased by 30%, enabling an increase in salaries for teaching staff. The financing formula for universities will be amended; investment in buildings and fittings at educational institutions will be increased with support from the European Regional Development Fund.
In tax policy, the long-term objective of several consecutive governments has been to redirect the tax burden partially from taxation of income to the taxation of consumption and of the exploitation of natural resources and pollution of the environment. According to the amendment of 2007 in the Income Tax Act, the income tax rate were be reduced (this applies to both employees and enterprises) from 22% in 2007 to 21% in 2008, to 20% in 2009, to 19% in 2010, and to 18% in 2011. The amendment of the Income Tax Act prescribed the increase in basic exemption to 3000 Estonian kroons per month (2250 EEK in 2008; 2500 EEK in 2009; 2750 EEK in 2010; and 3000 EEK in 2011). Implementation of these changes was f suspended after the first year in connection with the economic crisis and a quick drop in tax revenue. Since 2008, incomes tax rate is 21% and basic exemption 2250 Estonian kroons (144EUR).
A new general education funding model has been developed, although its approval by the government has been delayed. The new organization of finances primarily tackels the distribution principles governing teacher salary instruments and ensures better access and quality of education. The funding model is based on the curricula and the calculated number of student groups. In addition to the number of students in a group, the cost of the curriculum at different educational levels in school, child individuality and educational special needs as well as support systems related to the aforementioned, bilingual studies and teacher qualifications. To that end, so as to compensate for the class teacher fee, school managemenent costs and teacher in-service training expenses, an additional resource will be made available. The consideration given to the principle of home vicinity in the case of younger students is one of the greatest advantages of the new funding model compared to the old model. The principles of the funding model have been discussed with representatives of school owners as well as representing organizations for school managers, and the model will be implementable from 1 January 2008. The model will be implemented during a three year transition period that enables to use compensation mechanisms.
In accordance with the Electricity Market Act in force until 1 May 2007, expenses related to the promotion of renewable sources of energy were incorporated in the price of transmission network transmission service. With the amendment to the Electricity Market Act that took effect on 1 May 2007, the scheme was made more transparent and expenses related to promotion of renewable sources of energy are now presented separately on the consumer's network service invoice. Electricity transmission network fees have foremost been affected by the promotion of electricity produced from renewable sources of energy.
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 33
In order to promote the mergence of new generations of researchers, the popularization of science was supported for the first time in 2007 with 950 thousand kroons, in the 2008 budget this amount has increased to 2 million kroons. The activities supported include the popularization of science and the promotion of a scientific world-view, raising of society's awareness of the knowledge-based economy, evoking interest in science among secondary school students, appreciating the professions of researcher, engineer and innovator. What is more, the prizes and participation of national research competitions (meant for students of basic schools, upper secondary schools and institutions of higher education) have also significantly increased in recent years.
In accordance with the government action programme, the "Laptops for teachers" project will be launched in 2008 whereby the state will provide teachers in general education schools at least half of the normal workload with laptop for personal use in 2008-2010 and a sustainable system will be created for updating the laptops. In 2008 4000 teachers will receive a laptop. All schools are taking part in the project.
In Accordance with the Action Programme of the Government of the Republic for 2007-2011, from 2008, young teachers will get a certain amount of starting money when they commence work in a school. The profession of a teacher needs to be valued more and the work of teachers requires more recognition. So that young people will want to become teachers and stay in the profession, the Ministry of Education and Research will launch a project involving seed capital for young teachers. The grant will be 200 000 EEK and it is meant for new teachers who start working in small towns and rural areas. The principles of the seed capital were approved by the Government on 20 September 2007.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 34
In the 2007-2012 Development Plan for Education and Research, the Government is committed to increasing the provision of pre-comprehensive school education as well as mother tongue teaching and the teaching of Finnish/Swedish as a second language. A study has been made of support forms and needs in respect of immigrant students' upper secondary school education.
On 28 June 2007, the Government adopted a Resolution in which sectoral research was divided into four main areas (regional and community structures and infrastructure; knowledge, work and wellbeing; sustainable development and safety), with each area constituting a sufficiently wide, synergy entity.
The new legislation on public procurement entered into force on 1 June 2007. The Public Procurement Act made procedures more flexible while increasing the obligations for notification. Under the new legislation, an increasingly large percentage of public procurement is subject to competitive tendering, contributing to added competition in the provision of public services.
Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 73; The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 48
Funding for R&D and innovation will be increased by 5 per cent a year between 2008 and 2011; this target is included in the Government's spending limit's decision for 2008-2011 made in May 2007. The additional funding will be primarily targeted at promoting renewal of the industrial structure and to generate innovative business. The main aims will be to strengthen business know-how, develop service innovations, encourage non-technological innovations, support growth entrepreneurship and help businesses break into the international marketplace.
Finland's National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 35
According to Government's spending limits decision, VTT will be converted into an unincorporated state enterprise in 2009.
New, uniform impact assessment guidelines for proposed regulations were introduced in November 2007. The guidelines cover the financial impact of legislation, the impact on actions of the authorities, the environmental impact and other social impacts. The practical application of the guidelines will be supported by electronic data and by training of legislative preparation officials. The Ministry of Justice will monitor adherence to the guidelines. An expert network was established in autumn 2008 to support and develop impact assessment.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 55
The Ministry of Education has prepared an action plan to develop researcher education and the researcher career system for the period 2007-2011. The Ministry of Education, the Academy of Finland and the universities will implement the action plan, as part of which the universities will adopt a four-step researcher career model. The objective is to make researcher careers more transparent and predictable. The aim of the four-step researcher career model is to facilitate and strengthen two-way transfer between universities and other actors - research institutes, companies, public administration - for example by revising the examination of qualifications gained outside academic work, utilising a system of competence descriptions. The four-step system will also give companies and research institutes a tool for examining their own career structures.
The focus of the regional centre programme was also revised for the programme period beginning in 2007. The 35 urban areas involved in the regional centre programme will focus on broad-based business policy, improvement of regional expertise structures and the competence base, and strengthening of innovation environments.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 51
The Centre of Excellence Programme (OSKE) was amended and will now be cluster-oriented for the period 2007-2013. Clusters of expertise foster cooperation between the key actors of centres of excellence in different regions. The model facilitates the more efficient utilisation of national resources of expertise dispersed throughout different regions. The operating model will sharpen the programme's targeting and utilisation of high-level expertise and incorporate the programme more closely into the national innovation policy. At the same time, the cluster structure will increase the critical mass required in research and product development as well as national effectiveness in such activity. As the basis of their activities, the 13 clusters of expertise outlined in the Centre of Excellence Programme have prepared strategic programme documents for 2007-2013.
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p. 46. Law No. 2007-1199 http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000824315&dateTexte=
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 53.
France New Reform Program 2008-2010, p. 9. http://www.sgae.gouv.fr/actualites/docfiles/PNR_2008_2010.pdf (29.03.10)  Law text  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000017727195&dateTexte= (29.03.2010)  Simplification of law regarding SMEs Website of the small business administration http://www.pme.gouv.fr/grands-dossiers/simplfiparordonn.htm  (29.03.2010)  Plan PME 2007, 2e volet : "simplifications administratives pour les PME" on the small business administraton website : http://www.pme.gouv.fr/grands-dossiers/PlanSimplificationPME_Final.pdf (29.03.10)
From 1st September 2007, the State has been granting tax waivers to higher education establishments on salaries by a 10% to 12% amount of the gross taxable salary. This measure paves the way for the arrival of post-doctorands and for urging associations to make agreements with universities to become employers of these young researchers.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 51, grid no. 99. http://www.bgblportal.de/BGBL/bgbl1f/bgbl107s0542.pdf
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, pp. 5 and 31. Grid no. 41. NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2009, pp. 28. Grid no. 6. http://www.bmbf.de/de/6142.php
NRP German, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 29, grid no. 34. http://www.hightech-strategie.de/en/131.php
NRP German, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 24, grid no. 21.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 39, grid no. 67.  Anreizregulierungsverordnung-ARegV http://bundesrecht.juris.de/bundesrecht/aregv/gesamt.pdf
Intensifying competition on the electricity market.
Temporary tightening of anti-abuse-rules for electricity or gas suppliers with a dominant market position: making it easier for the anti-trust authorities to establish abusive practices, excessive pricing, inter alia, by inappropriate exceeding of costs.  Reason: There is still no functioning competition on gas and electricity markets. High concentration partly responsible for sharp price increases. Protection of energy consumers from abusive prices charged by enterprises that have a dominant position in the market by more stringent anti-abuse instruments by the anti-trust authorities until structurally effective measures have led to more competition.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 39, grid no. 67. Anreizregulierungsverordnung - ARegV: http://bundesrecht.juris.de/bundesrecht/aregv/gesamt.pdf
Intensifying competition on the gas market.
National Reform Programm Germany 2005-2008, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 57, grid no. 107.: http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs/pdf/nrp2007/GE_nrp_en.pdf (08-04-2010)  National Reform Programm Germany 2008-2010, Implementation and Progress Report, p. 57, no. 38:  http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs/pdf/member-states-2008-2010-reports/National%20Reform%20Programme_Germany_2008-2010.pdf (08-04-2010)  Beschlussempfehlung des Finanzausschusses (7. Ausschuss), Deutscher Bundestag 23-05-2007, Drucksache 16/5452: http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/16/054/1605452.pdf (08-04-2010)  Beschlussempfehlung des Finanzausschusses (7. Ausschuss), Deutscher Bundestag 24-05-2007, Drucksache 16/5491: http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/16/054/1605491.pdf (08-04-2010)  Gesetzentwurf der Bundesregierung: Entwurf eines Unternehmensteuerreformgesetzes 2008, Deutscher Bundestag, 18-05-2007, Drucksache 16/5377: http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/16/053/1605377.pdf (08-04-2010)  Unternehmensteuerreformgesetzes 2008,  Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2007 Teil1 Nr.40, 17-08-2007: http://www.bgbl.de/Xaver/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&start=//*[@attr_id=%27bgbl107s1912.pdf%27] (08-04-2010)
The reform of business taxation 2008 aims at reducing tax rates for companies. Thus incentives to shift profits abroad should be minimised and possibilities of financing investment from own capital should be strengthened. Accordingly the business tax reform supports the competitiveness of German enterprises and should enhance Germany's attractiveness as a tax location. Amongst others, the reform implies the following measures: - The corporate tax burden was reduced from 39% to 30%. This change was achieved for example by lowering the corporate income tax from 25% to 15%. - Retained profits of limited liability companies are taxed with a reduced rate of  28.25% (plus solidarity surcharge). - For SMEs an investment allowance was introduced in order to strengthen their investment abilities.  - The corporation tax basis was broadened by introducing an interest limit. If the net interest expenditure of corporations and partnerships exceeds an allowance of 1 million, there is only a deduction of interest expenses of up to 30% of gross profits. - For private capital income and capital gains a flat tax rate of 25% was introduced. - For non-incorporated firms the accumulated earnings are taxed with 28% instead of up to 45%. - The deductibility of the local trade tax from the corporate tax and from the income tax was abolished.  The Business tax reform was implemented in three steps: First implementation date: August 17th, 2007 Main implementation date: January 1st, 2008 (Article 11 No.4) Third implementation date: January 1st, 2009 (Article 6 No.20, 5a; 10; 11 No.1; 12)  The Business tax reform leads to a decrease in tax revenues by a (time-lag-)adjusted amount of 4,990 million Euro. The non-adjusted decrease in tax revenues is as follows: 2008: 6,635 million Euro; 2009: 7,675 million Euro; 2010: 7,095 million Euro; 2011: 5,255 million Euro; 2012: 3,410 million Euro.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 40, grid no. 71. http://www.bgblportal.de/BGBL/bgbl1f/bgbl107s2840.pdf
Act to Reform the law on Legal Advice (Legal Services Act, Rechtsdienstleistungsgesetz - RDG)  Complete replacement of the historically burdened law on legal services, making a distinction between free legal services and services rendered in return for a fee, modernisation and adaptation to European and international trends, deregulation.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 31, grid no. 40. http://www.bmbf.de/pub/ict_2020.pdf
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 40, grid no. 70. http://www.bgblportal.de/BGBL/bgbl1f/bgbl107s2178.pdf
Act aimed at strengthening supervision of the professions and to reform professional regulations for accountants (Act Reforming Supervision of the Profession, Berufsaufsichtsreformgesetz - BARefG)  Transposition of the Eighth Directive and stepping up the professional supervision of accountants in order to heighten investor trust and to enhance the competitiveness of the profession.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 40, grid no. 69.
Transposition of Directive 2005/36/EC on the mutual recognition of qualifications / the European qualifications framework.  Implementation of EU law, intensifying competition, enhanced market performance, completion of the internal market.
Temporary tightening of monitoring by the anti-trust authorities to prevent gas and electricity enterprises that have a dominant position in the market from charging abusive prices: making it easier to establish abusive practices, excessive pricing, inter alia, by inappropriate exceeding of costs.  Reason: There is still no functioning competition on gas and electricity markets. High concentration partly responsible for sharp price increases. Protection of energy consumers from abusive prices charged by enterprises that have a dominant position in the market by supportive, limited, more stringent monitoring by the anti-trust authorities until structurally effective measures have led to more competition.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 38, grid no. 64.
Bearing in mind the high concentration in the food retail industry and the cutthroat price competition, a more effective protection for small and medium-sized retailers against abusive predatory practices by large supermarket chain shall be reached.  This is done by tightening up the existing prohibition of sale below cost price: The sale of foodstuffs below cost price is in principle prohibited even for occasional sales.
According to the Prime Minister's circular addressed to all Ministers, directions for further implementation of the regulatory reform were given, at first on a pilot basis. It is necessary to have time to adjust the law making procedures accordingly and to tackle in the best way any issues that arise. The central point of the Regulatory Reform is ex-ante assessment of the proposed regulatory provisions, prior their implementation. The implementation of this ex-ante assessment has already started since March 1st, 2007.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 22; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 24
In the academic field, the initiative "See your life digitally" has been implemented with great success. The initiative was adressing the top 20% of first-year students entering each University department acrocss Greece, and offered initiatives for the acquisition of laptops with wireless access capabilities. More than 11,700 students out of a total of 12,584 eligible ones (percentage 93%) participated in the initiative, acquiring a laptop for their academic needs. The Greek Government is evaluating the results, and considers the option to extend it further during Fall 2007. Furthermore, a plan is currently under development for the pilot introduction of a "pupils" laptop at Greek classrooms. The plan is being implemented with the cooperation of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Education. The third round (2008-2009) of the action "See your life digitally" starts with an overall budget of 26.2 million, to subsidise top ranking first students in order to purchase laptop computers. This action is aiming at strengthening the use of new technologies by the educational community. It is addressed to more than 27,000 students of tertiary education and the response rate reached 93% in 2007, and 85% in 2008.
According to the Law 3577/2007, article 32, it is foreseen that for the school year 2007-2008 kindergartens could be established within the day nurseries for registered children who have completed the 5th year of their age.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 32
In June 2008 Law 3580/2007 was activated for the Procurement of Institutions supervised by the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity. The law stipulates for the first time a comprehensive procurement system according to European and international standards which ensure transparency and promote competition. This new system is a significant innovation in that: - It collects the needs of all hospitals across the country, allowing for a Unified Procurement Programme, aiming at covering the real needs of healthcare insitutions. - It compiles model contracts, which can be used for a wide range of products and health services. - It allows for direct reimbursement of suppliers, contributing to reduced prices in healthcare products/services.  - It creates a Registry of Healthcare Suppliers, which will be continously updated, introducing high standards and requirements and excluding suppliers of goods and services which are questionable quality. - It imposes modern and completely objective specifications.
Law 3604/2007 on Societes Anonymes has been voted (modifying Law 2190/1920), incorporating the provisions of the 2006/68/EC directive (modifications on 2nd directive regarding the establishment of public limited liability companies and the maintenance and alteration of their capital), as well as certain provisions of the 2003/58/EC directive (regarding disclosure requirements), that had not been yet incorporated in national law.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 50; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 62
In March 2007 the Greek Parliament voted the institutional framework for Higher Education Reform (Law 3549/2007). This new legal framework introduces many changes, thus putting the operation of the Greek Higher Education System in line with standards set both at European level and by the EU Institutions in the context of the Lisbon Strategy and by the bodies of the European University Community. These changes mainly focus on: - Improving and reforming the mission of Higher Education Institutions in order to improve the quality of studies thus rendering them compatible with the constantly evolving current social and economic conditions. - Strengthening the self-governing structure and operation of Higher Education Institutions by means of increased student participation in the election of the Institution's Governing Authorities and lower participation of the central state governance to the university decision making. Furthermore, a social accountability process for Higher Edcuation Institutions is being launched. The latter will submit a report on their activities to the Greek Parliament with subsequent parliamentary discussion on the said report.  - Establishment a 4 year academic planning on the educational, research and administrative-economic activity, thus contributing to the rationalization of their academic and financial activity, and laying the basis for an efficient learning and research environemnt.  - Setting up new support and study guide services accompanied by the provision of financial support, compensation scholarships and interest-free loans enabling students to complete their studies, freeing them from any concern arising from their mental, personal or financial support.  - Establishing foreign language studies that will boost the internationalization process of Hellenic Higher Education.
Law 3551/2007 was voted, simplifying the registration process in the registry of shipbuilding companies.
The Observatory for Youth Entrepreneurship was set up within the Secretariat General for Youth in accordance with article 8, under Law 3577/2007. It aims at supporting young entrepreneurs and developing an entrepreneurial culture in young people, by collecting, registering and processing data on entrepreneurship and by providing information to all people concerned. More specifically the Observatory is involved in the following activities: - Is equipped with a mechanism for collecting macroeconomic and microeconomic aggregates and data and other information relating to the business environment.  - Works with the Young Entrepreneur Counters on data collection and information dissemination. - Processes these data to generate structured and adequate information. - Prepares surveys on entrepreneurship and promotes their conclusions. - Provides relevant information to all people interested, mainly via the internet, but also using any means available. - Works together with public and private agencies operating in the fields of employment and entrepreneurship, in order to exchange information and know - how and with a view to coordinate their actions when the latter pertain to the young.  - Compiles and publishes annual reports with conclusions identifying the fields requiring interventions, in order to improve their business environment. - Launches initiatives for informing the public, notably the young. - Plans and implements projects in the context of the education system aiming at making young people familiar with the entrepreneurial culture and action.
The contract between the State and ELTA was signed on 14.12.2006, securing provision of Universal Service and determing ELTA's obligations as provider of universal service and services of general economic interest, as well as detailed issues regarding funding.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 26; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 32
The main goal is to facilitate participation to tenders and increase competition. In this context, three new Presidential Decrees were signed. Presidential Decrees 59/2007 and 60/2007 incorporate into national legislation Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC, introduce quality standards and incorporate the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development. An innovation is the provision for e-applications, such as e-auctions and the "dynamic market system", aiming at saving time, reducing cost, enhancing competition and improving efficiency. Presidential Decree 118/2007 establishes a new regulatory framework for public procurement. The new regulation provides for simplified procedures and broader participation both, in closed and open tenders. A stricter pernalty system is introduced for violation of tenders' terms and a number of ambiguities are being resolved. The new regulation becomes effective on 1st January 2008.
New legislative measures (Law 3577/2007) improved the institutional framework governing the organization and operation of the International University of Greece (DIPAE). Its operation has already been scheduled for the fall of 2007 (its administrative operation has already commenced). DIPAE is the first systematic effort to open Hellenic Higher Education beyond the Greek borders, under the hospices and the responsibility of the Greek state. Its main aim lies in helping foreign students to smoothly integrate into the life and realities to today's Greece. The first education programme to be offered by DIPAE will a post-graduate course on business administration, mainly addressed to business executives working in the broader Balkan area.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 29; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 41
A key development was the establishment of the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (HGTSO) in February 2007, under the name of 'DESFA SA' which is the owner and operator of the National Natural Gas System. DESFA SA is a 100% subsidiary of DEPA SA which remains the sole importer and supplier of large customers, power producers and the local distribution companies (EPA). DEPA AE has not published unbundled accounts for the time being given the recent establishment of its subsidiary (this year). Gas companies (EPA) are preparing for the unbundling process and unbundled accounts are expected for the year 2008.
The new O.P. "Digital Convergence" for the fourth programming period 2007-2013 has been designed and is in the final negotiation stages with the EC services. The OP "Digital Convergence" fully reflects the strategic objectives set by the Greek Digital Strategy, as well as the i2010 policies and it contributes to the Lisbon objectives at a percentage which exceeds the 95% of its total budget.
Also, Law 3588/2007 on the new Bankruptcy Code was voted recently, covering all cases of insolvency and tackling the stigma of business failure. The new Bankruptcy Code is simple and adjusts to modern economic and social reality. It aims at: a) maximization of the creditor's assets, b) balancing the settlement of outstanding payments and the re-organization of the creditor's business, c) equal treatment of creditors in the same situation, d) prompt and effective procedures and follow-up, e) precautionary action against bankruptcy, f) prevention of bankruptcy and premature dismantling of creditors' assets.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 11, 65; National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 13
The development of a modern and efficient State, responding to the needs of society and economy, constitutes a principal priority. The strategic planning for the administrative reform which is required for the successful transition to the knowledge economy and to sustainable devlopment is depicted in the O.P. "Public Administration Reform" 2007-2013. The main pillars of the Public Administration Reform are: - Human Resources Development - Administrative structures reorganization - New Technologies dissemination and best use - Regulatory Reform for the reduction of administrative burden
A new insitutional framework (Law 3526/2007) was established concerning the setting up and operation of enterprises in the bakery sector. Two Joint Ministers' Decisions foreseen by the law have been issued, one of which harmonises, for the first time, the process of licensing and health inspection of food stores.
The draft law for the overhaul of the National Customs Code has been completed (Law 3583/2007). The new code brings the national legislation in line with EU legislation and conforms to decisions and opinions issued by the supreme administrative courts and the state's legal council. The new code promotes external trade and facilitates the implementation of the Integrated Customs Information System in 88 customs services throughout the country. Furthermore it improves the operation of customs services and promotes efficiency.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 31 Act LXXV of 2007: http://www.magyarkozlony.hu/nkonline/MKPDF/hiteles/mk07080.pdf
Act LXXV of 2007 reduces company accounting expenses by raising the limit for compulsory auditing from HUF 50 million to HUF 100 million, so that in future fewer businesses will be subject to this obligation. (As a result approximately 25000 business are exempted.)
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 31
The 2007 amendment of the Companies Act has considerably simplified and speeded up the procedures for setting up businesses.  From September 2007 the compliance and legality of the company's documents will be the responsibility of a solicitor or notary public providing legal services, instead of the court of registration. The simplified company procedure minimises the number of documents to be submitted to the court of registration, and the court of registration administration time limit will be reduced from 2 working days to 1 working hour from 1 July 2008. Company procedures became exclusively electronic on 1 July 2008. The simplified company procedure rules will also be applicable in the procedure for registering changes, so that on 1 July 2008 the time limit for registering changes will also shorten to 1 working hour.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 32 Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 89. Act LXI of 2007: http://www.magyarkozlony.hu/nkonline/MKPDF/hiteles/mk07075.pdf
On 1 September 2007, the expenses involved in the process will also decrease (procedural duty, minimum initial capital). Publishing in the Company Gazette of a company foundation by the simplified procedure will be free of charge. Company registration procedural duty in the simplified procedure will decrease to 15 thousand HUF. Minimum capital subscription for limited liability companies will decrease to 500 thousand HUF.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 24
Following a review, the e-Hungary 2.0 Programme has been launched this year (2007) with the purpose of providing improved public access to Internet access points through a coherently managed, supervised, transparent, nationwide public telecommunication network. By setting up e-Hungary points, an ever wider section of the Hungarian public is being targeted for involvement in the information society, thereby closing the digital gap.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 29
in June 2007, Parliament adopted a new system of regulation for the electricity market, based on a "full market opening" regulatory model. Most of the provisions of the new Act come into effect on 1 January 2008. Hungary has thereby met its legal harmonization commitments for the electricity market.  The new Electricity Act sets out to raise the competitiveness of the economy by establishing full competition while guaranteeing long-term security of supply. The former double - public enterpise and free market - model and the fixed supply chain has given way to a purely competitive market model. The Act defines a restricted category of household consumers and small businesses which will be entitled to a universal service. The Act provides detailed rules on the universal service. In addition, the Act places a high priority on strengthening consumer protection, and to this end firstly transfers consumer protection functions from the Hungarian Energy Office to the Consumer Protection Directorate and secondly specifies new directions for subsidies in this area (renewable energy sources, waste, cogeneration). The Act also sets the basic rules for institutions to protect the consumer. Central to the new system of subsidies is that the Government will define different compulsory purchase prices for each technology and energy source. The period and amount of subsidy will take into account of the other subsidies provided to each project.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 69.
MET Decree 114/2007 simplified digital archiving rules from January 2008, hence promoting the dissemination of electronic invoicing. Legislation adopted by the MF in connection with invoicing was also changed from this date on.
As part of the reorganisation of the railways, the passenger transport division of MAV has been operating as a separate company since 1 July 2007. A privatisation tender for the rail freight company MAV Cargo Zrt. was announced in spring 2007.  Measures and decisions that were taken in 2006-2007 were realised until end of 2008
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 97.
The fundamental aim of the tender scheme relates to encouraging entrepreneurship and the activities of enterprises start-up operations by developing entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, through curriculum development, training and consultancy. This engenders the strengthening of entrepreneurial culture, entrepreneurship and image, as well as the development of competitive entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, best practices and PR and communication skills. The funding framework made available at the time of the announcement of scheme was equivalent to 500 million HUF. Organisations with seats in Hungary and legal entity undertaking educational and consultancy activities that comply with the objectives of the programme are eligible to apply, more specifically: budgetary bodies and institutions, associations, chambers, foundations, public benefit companies. Type of assistance: non-reimbursable. Max rate of assistance: generally maximum 70% of overall expenditures eligible for support under the programme; max. 80 % in the case of programmes organized for women and disadvantaged social groups.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 24, 31
Considerable simplifications to the legal framework of e-business will result from amendments made to the Electronic Business Act and related laws in June 2007. These will come into effect on 31 March 2008, and include the abolition of the obligation to maintain an indepedent business for Internet mail order operations, and provisions to enable more effective action against unsoliciated advertisements.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 19
In March 2007, the Government passed the science, technology and innovation policy strategy (STI Strategy). The principal objective of the STI strategy is to establish a supportive legal and economic environment for innovation and to encourage joint R&D&I activities in the private and public sectors. The document sets the target figure for the R&D intensity indicator at 1.8% by the end of the timescale of the strategy in 2013, and 45% of this must be attained in the private sector. In August 2007, the Government adopted a three-yesr action plan for the STI strategy. The action plan comprises revision of the academic research network management system and its rules of operation; application of the principls of performance; fine-tuning of the business-frinedly and innovation-encouraging legislative environment; implementation of a common public finance system for R&D&I; coordinated execution of domestic and EU co-finance aid programmes, and reorganisation of the related institutional system. These initiatives will be coordinated at government level.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 47.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 18
In 2007, a new admission procedure - based on the choice of the student - has been introduced, and the administrative allocation of state-financed student ceilings will be terminated. These measures require the institutions to adapt, and the expected decrease in the number of institutions is conducive to the evolution of a more efficient and competitive higher education structure.
The objective of the scheme is to support research and development in enterprises that assume commitments for the market introduction and development of products, services or technologies building on existing R+D results (prototype or product) or new, significantly upgraded and state-of-the-art products, services or technologies representing high value. The scheme promotes the strengthening of growth potentials of innovative enterprises, the introduction of their competitive products on the market, use of experimental development activities of enterprises and R+D results by supporting innovation activities of new, or considerably upgraded products, services and technologies through to the introduction of these on the market. The scheme was announced in June 2008; together the with funding allocated for CHOP, the overall framework for 2008 is equivalent to 17.2 billion HUF. 15% of expenditure (the "absolute amount") is financed from the Hungarian budget, 85% is ERDF. The schemes (EDOP-1.3.1 and CHOP-1.1.4) were launched in octobre 2007. The schemes were launched not just in Central Hungary, but in the rest of the country (Economic Development Operational Programme). The budgetary impact is calculated from the actual payments, not the intended total amount of the tenders. The schemes are direct successors of the Economic Competitiveness Operational Programme 2004-2006.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 45.
The objective of the EDOP 1.1.1 and CHOP 1.1.1 schemes are to support research and development projects that engender the development of prototypes representing state-of-the-art high added value by building on research results. The scheme facilitates feedback of R+D demands of enterprises for research centres and promotes supporting the more marked presence of cooperation between universities/research centres and enterprises suitable for promoting technology transfer within the scope of the R+D and innovation system. Projects are based on the immediate needs of enterprises, which is why only enterprises are eligible to apply. The scheme was announced in October 2007; together the with funding allocated for CHOP, the overall framework for 2008 is equivalent to 7.5 billion HUF.
Hungary National Action Programme 20082-10, p. 95.
The NHDP Micro-credit Programme (MP) has been operating within the framework of ECOP and CHOP financial programmes since October 2007. The aim of the tender scheme relates to developing micro-enterprises with seats in Hungary either not or only inadequately financed through means ensured by commercial banks by improving credit options. Beyond low-cost state re-financing, free consultancy combined with low rate investment or business credit with favourable interest terms and repayment conditions are offered to Hungarian micro-enterprises within the framework of MP. Financial organisations that largely do not operate in the form of credit institutions undertake consultancy and credit allocation. During the 2007-2013-period, funding of 58,5 billion HUF in value has been made available for the programme within the framework of ECOP and CHOP. A combined total of 1261 contracts were concluded representing 7555 million HUF in value within the framework of the financial programmes of ECOP and CHOP up to 30 June 2009.
Report on Implementation Oct. 2007, p. 35, 67
A coherent tariff and concession system is a precondition for coordinating publicly-supported long-distance passenger transport. A comprehensive set of government proposals for overhauling the concessions system was drawn up in November 2006, basically covering reduction of the burden on public funds, simplification of the concessions system (including coherent fare zones) will be fully ready by the end of 2007. (Government Decree 85/2007).
Report on Implementation Oct.2007, p. 31
Ministerial Decree 25/2007 (II.28) GKM on Trade activities subject to mandatory registration. (The decree ended registration obligations for certain activities, such as mail order trade, vehicle trade, etc.)
National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 90. Act LIV of 2007: http://www.magyarkozlony.hu/nkonline/MKPDF/hiteles/mk07073.pdf
From 1 January 2008, taxpayers performing tax declaration obligations electronically are able to obtain negative (zero) tax certificates through electronic means and make queries concerning their current tax account balance or submit documents through the same means. Payment by bank card has been ensured at certain branches of the Tax Office since 1 January 2008 (pursuant to Act LIV of 2007).
The government decree setting the executive rules for electronic auction and other electronic means in public procurements was passed in September 2007 and will come into effect on 1 January 2008. The decree was preceded by an economic impact assessment, which found that public procurement should be developed through market service providers of state monopoly service providers.
Modern business and IT solutions are being made available to small and medium-sized enterprises through a grant scheme launched in July 2007 under the Economic Development Operational Programme and Central Hungary Operational Programme. The grants are aimed at encouraging the spread of corporate process management applications, e-business operations and e-services, thereby raising the level of computerization in internal and external corporate affairs.
Parliament adopted the Act on the amendment of Act CXXXIX of 2005 on higher education (Act CIV of 2007). The new Act eliminated the regulation that set out budgetary determination for the financing of higher education. While the fundamental principles of support are retained, from January 2008 onwards state-financed higher education institutions will receive their budget transfers pursuant to performance-indicator-based, three-year agreements with their maintainers (owners).  The new financing scheme shall stimulate higher education institutions toward a financially more efficient mangement based on qualitative indicators, however, the overall balance of the operation could be established only in 2010, upon the termination of the first three years financing period.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 35
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 43, 48 & First Annual Report of the Single Electricity Market Committee  -March 2009
The key point within the All-island Energy Market Development Framework, jointly published by Ministers North and South in November 2004, is to have the Single Wholesale Electricity Market (SEM) in place in 2007. There is strong political commitment North and South to deliver of the SEM by the revised target date of November 2007. Parallel legislation required to underpin the market was enacted in both jurisdictions in April 2007. The market entered its 'go-active' phase (which includes extensive market trialling) on 3 July 2007 and preparations are on track for achieving 'go-live' on 1 November 2007. Market share by volume of independent suppliers now exceeds 50%. With the establishment of the Single Electricity Market in November 2007 it is expected that this share will increase in 2008.    Update: On 1st November 2007 the Single Electricity Market (SEM) went live, commencing the trading of wholesale electricity in Ireland and Northern Ireland on an All-Island basis. SEM consists of a gross mandatory pool market , into which all electricity generated on or imported onto the island of Ireland must be sold, and from which all wholesale electricity for consumption on or export from the island of Ireland must be purchased. It has been hailed as a flag ship for cross border cooperation/ integration of regional energy markets thus building the internal energy market.  The new market brings a number of benefits including competitively set prices, improved security of supply and a more attractive location for new electricity generation investment. The SEM is overseen and administered by a statutory SEM Committee comprising the two energy regulators and independent member. The SEM Committee published its first Annual Report in March 2009 and noted that it was pleased with the success of the market in its first year of operation.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 16
In April 2007 the enforcement powers of the Commission for Communication Regulation (COMREG) were increased. The Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007 was enacted in May 2007. The primary purpose of this Act is to increase the enforcement powers of ComReg so that it can better achieve one of its primary functions, which is the promotion of competition, thereby leading to better and more competitively priced telecommunications services for consumers.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 87
Ireland has fully implemented the directive for the admission of "third country" researchers to Ireland and announced arrangements in October 2007 to give effect to this directive. The scheme offers a fast and administratively light procedure to accredited research organisations in Ireland (public and private) that will allow them to recruit researchers from outside Europe for specific research contracts and will allow researchers to bring direct family members to Ireland for the duration of the research contract. The Irish Universities Association runs this scheme in cooperation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 91
The Law Society (the statutory regulator of solicitors) implemented 3 Authority recommendations for reform of the solicitor profession: - Solicitors are now allowed to advertise as specialists; - Removal of unnecessary barriers to switching between the professions of solicitor and barrister; - Law Society providing useful information for consumers (partially implemented).
2nd Annual Implementation Report Oct. 2007, p. 21; http://www.irdg.ie/strategic-research-cluster-src-programme/
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.20.
The National Skills Strategy (NSS), which was launched in 2007, sets targets for early school leaving and tertiary attainment. Those targets have been related to the EU 2020 targets. They include: The proportion of 20-24 year olds with at least upper secondary education (Levels 4/5 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) to increase from 86% in 2005 to 94% by 2020; the progression rate to tertiary education (Levels 6-10 in the NFQ) to increase from approximately 55% in 2005 to 72% by 2020; 48% of the labour force (i.e. those in the population in the age range 25-64 inclusive) to have tertiary attainment (i.e. qualifications at NFQ Levels 6-10) by 2020.
NESDO (2009) Annual Report 2008, page 5-6.
The Learning Society Foresight Project, now called the FuturesIreland project, pursued by the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), commenced in April 2007. The project examined current assumptions and beliefs that orientate practice, thinking and policy-making in Ireland, and in doing so, worked to develop greater insights about future possibilities.  The final report called Ireland At Another Turing Point: Reviving Development, Reforming Institutions and Liberating Capabilities will be published in Autumn 2009.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 46 & NRP 2008-2010 p. 40
The Directive was transposed into Irish law under the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The Act represented the first phase of a root and branch review of consumer protection law in Ireland. The Act repealed and replaced thirteen statutes, some of which dated back to the late nineteenth century.  By transposing the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Act introduced for the first time a general prohibition on unfair commercial practices into the Irish framework of consumer law. The Act also established the National Consumer Agency (NCA) on a statutory basis. The Act gave the NCA a significantly expanded remit with specific functions in areas such as consumer advocacy, research, information, education and awareness and enforcement.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 35 and Irish Statute Book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/)
The Statute Law Revision Act 2007 repeals 3,225 obsolete statutes enacted before 6 December 1922 and retains, through a "white list", 1,364 statues which are still relevant. This Act builds on the Statue Law Revision (pre-1922) Act 2005 which removed a further 209 pieces of redundant legislation, and was signed into law on 8 May 2007.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 21, 80
A EUR 10 million fund to assist small Irish firms to become more innovative was launched. Enterprise Ireland is managing the initiative and will allocate 200 innovation vouchers worth EUR 5,000 each in this initial pilot phase. Small companies with a business opportunity or problem they want to explore can exchange the voucher for advice and expertise from knowledge providers.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 32
VAT cash accounting threshold for small firms was increased from EUR 635,000 per annum to EUR 1 million with effect from 1 March 2007.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 78-79
The Competition Authority made 11 recommendations in its 2006 Report on Competition in the Architect Profession. The Government has legislated to implement 3 of the 6 recommendations addressed to the Government: - Provide for lay majorities on the various committees of the statutory regulator (the Royal Institute of Architects - RIAI); - A Code of Conduct for Architects should be competition-proofed by the Competition Authority; - The Government should avoid unnecessary and inadvertent restrictions on professions related to architect (e.g. landscape architects).  The RIAI: - removed unnecessary restrictions on advertising; - ceased the inclusion of actual percentage fees in draft contracts published by it.   Also, new schools of architecture have been established and a system for recognising modular courses put in place.
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 36; Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 39
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 16; Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 90, Irish Statute Book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/)
The Government reformed the law applicable to the pharmacy profession via the Pharmacy Act 2007. The Act implemented many Competition Authority recommendations; for example: - Comprehensive new Act replacing 140-year old legislation which was completely outdated and unsuitable; - Governance of the statutory regulator (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) overhauled, to replace a pharmacist-dominated governing Council with a new Council featuring a lay majority. This was implemented through the Sections of the Pharmacy Act 2007 dealing with the PSI, its governance and its Council, which were commenced on 22 May 2007 (Statutory Instrument (S.I) No. 243 of 2007) when the new Council was appointed. - Fitness to practise provisions introduced; The Fitness to Practice Sections of the Pharmacy Act 2007 were commenced on 1 August 2009 (S.I. No. 281 of 2009).  - The previous restriction on overseas-qualified pharmacists owning, operating or managing pharmacies that were less than three years old was removed on 28 november 2008 (S.I. No. 487 of 2008). - The Government is also tackling the issue of the fees and margins paid to retail pharmacists, as the Authority recommended. The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations were signed and came into effect on 1 July 2009.
The Bar Council (the self-regulatory body for barristers) implemented 8 Authority recommendations for reform of the barrister profession. These include: - Removal of unnecessary restrictions on barristers' ability to advertise; - Removal of unnecessary barriers to switching between the professions of barrister and solicitor; - Removal of unnecessary restriction on consumers switching from one barrister to another; - New barristers are now allowed to act for former employers; - Barristers are now allowed to practise part-time; - The Bar Council advised barristers that the practice whereby junior counsel charge fees at two-thirds of senior counsel's fee is anti-competitive; - Barristers are now required to issue meanigful fee estimate letters; - The Bar Council providing useful information for consumers (partially implemented).
The Competence Centres Programme was designed to put the industry agenda at the heart of selected projects. 2008 saw the launch of the Functional Foods Competence Centre. Seven Competence Centres are to be formally launched in 2009, involving engagement with 65 companies. The objective is to use Competence Centres to help achieve competitiveness for industry in Ireland through world-class collaborative research.
With Legislative Decree 206/2007, the Directive 2005/36/EC in relation to the recognition of the professional titles has been implemented in Italy.
- Second Implementation Report, p. 47; - Law published in Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 77 2007.04.2 - Supplemento ordinario n. 91.
According to this measure, companies will have a single institutional counterparty to dialogue with and there will be an exchange of general and company data compiled in a single document (the "sole registration document") throughout the country to register new positions with all competent public administrations. Article 9 of Decree Law 7/2007 (converted into Law 40/07), which forms part of the urgent measures adopted by the government to develop entrepreneurial activities, provides that for purposes of starting up a business, a single notification to fulfil all tax, pension and social security obligations, has to be sent electronically to the Companies' Register Office at the Chambers of Commerce. This sole communication may be delivered on either a computer device or sent electronically by the entrepreneurs themselves or by persons appointed by them. The first date of implementation of measure (21st December 2007) has been postponed by the law 40/2007 and by art. 23 of Decree Law 78/2009.
The demand side of the market for electric energy was completely liberalised as of 1st July 2007 (Law 125/2007), with the implementation of Directive 2003/54/EC. The total opening of the market on the demand side was matched by the complete opening on the supply side. The above-mentioned Law 125/2007 provided that electric energy companies servicing more than 100,000 final customers must split up the selling and distribution activity by 1st July 2007. In order to ensure the concrete possibility of changing supplier, the law grants the final retail consumers the right to withdraw from the supply contract as customers under restrictions (so called clienti vincolati), in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the regulatory authority, and to choose a new distributor of electric energy. In addition, the law introduces forms of protection in order to ensure adequate assistance to the final user during the phase of transition to the free-market system as of the complete transposition of the Directive 2003/54/EC. It approves the changeover, in the case of retail customers and small businesses, from the rates set by the regulators to "reference prices" to be established by the electric energy/gas regulators. The price of the energy will thus be freely determined by the market, through supplies made available by different selling companies.
The obligation to specify all price components to be paid to buy an air ticket on advertising and commercial offers has led to a significant change in operators' behaviour, making for greater transparency by the separate indication of various fixed costs, such as supplements and other fees, which previously were hidden in the total amount paid.
Decree Law 7/07, converted into Law 40/2007, abolished the fixed costs of prepaid cards for mobile telephone services, inasmuch as such costs were charged in addition to the cost of the telephone traffic or the service requested.Such law furthermore prohibited provisions imposing limitations on the time within which the traffic or service parchased had to be used, and established that all components of the service offered must be delineated in the pricing offered by the different telecommunication providers. The Government is committed to overseeing the sector, in collaboration with the antitrust authority, in order to ensure that the abolishion of the fixed costs for the prepaid cards will not cause changes in the pricing structure that would thus impede the consumer's choice of the optimal rate.
With a view to increasing natural gas trading on the domestic market and in order to facilitate access by small and medium-size operators, article 11 of Decree Law 7/2007 (converted into law 40/2007) established that the production quota which each producer has to give to the State, must be sold on the regulated market. The proceeds of the sale are to be returned to the State within 30 days. A successive Ministerial Decree issued on the 12 July 2007 by the Ministry for Economic Development (in consultation with the electricity and gas sector authority), has established the methods by which concession holders must sell product units over the market. Ministerial Decree, issued on 15th October 2008 by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has established the procedures by which proceeds must be paid to the State. Moreover, with the same Decree Law 7/2007, the authorization to import natural gas has been subordinated to the obligation of offering on the market a quota of the gas imported. The amounts of these quotas have been established with the Ministerial Decree 13th March 2008, issued by the Ministry for Economic Development.
Approx. EUR 3.6b has been earmarked for the National Education Programme for the eight regions of Southern Italy, and a further EUR 600m flows in to the PORs. Compared to previous interventions of development policies for schools, the 2007-2013 National Education Programme assigned to the Ministry for Education is more ambitious, and, in view of the size of its funding, more clearly geared towards achieving its results with respect to: 1. increasing and extending skills and capabilities as part of lifelong learning, to be achieved by strengthening the ordinary national strategy for schools with action in favour of increasing skills of pupils and teaching capabilities; 2. reduction in numbers of pupils leaving school early, enhancing the attractiveness of school, its role as driver of social inclusion and for tackling illegality, and its ability to serve the local region, to be realized through leveraging both on the previous experience of the 2000-2006 PON forschools and with a stronger link with local authorities;  3. developing instruments to support the previous objectives and improve the quality of schools service and education in gen (assessment, certification, etc.).
Law 165/2007, delegated the Government to launch the reorganization of the national public research bodies, with the objective of granting them increased autonomy, efficiency and responsibility. Reference criteria in the new regulatory framework will involve: recognition of statutory autonomy for the bodies; assessment of quality of research results, to be carried out by ANVUR; criteria for funding research, to reflect the results of the aforementioned assessment; adoption of measures to promote the European and international dimension of research; identification of systems aimed at deriving values from the professional qualities of researchers; introduction of measures to encourage co-operation with the regions in the field of scientific and technological research; and support for innovation by productive sectors. Per 01/10/2009: The measure has not been implemented yet, being the time-limit postponed to 31st December 2009, according to the Law 69/2009.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 43
The 2007-2013 National Strategic Framework intends to promote research and innovation by focusing on two priorities for public policies (at the EU, national and regional levels). Priority 2 "Promotion, exploitation and spreading of research and innovation for competitiveness" entails the general objective of building up and enhancing the value of the entire research chain and the networks of cooperation between the research system and businesses, in order to contribute to competitiveness and economic growth; supporting the maximum dissemination and use of new technologies and advanced services; and raising the level of scientific and technical skills and knowledge in the productive system and in institutions. Priority 7 "Competitiveness of the productive systems and employment" incorporates three general objectives: augmenting the effectiveness of the programs for local systems, improving governance and the capacity for integration between policies; promoting processes that are sustainable and inclusive of innovation and entrepreneurial development; and qualifying and finalising the active labour policy programs and services in terms of their adaptability and employability, linking them to the local development prospects. The 2007-2013 National Operational Programme on Research and Competitiveness for the Convergence Regions (Apulia, Campania, Calabria, and Sicily) is considered critical to the achievement of Priorities 2 and 7 of the National Strategic Framework. The general objective of the aforementioned programme is to expand the capacities to produce and use quality research and innovation in the named regions. To this aim, a total amount of 13.4 billion euro has been earmarked, by using both FAS and Regional resources.
In July 2007 a Ministerial Decree was signed whereby the radio frequencies for RFID technologies were completely liberalized, thus fully transposing Decision 2006/804/CE issued on 23 November 2006. This should help develop a European RFID systems market, thus fostering economic growth, employment and competition.
Dispositions for the new small business and for the improvement female entrepreneurships
The goal set in the field of innovation within the Entrepreneurship Competitiveness and Innovation Promotion Programme for 2007-2013 approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2007 is to promote increase of capacity and efficiency of the national innovation system. The government has set the following tasks as the priority directions in order to increase the capacity of national innovations: * to facilitate co-operation of science, education and private sector; * to support transfer of knowledge and technologies; * to promote development of new products and technologies and their introduction into production.
Latvian NLPL 2008, p. 27 and Annex no. 2.1.1.
Nine new public research programmes (energy, agro-biotechnology, environmental sciences and medicine, Latvian studies, forestry science, material science, informatics, biomedicine and pharmacy) were implemented to promote growth of qualified young scientists, to increase science competitiveness, and to create new and innovative products and services.
In 2008 the national support programme "Competence Centres" will be started. In the result, it is planned to establish 5-6 competence centres of a world scale. The Competence Centre is a company, which has a goal to develop stable and long-term partnership between science and private sector, by performing collective industrial research, the results of which are commercially applicable. In order to promote the establishment of potential competence centres, a tender was organized in 2007 on allocation of financing from the state budget (a grant from general revenues) for development of activity strategies of competence centres, which would define the acticity principles of the centre, the main planned industrial research projects, commercialisation potential of research and the necessary resoures. 21 tenderers applied for the tender, 12 were supported.
Report on Progress 2007, Annex p. 33. Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 308
Report on Progress p. 24, Insolvency Law http://www.mna.gov.lv/pdf2/7-29-11%20maksatnespejas%20likums%20LV-EN%20o.pdf
A new Insolvency Law was worked out in 2007 and adopted in Parliament on November 1, 2007, with enactment date envisaged on January 1, 2008.  Amendments were worked out also in other laws in regard with insolvency issues. Altogether amendments were worked out in three laws and nine new regulations were issued by the Cabinet of Ministers.    New Insolvency Law represents new institutes in Latvian insolvency field - process of legal protection proceedings, which will promote recovery of enterprise's paying capacity and alleviate return of viable enterprises into the financial market, the institute of insolvency of a physical person, which will provide legal provisions for those natural persons, who are in over - indebtedness situation and wish to settle accounts with their creditors. Insolvency Law also provides the cross-border insolvency process in accordance with Council Regulation 1346/2000/EC on Insolvency Proceedings. In its framework an entrepreneur may initiate insolvency against a foreign debtor. Law also prescribes establishing of an electronic Insolvency Register containing information about all insolvency subjects, ensuring regular accessibility of information about debtor legal protection processes and insolvency processes, thereby making these processes more transparent, open and accessible. The register will replace the current labour-consuming and time-consuming processing of paper documents related to company insolvency process.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.13.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme, 2007, p. 20 and Annex p. 6.
Pilot project for the measurements of the administrative burden of enterpreneurs have been performed in 2007. Financing in 2007 from the state budget 0.8 million LVL.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 19
The National Studies Program is drafted and approved by the order No. ISAK-2334 dated December 3 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 7-260). The goal of this Program is to improve the quality of studies, increase internationality of the studies and secure accessibility as well as increase effectiveness of the studies system.
The provisions of this law, which comes into force on 15 December 2007, create the conditions for cross-border mergers of limited liability companies thus avoiding legal and administrative obstacles arising out of different legal regulations of this procedures during the merger with liability companies established in other Member States and reduce the burden of legal and administrative procedures during the merger process. Creating of possibilities for Lithuanian public and limited liability companies to merger with limited liability companies established in other Member States will provide more favourable conditions for the unification of their potential and for expansion of economic activities throughout the entire Community.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 73
The Program of Researcher Career was drafted and approved by the order No. ISAK-2335 dated December 3 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 7-261). From January 1 2008 scholarships of doctoral candidates, candidates and residents in arts were increased by 40 per cent on the average. 16.2 million LTL were allocated from this from the state budget. After this increase scholarships of the first year doctoral candidates and candidates in arts amount to 1,079 Litas, whereas sum of scholarships of the second, third and fourth year doctoral candidates and candidates in arts as well as residents amount to 1,248 Litas. Sum of scholarships is related to sum of minimum subsidence level. With indexation of this level scholarships would change correspondingly.
The description of the Teacher's Professional Competence was approved by Order No. ISAK-54 of 15 January 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science. The Description of the School Director's Professional Competence was approved by Order No. ISAK-55 of 15 January 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science. The Regulations for Certification of Psychologists Providing Assistance to Pupils approved by Order No. ISAK-101 of 29 January 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science. The Accreditation Certificate Form approved by Order No. ISAK-102 of 29 January 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science. The Regulations for Enhancement of Qualifications of Directors of State Municpal Schools, Deputy Directors for Education, Heads of Divisions Organising Education, Teachers, and Specialists Providing Assistance to Pupils were approved by Order No. ISAK-556 of 29 March 2007 of the Minister of Education and Science.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.26. Completed by: Development and Application of Information Society Strategies in Lithuania, Saulius Maskeliunas, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Vilnius Alfredas Otas, Kaunas University of Technology, Chairman of LIKS Council.
Based on the analysis of the insight results, formulate priority directions for the national scientific research and experimental development, draft the relevant action programmes and start implementing them seeking to achieve that R&D in public sector would meet business and market needs to the highest extent possible. Resolution No. 166 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the approval of priority directions of R&D development in Lithuania has been passed on 7th February, 2007.
The Strategy for the Formation, Assessment, Updating and Introduction of General Education Content and a Plan of its Implementation Measures has been approved within the framework of the implementation program of provisions set forth in the National Education Strategy for 2003-2012 (Order No. ISAK-970 of the Minister of Education and Science dated 23rd May, 2007, Zin., 2007, No. 63-2440). The strategy has been developed on the basis of the recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council regarding lifelong learning skills (OJ 2006 L 394, p. 10) and is intended for consistent formation policy and provision of general skills, development of value dispositions and provision of the necessary competences to students.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 86
The goal of the Program of Preschool Education Development for 2007-2012 approved by the resolution No. 1057 dated September 19 2007 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2007, No. 106-4344) is to increase accessibility of preschool education for groups of residents, decreasing social exclusion and differences between municipalities, to secure flexible preschool education services correponding with perspectives of long-term economic society development, to guarantee high quality of preschool education, to form lifelong learning basics and reduce the risk of terminating the learning process.
Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 166  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Draft of National Youth Entrepreneurship programme 2007-2012 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Article in internet portal "Young enterpreneurs do not wait for the state support" Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Liepa Peceliunaite Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	internet portal www.alfa.lt  Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2006 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.alfa.lt/straipsnis/83522
The National Youth Entrepreneurship Programme for 2007-2012 was drafted and submitted to the Government, but not approved. This Programme  proposed a new entrepreneurship promotion methodology, a system for the improvement of pedagogues' qualifications in entrepreneurship, creation of the consistent, responsible and efficient Youth Entrepreneurship fostering system.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.26 and Annex 2, p.34.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.44
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 24
Revenue arising from copyrights on computer software, patents, manufacturing or trade brands, designs and registered models are exempt from 80% of taxes. The law dated 19 December 2007 introduced a new article, number 50 bis, in the income tax law that is intended to promote innovation in Luxembourg incorporated companies by allowing them to ease tax rates on revenue arising from innovations protected by intellectual property rights. This article refers to revenue from patents, computer software copyrights, brands, designs and models.
Luxembourg Implementation Report 2007, p. 17.
In an effort to improve governance of public research, performance contracts are being drawn up by the Government in which assignments and objectives will be clearly set out and specified by players in the public research realm. Performance contracts will include precise objectives to be achieved by a given research facility in addition to a description of the activities expected to be undertaken by that facility within a specified time frame. There are two types of objectives: financial objectives, in the form of a certain type of third party financing to be set up and operational objectives. Bilateral discussions with research institutions concerning content of the contracts began in June 2007, with a view to terminating these discussions at the end of October 2007.  Using a similar approach, the Government launched a strategic audit of the National Research Fund (NRF) at the end of May 2007, with the intent of setting up a performance contract. The Government will also initiate a like strategic audit of Luxinnovation to set up a performance contract with it as well.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms - Going for Growth 2010. p.126
In 2007, a series of reforms aiming at improving language education and reducing class repetition was enacted and is now being implemented.
The Government Council decided in March 2007 to apply the SCM standard costs model to a set of laws on a trial basis. The purpose of this is to evaluate administrative costs inherent to the legal texts. In 2009 the Government decided to realize the SCM to social security, to urbanization and environmental law and to VAT. The national objective for reducing administrative burden on the time scale 2007-2012 is 15%.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.25
With the transition to digital land-based television completed in 2007, the spectrum emerging from the spectrum dividend (790-862 MHz) will now be open to electronic communications departments. The frequencies plan was adapted to fit this arrangement. This additional spectrum will facilitate the future of implementing high speed wireless networks.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 16.; National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 20
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.24
Public confidence and security are the key vectors for spreading the use of broadband infrastructure and services. The certification entity LuxTrust S.A.,43 which has implemented a national public key infrastructure (PKI) and has continued to disseminate its authentication and signature certificates on the national level. These certificates, which are available in different formats, have been in use since the end of 2007 in banking, private and public sector applications, and since 2008 widely so in e-government applications such as the single window for citizens44, income tax statements, family benefits, etc.
In August 2006 the Government submitted two bills to Parliament dealing with the organization of the electricity and natural gas markets. These bills are the transposition of European Directives 2003/54/CE for electricity and 2003/55/CE for natural gas that target an accelerated establishment of the domestic energy market. The two bills also transpose two directives relating to security of supply of electrical power and natural gas (directives 2005/89/CE and 2004/67/CE). The application of this new legislation will provide economic players with non-discriminatory access to markets as well as greater transparency, it will increase competition in the markets and will positively influence supply reliability. As such, it provides full potential for increasing competitiveness within the Luxembourg economy.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.41
In 2006 the Government approved new infrastructure and the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade began construction of a new facility in Foetz dubbed Ecostart 2 that boasts some 8,000 square meters of space broken down into 6,300 square meters for workshops and 1,700 meters for storage and offices. The new Center opened in 2007.
The Government of Malta and SmartCity (a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Sama Dubai) have signed the final agreements to establish SmartCity Malta. SmartCity Malta will transform the Ricasoli Industrial Estate in Malta into a state-of-the-art ICT and Media business community.
Malta's NRP Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 26 Malta's NRP 2008-2010, p. 7.
This measure was completed with the adoption of the Malta Enterprise Act (Cap. 463) that empowers ME to issue incentives to business under specific subsidiary legislation. The Act was approved by Parliament and came into force on 23 October 2007 through Commencement Notice LN 317/07. Under this new Act it is envisaged that incentives to Industry in line with the new EU State Aid Rules will be provided. These initiatives will amount to approximately 40 million EUR per annum. In the past three years ME has provided approximately 38 million EUR in assistance to SMEs in grants and fiscal assistance. Around 1,000 firms have benefited from these schemes.
The Maltese government sold a 25% share in the postal company Maltapost to Lombard Bank Malta and plans to put the remaining 40% on the stock exchange in the future. Lombard Bank Malta which already owns a 35% stake has now a majority of 60% in Maltapost.
Malta NRP, Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 22. http://www.tugmalta.com/profile.html
The 74% share in the towage company Tug Malta was sold by the government to a private investor, Rimorchiatori (Malta) Limited, a company owned by Rimorchiatori Riuniti SpA of Genova, Italy.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.47
The University of Malta has set up a Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The setting up of this new faculty necessitated the restructuring and expansion of the Faculty of Engineering. The teaching programmes of the Faculty of ICT as well as those of the Faculty of Engineering were recast and are still being refined to cater for the emerging and growing needs of industry. As stated earlier the growth of the ICT industry, particularly in view of SmartCity, requires a significant increase in the number of graduates in ICT. Within this context, the University of Malta has embarked on a project which will build a state-of-the-art facility not only to cater for a larger number of undergraduates, but equally important, to support a growing number of postgraduates and researchers in various areas of ICT.
In July 2007, the Maltese Parliament approved a number of amendments to the Malta Resources Authority Act, in manner which paves the way for effective liberalisation. The Authority's enforcement and administrative powers have been widened and strengthened, and tis ability to issue the necessary subsidiary legislation has been enhanced.
Malta NRP, Annual Progress Report 2007, p. 33. http://www.thesmartisland.gov.mt
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 141
The Pre-Employment Scheme was introduced in order to entice school leavers and at the same time to help the hospitality industry to develop a skilful work force. This scheme, is intended to increase either the number of students joining ITS or the 142 Malta National Reform Programme April 2013 number of employees in the food service and/or housekeeping operations sections. One of the positive aspects of this scheme is that it involves practical classes, an element which is welcomed by students, particularly those who prefer a more hands-on approach towards learning.
Towards the end of the second quarter of 2007, Government set up the Government Services Unit (GSU) within the MITC. The GSU has been given the remit to provide an administrative one stop shop for the provision of services to business entities operating from Smart City@Malta. It is intended that the GSU focus its activities on: * the provision of a single point of reference from which Government Services may be sourced to start-up a new business within Smart City@Malta; * the identification, review, and adjustment of those operational structures and activities that are necessary for the provision of Government Services in a manner that meets client expectations and conforms to legislative and administrative requirements and generally leads to the delivery of more efficient and effective Government Services. This single point of reference is to be developed by synergising service delivery with client needs through a concurrent two dimensional process: * Inward - reviewing the needs of service owners; * Outward - assessing client needs. Currently, 26 main service areas have been identified. Basic information relevant to each service has been gathered, and service level agreement template has been developed and finalised. Negotiations with ten of the identified service owners have been concluded while another 10 have been initiated. It is envisaged that the service level agreements process with all identified service owners are finalised by the end of 2008.
Government Gazette of Malta No. 18,130 - 02.10.2007
The approval of Legal Notice 278 of 2007 on the Petroleum for the Inland (Wholesale) Fuel Market Regulations provides the legal framework for the liberalisation process of the inland market for wholesale of petroleum.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 25. http://www.foodnutritiondelta.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=52
The Food & Nutrition Delta is an innovation program, aiming at making the Netherlands a leading Food Innovation region in Europe. Networks and platforms wil be created in an integrated manner to develop new technologies in order to enhance the new business development along the food industry, with special attention to Small and Medium Enterprises. This will lead to the development of nnovative, new or enhanced food products that fulfill consumer needs and expectations. Those products, combined with recommended changes in lifestyle and eating patterns, will have a positive impact on public health and the quality of life. Moreover, the competitive edge and market position of the food industry will be enhanced.
The Bill to amend the Competition Act as a result of the evaluation of that Act was passed by the Upper House on 26 June 2007. The amendment addresses the following issues: - the option of imposing fines on clients/actual managers; - the power of the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) to search private residences; - the power to impose structural measures, such as an order to dispose of a business unit, as an ultimate remedy; - bringing national merger control more into line with European merger control, one of the aims being to introduce higher maximum fines; - procedural changes, including the fact that an objection to or an application for a judicial review of an order by the NMa to pay periodic penalites will no longer have the effect of suspensing the order.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 25.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 11 and 12.
2007 Progress Report, p. 20, Trendchart Country Report 2007.
A new governance structure has been introduced for innovation. First, a new Innovation Platform (IP) of high ranking representatives from a range of fields has been set up to take the lead in advising on innovation opportunities. As an independent icebreaker, the IP will put forward ideas to encourage innovation. In addition, the new interministerial Knowledge adn Innovation (K&I) Programme Department is formulating a long-term strategy for knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, based on the IP's recommendations. Furthermore, K&I is - in cooperation with the IP - developing an innovation programme aimed at tackling societal challenges covered in the policy programme (energy, care, education and water). K&I will also tackle the themes safety & security, sustainable agriculture and possibly at a later stage the environment and mobility/transport.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 12.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 11 and 13.
The Cabinet has reserved extra money for higher education, rising to an indicative amount of 271 million EURO in 2011, and is investing in increasing the success and quality of studies. Moreover, additional funds will be invested in leading scientific talent.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, Box 3.1. http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/register/ii/doc/N-726-b-2007-WLWL-en-22.04.2008.pdf
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p.7. Other source:  Anti-Crisis Extraordinary measures fact sheet, ESF, Ref.: POL01PO-01
"To minimise the negative consequences of the economic slowdown, means from the European Social Fund are being used to support activity in professional and occupational activation, the development of working people's competences and skills and the creation  of new jobs. To increase the level of engagement of ESF funding in activity directed towards those hit by the turndown, a package of anti-crisis measures has been devised under the Human Capital OP. One of the solutions the package introduces is the increase in the pool of funding committed and the speeding up of its access, thereby meeting needs as regards the implementation of projects specifically addressed to those hit directly by the negative effects of the slowdown. Earmarked in particular are:  - an increased allocation to existing competitions or those whose announcement is planned;  - increased sums in support of natural persons planning to set up in business, through the possible appending of annexes to contracts with beneficiaries implementing projects;  - an accelerated (fast-track) project selection procedure, in which the length of the process by which projects are assessed and then selected for part-financing is reduced (in respect of projects addressed to the unemployed or those threatened with unemployment as a result of the restructuring of given enterprises, as well as in regard to the promotion of entrepreneurship). "
The schedule for further work on the liberalisation of rail transport was set out in the Strategy for rail transport until 2013 adopted by the Government in April this year. The legal basis for the implementation of these solutions was provided by an amendment to the Act on the commercialisation, restructuring and privatisation of the state-owned enterprise Polskie koleje Panstwowe adopted by the Council of Ministers on 26 June 2007. The implementation of the actions listed in the amendment will improve the operational effectiveness of the companies controlled by the Polskie Koleje Panstwow Group (PKP) and their viability and competitiveness on the market. Moreover thanks to the amendment local governments will be able to take over free of charge local rail lines, which are not used by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. (PLK S.A.). In this way local governments will be able to operate local passenger connections along these lines.
Act on the National Research and Development Centre establishes an institution which is to organise research & development work through financing strategic R&D programmes established by the minister in charge of science and carry out tasks to support the commercialisation of R&D results and the supporting research careers. Act amending the act on science financing aimed to create possibilities of allocating budgetary funds for the National Research & Development Centre.   Assumed exchange rate 3.7837PLN/EUR (ECB, 2007)
Programme of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education named Supporting international mobility of researchers works towards supporting international research and development cooperation. The 1st edition of the Programme was concluded on 6 June 2007 and the amount of financing granted to projects amounted to over PLN 3.7 million. In the second edition of the programme 26 applications were filed (recruitment was closed on 30 June 2007). Assumed exchange rate 3.7837PLN/EUR (ECB, 2007)
Amended act on research & development units extends the scope of business activities of these institutions and provides for a stronger supervision over these units by the minister.
The Programme for the electroenergetics envisages the adoption of the Act of 29 June 2007 on the principles of covering the costs emerging in enterprises in connection with early termination of long-term agreements for the sale of capacity and electricity. Thanks to the provisions of the act it will be possible to create conditions allowing cancelation of long-term contracts for the sale of capacity and electricity. The Act represents a state aid programme approved by the European Commission on 25 September 2007.
Creator of Innovation. Support for innovative academic entrepreneurship - this initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education was announced in April 2007. The goal of the programme is to improve the linkage between the R&D environment and the economy, among others, through upgrading the qualifications of academic staff in the area of entrepreneurship, intellectual property management and commercialisation of R&D results. The programme is a continuation of the one-off project of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education named Support for innovative entrepreneurship announced in the 4th quarter of 2006.  Assumed exchange rate 3.7837PLN/EUR (ECB, 2007)
In June 2007 the President of the ERO appointed 6 gas system DSOs until 30 June 2008. The transitory period for which the gas system operators were appointed is due to the lack of a formally signed agreement with the Transmission System Operator and approved Instruction for the Traffic and Operation of the Distribution Grid. Moreover, the companies committed themselves to conform content of their agreement concerning "the object of operations" reducing its scope to the operations actually pursued, which means deleting the activites not performed.
1. NRP Report 2007, p. 26 (ENG), p. 27 (PL) 2. NRP Report 2008, p. 37 (PL) 3. The Ordinance of the Council of Ministers of March 28, 2007, on  Plan for State Computerisation 2007-2010  (Official Journal of Laws 2007 No. 61 item 415) 4. Impact Assesment - on official web site of Ministry of the Interior and Administration: www.mswia.gov.pl/download.php?s=4&id=721 (08.08.2010) 5. Information on Computerisation Council http://www.bip.mswia.gov.pl/portal/bip/25/15839/Posiedzenie_Rady_Informatyzacji.html (12.07.2010)
An important step towards IT development in Poland was the adoption by the Council of Ministers in March 2007 of the Ordinance on the Computerisation Plan for Poland in 2007-2010, which specifies the main actions to be delivered by the public administration in Poland. Under the above Plan IT projects were launched to construct a platform of e-services for enterprises (entrepreneurs using e-signature are now capable of filing and sending applications, attachments and documents to registry courts and the Central Database of the National Court Register (NCR) and receive correspondence from courts and the Central Court Register by electronic means) and to establish a system of electronic processing of tax returns (e-Deklaracje system - project finished in October 2008). Also an information portal was prepared linking the Central Information on Economic Activities. In April 2008, the e-PUAP system has started.
In June 2007 the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) appointed 10 Distribution Systems Operators (DSO) for the duration of the electricity distribution licences they received and 4 DSOs until 30 June 2008. The transitory system, i.e. 30 June 2008, was required for the necessary organisational and business governance transfomration in these companies to give the DSOs full independence.
The practical execution of the right to choose the electricity provider is exercised thanks to the approval of the Instruction for the Traffic and Operation of the distribution Grid. The Instruction sets out the procedures for changing the provider and certain requirement standards, e.g. requirements related to measuring the volume of electricity supplied, are regulated by Ordinance of the Minister of Economy of 4 May 2007 on specific requiremetns for the oepration of the electrical energy system.
Programe of Modernization of Secondary Schools
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 25
Approval on 16 August 2007 of the Technological Plan for Education which assumes the following targets for 2010: reach an average of 2 students per computer with internet connection (in 2006 there were 9.6 students per computer); equip all classrooms with a video projector; guarantee at least 48 Mbps internet access in all schools; adopt the electronic card for all students; massify the use of electronic means of communication, making electronic addresses available to all students and teachers; ensure that 90% of teaching staff and 50% of students have certified ICT competences.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 39, Outcome of PNACE Execution 20052008, p. 63
The new Legal Regime for the Evaluation of Higher Education (RJAES), approved by Law n.38/2007, dated 16 August, aims to create an evaluation system compatible with the best international practices in which exterior and independent evaluation is mandatory and is the basis for the accreditation process of the institutions and their courses. The forming of the Evaluation and Accreditation Agency for Higher Education, through the Decree-law approved in August 2007, aims to boost the quality of Higher Education establishments and their study cycles, as well as the performance of the functions inherent to the insertion of Portugal in the European system guaranteeing the quality of Higher Education.
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 62
Implementation of a system of loans for higher education students with mutual guarantee assured by the state, brought into effect in September 2007, and complementing the school social action system for higher education students, and the broadening of the scope for granting scholarships to students enrolled in technological specialisation courses and master degree courses, thereby providing new conditions for all students to access and attend higher education. The system of loans launched by the Government at the end of 2007 included more than 3,100 students at the end of the first academic year (2007-2008).
This revision of the Judicial Regime of the State Company Sector aims at defining guidelines for this sector so as to allow a more rational, effective and transparent management, enhanced  financial control mechanisms and better fulfilment of the public information obligations of public companies. It sought to assure consistency between this Regime and the new Statute of Public Administrators (Decree-law n.71/2007, of 27th March), bringing it closer to that of managing directors of private companies, as regulated in corporate law.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 39; Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 63
The new Regulation of the Regimes for the Change of Course, Transfer and Re-entry in Higher Education, approved by Order in Council n. 401/2007, dated 5 April, aims to facilitate the entry of Higher Edcuation students in Portugal to continue their studies, with rapid and objective recognition of the school and vocational training acquired, and to create a simpified regime of re-insertion in the same or other educational institution with accreditation of the school and vocational training acquired.
The new legal regime of recognition of higher foreign degrees laid down by Decree-law n. 341/2007 of 12 October, aimed at simplifying the recognition of foreign degrees in Portugal, including the various study cycles (bachelors, masters and doctorate), based on the already existing mechanism for the doctorate level, namely (i) speeding up the procedure for fixing the range of degrees to which it applies; (ii) extending the mechanism to the bachelor and master degrees; (iii) and including for these degrees an automatic conversion for classifications.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 27
Accessibility of citizens with special needs to internet sites of the Government and public services and departments of the Central Administration, provided for in Council of Ministers Resolution n. 155/2007, dated 2 October. By December 2007, this measure will assure that information available on internet sites can be understood and researched by citizens with special needs, in line with the guidelines on the accessibility of internet contents developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C); from March 2008 sites rendering transactional services to citizens (delivery of incomes declarations and other tax forms, sending forms, requesting certificates, company start ups, registrations, etc.) will also be required to meet the above mentioned guidelines.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 26
Approval in April 2007 of 4 Community Network projects - Broad band Community network of Terra Quente Transmontana, Community network of the Evora District, Community Network of Vale do Minho, Vallimar Net. The Community Networks are public broad band networks in disadvantaged regions or where there are shortcommings in the telecommunications market, which must be technologically neutral and supply identical access to all operators in tenders for their exploration. In all, these projects involve installing more than 1000 Km of optic fibre connections.
NRP implementation report p 22 Report on economic reform: Product and capital markets (Cardiff Report) September 2004 p. 14
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 16
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.29. Completed by Uten: The University Technology Enterprise Network.
Report on 2nd year of implementation, p. 39
The new Legal Regime of Higher Education Institutions (RJIES), approved by Law n. 62/2007, dated 10 September, aims to regulate notably, (i) the organisation principles of the Higher Education system, (ii) the autonomy of the Universities and Polytechnic Institutes, (iii) the organisation and management principles of the Higher Education institutions, (iv) the legal regime of the public and private Higher Education institutions, (v) the regulation and planning of the public network, (vi) the requirements for the creation and transformation of Higher Education establishments, (vii) and the responsibility and supervision of the institutions.
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 37
Decree Law 264/2007, of 24 July, which alters Decree-Laws 240/2004, of 27 December, and 172/2006, of 23 August, putting in place a number of measures aimed at implementing a new stage in the consolidation and further exploration of the Iberian Electricity Market, dealing with the process for early stoppage of the Power Purchase Agreements referred to in Decree Law 240/2004, of 27 December, and altered by Decree Law 199/2007, of 18 May, for the purchase of electricity by the supplier of last resort and the creation of a power guarantee mechanism.
According to the Minister Order no 20/01.06.2007 for the approval of The Regulation regarding the Organization and Functioning of Territorial OTMMCs, 13 offices were created. At the end of the year 2007, 11 offices were fully operational and the other 2 will be opened in November 2008, at Ploiesti and Bacau. Starting from the year 2008, OTIMMCs ensure the implementation of the national programmes financed from the State budget, in accordance with the Minister Order no 964/20.07.2008. The delegated tasks to the territorial offices are: awarding grants to SME, monitoring SME obligations; monitoring the financing impact on the economic activity carried out by SMEs; controlling activities and identifying irregularities on the spot; monitoring de minimis aid, or State aid. In addition, the territorial offices ensure the information and consultancy of local entrepreneurs regarding the available sources of finance from the state budget and structural funds. Another mission is related to the local partnership established between local administration structures and SMEs representative organizations for implementing the Strategy for SMEs development. The territorial offices activity is financed from their own revenues and from state budget subsidies, approved through the Minister Order of MIMMCTPL. The General Direction for SME, Internal Trade and Cooperatives (DGIMMCIC) within MIMMCTPL ensures the co-ordination and monitoring the activities performed by OTIMMCs.
In 2007, the Market Operator has set up another market, called Centralized Market for Bilateral Contracts with Continuous Trading (CMBC - CT), where the traded contracts have a higher level of standardization.
Romania NRP 2007-2010 (July 2007) p 61- 62; Implementation Report 2007, p. 10; Implementation Report 2008, p. 81.
In order to promote large scale investments for regional development and modernization of enterprises, MEF established the following State aid schemes: - Granting de minimis aids for developing/modernising enterprises, according to GD no 1164/2007. Based on this GD, 17 Agreements for financing investment projects for productive sector SMEs were concluded, amounting 1.7 MEuro, out of which 0.7 MEuro in 2007. - Stimulating growth through financing investments, as provided by GD no 1165/2007. Based on this GD, 4 Agreements for financing investment projects that exceed 30 MEuro and create at least 300 jobs were concluded. The total value of the projects included in the four agreements is 401.7 MEuro.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 30; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 47
On-line submission of statements by the large taxpayers was extended starting 15th April 2007 to the small and medium taxpayers from Bucharest and one county; from September 1st 2007, it is applied in 10 more counties, and from 2008 to all taxpayers all over the country. The online submission has been implemented in several stages, being extended all over the country for all legal persons contributors as of April 1st, 2008. The online submission will be possible for natural persons by the end of 2008.
As of May 2007 there is only one regulatory authority in place, that took over the natural gas and electricity regulatory activities of ANRE and ANRGN, as well as their tasks, budget, financing, staff, rights and obligations (GD nr. 410/04.05.2007). Under its new structure, ANRE is an independent public legal body of national interest financed from funds outside the state budget and under the co-ordination of the Prime Minister through the Office of the Prime Minister. A Regulatory Committee composed of president, three vice-presidents and seven regulators is set up in order to approve the issued regulations. The seven regulators, selected from ANRE staff upon the proposal of ANRE President, are appointed through decision of the Prime Minister for a period of 5 years. The Regulatory Committee approves ANRE order and decision by majority vote. ANRE further developed its regulatory capabilities for the electricity and gas amrket, establishing specialized departments for ongoing monitoring of the functioning of the wholesale and retail electricity and gas markets, collecting technical, commercial and accounting information that all pwrticipants in the electricity market, including operators acting on centralized markets, are compelled to report to ANRE on a regular basis. Monthly reports are published on ANRE web site. In order to increase the quality of services delivered in the electricity market, in the first semester of 2007, ANRE issued Rules for Suppliers of Last Resort, Performance standards for transport and ancillary services activities, Harmonized efficiency reference values for cogeneration power plants and the correction factors applicable in Romania.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.44.
The Multi-annual programme for sustaining SME development in the limit of the amounts paid for the gross profit reinvested  falls within the category of granting support for companies, in order to ensure them with liquidities . The programme allows the companies to purchase equipment and machinery for developing and modernizing their productive capacities
Implementation Report 2007, p. 10, 58; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 77.
For implementing the principles and mechanisms stipulated in Regulation no 1775/2005/EC, ANRE Order no 54/2007 for the approval of the Natural Gas Transmission Code which lays down the requirements and rules for accessing the Natural Gas Transmission System (SNT) was adopted.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 60; Implementation Report 2008, p.81.
The application of the strategy (NS RDI) is made through the implementation of the 2007-2013 RDI National Plan, approved by the Government in May 2007 (GD 475/2007). The plan includes a set of programmes aiming at promoting knowledge and innovation for the enterprises, especially SMEs: the Partnerships Programme, the Innovation Programme and the Human Resources, Capacities, Ideas and Support of institutional performance Programmes.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 51; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 67
The Programme for Creating Local Communities Electronic Networks (RECL) has been launched in order to integrate the local communities into digital economy and to increase the access to knowledge and to public information. Each RECL represents an integrated network, which connects the town hall, the coordinating school, the public library and 1 Point of Public Access to Information (PPAI). There has been run the international auction process, according to the World Bank procedure, where 10 tenders participated. On 23rd August 2007 the contract was signed. 246 RECL have been installed by the end of 2007. Thus, 246 city halls, 246 libraries, 246 PPAI and 502 schools have been informatizated. All locations have been equipped with latest generation of ITC hardware and connected to Internet through optical fibre and radio broadband solutions.
As of May 2007 there is only one regulatory authority in place, that took over the natural gas and electricity regulatory activities of ANRE and ANRGN, as well as their tasks, budget, financing, staff, rights and obligations (GD nr. 410/04.05.2007). Under its new structure, ANRE is an independent public legal body of national interest financed from funds outside the state budget and under the co-ordination of the Prime Minister through the Office of the Prime Minister. A Regulatory Committee composed of president, three vice-presidents and seven regulators is set up in order to approve the issued regulations. The seven regulators, selected from ANRE staff upon the proposal of ANRE President, are appointed through decision of the Prime Minister for a period of 5 years. The Regulatory Committee approves ANRE order and decision by majority vote. ANRE further developed its regulatory capabilities for the electricity and gas market, establishing specialized departments for ongoing monitoring of the functioning of the wholesale and retail electricity and gas markets, collecting technical, commercial and accounting information that all pwrticipants in the electricity market, including operators acting on centralized markets, are compelled to report to ANRE on a regular basis. Monthly reports are published on ANRE web site. In the first half of 2007, the regulatory authority elaborated and approved the Methodology on monitoring the natural gas market.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 15, p. 80; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 111
The reform of early education is a structural measure initiatied in 2007 and supported by two projects: the "project for early education reform" and the "project for inclusive early education", the implementation of which will contribute to the decrease of educational disdvantage, the insurance of equal access to education and the prevention of early school leaving. The "Reform of early education" project aims at: rehabilitating and improving the infrastructure of pre-school units; improving pre-school education by the training and retraining of teachers / staff and by the provision of beeter learning tools and materials; increasing the efficiency by setting up of Resource Centers for Education and Development. The "inclusive early education" project aims at: improving the conditions of the Roma community by including its specific issues into strategies and programmes developed by the Ministry of Education; creating and improving the learning conditions of kindergartens which are located in the disadvantaged communities, in order to comply with the existing standards and to improve the access to pre-school and basic education; improving the quality of both educational outputs and inputs.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 24; Other.
In order to continue the reorganization process of the courts with reduced workload and of the other courts with heavy workload, the Emergency Ordinance no. 100/2007 amending legislative acts in the field of justice (Law no. 303/2004 included) has been adopted by the Government on August 10th, 2007 and aproved by Law 97/2008 on April 14th, 2008. One of the reasons for its adoption was to cover the personnel deficit due to the high number of vacant positions, temporary filled at courts and prosecutor's offices through the setting up of a reserve fund which will finance the judge and prosecutor positions.
Adoption of Law no 263/2007 regarding setting up, organization and functioning of kindergartens regulates the appropriate legal framework for organizing kindergartens / nurseries, as structures that offer specialized social services for raising up, care taking and early education of children aged up to 3 years old. Adoption of this law assures the implementation of the nursery ticket - granting programme, as well.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 58; Implementation Report 2008, p. 77.
In order to motivate the competition and increase the quality of consultancy services and diversifying the market offer related with the SMEs needs, in 2007 the Central Registry of Consultants(CRC) was established according to the European practices for consultancy services. The CRC is available on the IT Portal for SMEs. In this respect, in the framework of the training sessions developed by the Technical Assistance Program for Romanian SMEs sector the CRC was promoted among the participants. Until October 1st, 2008, 58 consultants were registered in CRC.
The liberalisation of electricity and gas markets was completed on 1 July 2007, when production, distribution and supply activites were separated. This fact has led to the diversification of the operators on these markets. (Government Decision No. 638/2007)
Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 12, 68
Implementation Report 2007, p. 58; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 77
In order to promote the products and services of SMEs to export the national multiannual programme for supporting SMEs in developing export is implemented. The programme was launched in April 2007. According to the MIMMCTPL Order no 51/2007, this programme finances activities for promoting products and services on national and international fair and exhibitions and for elaborating market studies and assuring training of employees and managers in marketing techniques.
In accordance with the recommendations included in the Road  map for the national RDI infrastructures, issued by the  Romanian Committee for the Research Infrastructure (CRIC),  consultative body of the National Authority for Scientific  Research, in 2008, the competition for the projects for  large research infrastructures was launched. The aim of  this competition is the development of integrated research  platforms planned to reach the proper capacity and  performance level for the demands of the high complexity  research projects carried out by cooperation at trans- national level. The total (multi-annual) budget allocated for this  competition was of about 800 million Lei (400 million Lei  from the NP II - Capacities Programme and 400 million Lei  from SOP-IEC - Priority Axis II). 20 projects (to support  the development of complex R&D facilities in the priority S/ T fields of the NP II) were selected for financing out of a  total of 97 submitted projects.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 54; Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 13
Starting with the third quarter of 2007, the on-line registration and authorization system for enterprises is functional, managed by the National Office of Trade Register, which means the 3-day duration of the registration and authorization process, established by law, is fully implemented. E-forms generated by the applicant are being electronically introduced in the system based on electronic signature: forms required for registration in the trade register, accompanying documents, etc. At the same time, the system allows obtaining on-line information from the electronic trade register. For the integration of isolated local communities in the system of online registration, the subcomponent "Setting upon-line registration and authorization system for local enterprises" has been promoted as part of the project "Knowledge-based Economy" financed by the World Bank. The subcomponent of the project aims to support self employed people and family associations that are subject to the authorization procedure of functioning and registration in the trade register managed by the mayors of localities in which they wish to start-up a business. The system will manage the necessary documents for the authorization required by the authorization procedure. The system has been tested since the end of 2007 and it is operational starting June 2008.
To ensure a proper functioning of the natural gas market and for a safety gas supply of household consumers, at the end of 2007, Law no 346/2007 regarding measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply has been adopted. The Law establishes the role and responsibilities of authorities and operators from domestic natural gas market, and the application of transparent, non-discriminating measures, which are compatible with competitive markets requirements for adequate safety level of natural gas supply.
For increasing the quality of public services the Government decided to begin reducing the administrative burden in certain sectors where its level evidently affects the business environemnt. Hence, the Action plan for reducing the administrative burden 2007 was elaborated and approved and, by the end of this year, the evaluation and the diminishing of the administrative burden for the Ministry of Labour, Family and Equal Opportunities, as well as for the Ministry of Economy and Finance is in view. This process is to be put in two phases:  - The first phase (in 2007) implies the reduction of the administrative burden as a result of better internal administrative procedures in two fields: labour and finance. This phase will include administrative measures for management improving, that can be rapidly promoted; - The second phase implies the reduction of the administrative burden as a result of an analysis of the entire legislation, with the view to quantifying the administrative burden, eliminating legislative overlaps, old and redundant provisions. At the end of this pahase plans for simplifying the legislation will be drawn up.
The Romanian authorities have continued the efforts of improving the procedures of drawing up, approving and presenting draft public policy documents by adopting a new regulation in this area, through GD no 1226/2007. The provisions of the new regulation came into force starting with 1st February 2008. One of the important elements introduced represents the announcement procedure, which states that new regulation (normative act projects/public policy proposals) has to be announced in the preparatory meeting of the Government meeting, subjected to inter-ministerial consultations and only afterwards approved in the Government meeting. The minimum consultation period is 15 working days and it can be extended, if requested by the initiating authority, to a maximum of 3 months. Since the implementation of the GD no 1226/2007 (February 2008)and until October 2008, 1514 normative acts have been approved by the government, out of which 1135 have been announced as requested by the new rules of procedures. The remaining 379 normative acts have partly been introduced in the Government meeting on the supplementary list, or they are prior to the introduction of the new rules of procedures. The Public Policy Direction (DPP) within the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG) is preparing, in the following period of time, an evaluation report regarding the implementation of the new rules of procedures.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 9.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree 833/2007 from October 3, 2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=3901
The Strategy for the Transformation from Analogue to Digital Land Broadcasting in the SR which determines the goals and principles of the transformation, formulates the tasks of the state and pertinent bodies of the state administration in creating conditions for the transformation, assesses the existing situation in TV broadcasting in Slovakia and establishes the technical and time schedule for transformation, was approved through Government Resolution No. 646 from July 26, 2007. The discontinuation of analogue broadcasting in compliance with the requirements of the EC is planned for December 31, 2010.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 7.
In the area of the tertiary education system, an amendment of the Act on higher education institutions entered into effect in September 2007. This Act enables higher education institutions to create specialized science and research workplaces, and to provide common study programmes within the country and also in cooperation with foreign higher education institutions. At the same time, it enables access to loans for study at public higher education institutions. Within the framework of the transformation of the classification of higher education institutions, the category of research higher education institutions was removed and the terms and conditions for universities were tightened. Presently, the comprehensive certification of higher education institutions is ongoing and will result in the recommendation of the Accreditation Commission for the incorporation of higher education institutions in separate categories by September 2009. In terms of financing, the percentage of outcomes in science in the financing of public higher education institutions at the expense of the number of students was strengthened.
NRP Progress Report 2007, p. 33.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 358/2007 Coll. amending Act No. 455/1991 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
Phase One of the establishment of one-stop-shops was implemented through the amendment to the Trade Act in September 2007 and it serves for freelance sole traders doing business based on their issued business license in the regime of the Trade Act. Several years of the trade office infrastructure operation and the experience of the employees of these offices with the registration of entrepreneurs were used in the establishment of one-stop-shops.  The one-stop-shop services for citizens of the European Union are provided at the trade offices in the seats of each region. One-stop-shops presently provide applications for trade license issuance (also in electronic form), business license issuance, BIN allocations to physical and legal entities, extracts from the Criminal Records free of charge, forwarding of data regarding entrepreneurs to the Central Tax Authority of the SR for the purposes of registration, the provision of data regarding entrepreneurs to the pertinent health insurance company for the purposes of registration and the provision of information for doing business with contacts to other authorities. The implementation of Phase Two is designed to liberal professions and is planned to be put into practice till December 2010.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 10.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree No. 852/2007 from October 3, 2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=3414
On April 30, 2007, the electronic public procurement system (EPP) was launched; it presently supports the phases of the public procurement process including the electronic sending of notifications, the submission phase of offers and part of the electronic evaluation phase. In October 2007, the Government approved the Report on the Implementation of the Electronic Public Procurement System through which it ordered the ministers and chairs of the other central state administration authorities of the SR to assign a minimum of 30% of the volume of its orders for the supply of goods by means of the EPP System in 2008 and the entire volume of orders for the supply of goods from 2009.
Act No. 107/2007 Coll. which changes and amends Act No. 276/2001 Coll. on regulation in network industries, was adopted. An amendment to the Act on regulation establishes as its goal the legislative regulation of the position of the regulation office as a whole, the subject of material and price regulation, the rights and obligations of the systems for safety, stability and reliability of energy supplies, more thorough specification of the tasks of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries in relation to the optimal price policy, strengthening of the control and regulation competencies of the state in the field of natural monopolies, measures targeted on the provision of equality of conditions for all market participants and the dominant position on the market.
NRP Progress Report 2007, p. 32.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree 561/2007 from June 27, 2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=2864
In June 2007, the Government adopted the Strategy for the Development of Information Society in Slovenia - 'si2010'. The purpose of the strategy is to promote competitiveness and productivity, ensure balanced social and regional development, and improve the quality of living of society as a whole and of each individual through efficient use of information and communication technologies.
The legal separation of electricity distribution companies was completed on 1 July 2007. A concession contract was signed by the Government and the electricity distribution system operator (SODO); a contract was also signed by distributions companies and the SODO for leasing and services. The SODO began to operate on 1 July 2007, thus completing the legal and functional separation in electricity distribution.
The unified methodology for measuring administrative costs (SCM) was approved in 2007; accordingly, the first legislative measurements concerning measures and legislative amendments were carried out and a pilot project on the reduction of costs relating to safety at work was launched.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 16  Act Amending the Railway Tranport Act - Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 9/07 Act Amending the Safety of Railway Transport Act - Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 61/07.
In relation to the Second Railway Package, 2007 saw the adoption of the Act Amending the Railway Tranport Act and Safety of Railway Transport Act. With the adoption of these laws, the national legislation has been harmonised with the EU regulations and enables cross-border provision of services, a higher level of operating safety, and non-discrimatory access to infrastructure by establishing independent institutions.
Web page electronic one-stop-shop (e-VEM) system for limited liability companies was launched in 2008 and is aimed at businesses and entrepreneurs. The website aims to give users the easiest possible, fast and free operating with the national government. The VEM and e-VEM projects for entrepreneurs have proved effective in practice and are complemented with this similar one-stop system for the registration of firms. This service enables future entrepreneurs to settle all registration formalities in the one place and shorten the procedure from registration, submitting other required data and receiving decisions. The e-VEM offers online services that enable the establishment of the Limited Liability Company and sole proprietor, and certain other procedures carried out at or after establishment. The web page is divided into two parts, namely on services for sole proprietors (which was established in 2005) and for companies.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals 2008 Part III, p. 14
In July 2007 the Slovenian Government signed a new concession agreement with the Port of Koper, the main development objectives of which are an increase in capacity at the freight terminal and improvements to the links between the terminal and the road and rail infrastructure. A new decree has also been adopted to ensure that the government has a bigger say in the development of the port's infrastructure and in the efficient management and economic use of the port area for the implementation of port-related activities.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 6
The entry into force of the Decree concerning the Regional Tax Incentive for Research and Development allows for additional R&D regional tax relief amounting to 10% or 20%. The objective of this aid is to support the activities of basic and experimental development. It may be granted as regional tax relief, whereby the level of relief depends on the region's development, i.e. it is used selectively. In accordance with the rules governing state aid, regional tax relief is a form of state aid which must be notified to the European Commission. The relief became applicable on the day of approval of the scheme. The European Commission approved the scheme on 16 August 2007.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 12
Implementation Report 2007, p. 24  Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 59/2007
June 2007 saw the adoption of the Scholarship Act, the first framework law that comprehensively governs scholarships. Its main purpose is to increase the number of scholarship recipients and company scholarships, link the needs o the business sector and local communities to the sphere of education and training, and regulate national scholarships more efficiently (transfer to social work cnetres). Limited co-financing, either by employers or through uniform regional scholarship schemes and local communities is foreseen in order to increase the number of company scholarships. The links between the education system and the corporate sector will increase through the activation of human resources by means of scholarships also by making qualified experts available for businesses by promoting enrolment in such education fields that boost economic development and improve their employability.
Implementation Report of the Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Goals 2008, p. 20
The programme for introducing entrepreneurship into the school system was launched in the second half of 2007 as a pilot entrepreneurship project in tertiary education and a competition for secondary school students. In addition, training of teachers for implementing the programme at other faculties was provided.
At the end of August, a public tender was issued for the sale of a 49.13% share to a strategic owner. Once the privatisation is completed, the state will maintain a 25%+1 share, which should allow it to influence certain strategic decisions of the company.
In November 2007, Slovenia adopted the novel Act Regulating a Supportive Environment for Entrepreneurship (ZPOP-1) aimed at regulating such a supportive environment in a more comprehensive and transparent way and leading to more active entrepreneurship and growth of SMEs. The Rules on Keeping the Register of Innovative Environment Subjects and Supportive Environment adopted in March 2008 as well as the Amendment to the Act Regulating a Supportive Environment for Entrepreneurship facilitate the comprehensive operation of university incubators, technology parks and business incubators, and it is thus possible to promote the development of specific activities and agents in a transparent manner.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 11  Official Gazette of the Republic of. Slovenia, No. 11/07
In August 2005, the Government adopted the Programme for the Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in 2005-2009, followed by the Decree on financial incentives for foreign direct investment adopted in February 2007, which was notified as a state aid scheme at the European Commission for 2007-13. The measures and activities focused in particular on: (i) improving the supply of building land and industrial zones; (ii) systematically removing administrative barriers to investment (iii) reducing initial costs of a start-up investment to enable businesses to advance to high/medium technology and the creation of high-quality jobs; and (iv) launching an assertive marketing campaign demonstrating Slovenia as a suitable FDI location.
In May 2007, the Government adopted the Resolution on the National Higher Education Programme 2007-2010 and submitted it to the National Assembly. The programme foresees deregulation in establishing public and private higher education institutions and programmes and promotion of creating new universities in regional hubs, which may serve as embryos for new universities. It also envisages the adjustment of higher education funding to the criteria of academic excellence, establishment of links with the corporate sector, performance of graduates in the market, and international co-operation. Further, the programme proposes the consideration of the possibility of establishing a system of vouchers and/or deferred tuition fees. Emphasis is also placed on ensuring the quality of higher education institutions and programmes, which must be subject to constant evaluation by students, academic staff (teachers, faculty assistants, researchers, experts), and independent expert bodies.
One of the most important transactions was the sale of the state-owned share in the Slovenian Steel Group in 2007.  The Governement sold 55.35% share in the Slovenian Steel Group for total amount of EUR 105 million.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 9 Industrial Property Act (Official Gazette RS, No 51/2006) Copyright and Related Rights Act (Official Gazette No 16/2007, No 68/2008) Act on the Protection of Topographies of Integrated Circuits (Official Gazette RS, No 81/2006) Employment Related Industrial Property Rights Act (Official Gazette RS, No 96/2002, No 7/2003, No 139/2006, No 15/2007)
As regards the protection of intellectual property, in 2005 and 2006 Slovenia adopted legislation (namely, the Act Amending the Industrial Property Act, two acts amending the Copyright and Related Rights Act, the Act Amending the Topographies of Integrated Circuits Act, and the Act Amending the Employment Related Industrial Property Rights Act) that contributes to better regulation of this area and to successful harmonisation with the EU diretives. Moreover, implementing acts were adopted to regulate in more detail the procedure for implementing the EU regulations on supplementary protection certificates, Community designs and Community trademarks, and the procedures concerning the international registration of trademarks. A new decree defined the new amounts of compensation in cases of private and other individual reproductions of copyright and other protected works. In order to improve the situation in the area of intellectual property, the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office significantly intensified its activities aimed at raising public awareness about the significance of intellectual property, targeting in particular crafts and trades, small enterprises, as well as students and pupils, where the role of university incubators needs to be pointed out.
At the end of 2007, an action plan for a systematic 25% reduction of administrative burdens by 2012 in priority areas was adopted. This plan provides for a decrease and elimination of administrative burdens in the labour law domain by 25% by 2010 and by 25% by 2012 in other priority areas.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 54; Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 10
In 2007, Slovenian legislation in the area of public procurement was fully harmonised with the acquis. In compliance with the new Public Procurement Act, applicable as at the beginning of 2007, in July 2007 a "single information gateway" became operative, and it is on this procurement portal where contracting authorities must publish all types of public contract notices. The setting up of the e-procurement system has considerably facilitated award procedures for public contracts and statistical reporting; moreover, it has reduced administrative burdens in carrying out public procurements and had a positive impact on the reduction of the costs borne by tenderers and contracting authorities. As from July 2008, e-auction is also included in the comprehensive systemic solution for e-public procurement.
Spanish National Progress Report 2007, p. 48. Order ITC/231/2007 of 1st of February. Spanish National Gazette www.boe.es (08/02/2007)  Website of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (www.mityc.es) (April 2010) 2007 Report of AEVAL- National Agency for the Evaluation of Public Policies and Quality of Services
The CEIPAR programme supports the creation of technology-based companies in business incubators of Science and Technology Parks. It helps entrepreneurs to overcome two of the most frequent obstacles they face: lack of funding and lack of business training, and it also allows them to take advantage of the facilities of the Parks. Therefore, two types of support are provided: financial support (both repayable loans and subventions as fixed budgetary expenses) and business training. CEIPAR programme is implemented by the Ministry of Industry, with the support and cooperation of other institutions, such as the Industrial Organisation School (EOI) and the National Enterprise of Innovation (ENISA).
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 31. Ley 15/2007, de 3 de julio, de Defensa de la Competencia.
Basic competencies have been added in the new curricular framework. These basic competencies must be acquired before completion of compulsory schooling, since they lead to personal realisation, active citizenship and the development of lifelong learning habits. Accordingly, they should serve as a template for the curricula of compulsory education and their mastery should be mandatory for student assessment purposes.
Decision approving the conditions that guarantee the affordability of offers applicable to the services included in the Universal Service. The conditions to ensure an affordable Universal Service were approved in January 2007. The regulatory changes in the Universal Service focus on protecting those citizens at greatest risk of exclusion due to inability to access basic communications services.
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 29. http://www.plannacionalidi.es/documentos/PLAN%20NACIONAL%20CONSEJO%20DE%20MINISTROS.pdf
The new National R&D and innovation Plan 2008-2011 is the instrument for strategic planning of government intervention in the Spanish Science and Technology System.  The new Plan includes all the State's R&D and innovation programmes under a single coherent framework and represents major progress in cooperation with the Autonomous Communities, which participated actively in drafting the Plan and will continue to participate in its implementation.  After a period of rapid growth in public funding, the new Plan concentrates on measures to simplify and improve the management of R&D and innovation initiatives and increase the system's efficiency. These include:  a) Multi-annual financial programme with a proposal to increase funding by 16% per year. b) Simplification and reduction of red tape, providing a significant monetary saving for both the Administration and the aid beneficiaries: - Creation of a One-Stop Shop for applying for funding for all programmes and a centralised information system and a data base for all R&D policy administrators. The use of the Internet for grant applications will be mandatory from 2009. - Significant reduction in the number of different grant processes from over 100 to less than 20.  The Plan also selects strategic actions in five technology areas of the future which will have a fundamental impact on the competitiveness of Spanish companies and on citizens' welfare in the medium and long term. They are: - Health. - Energy and Climate Change. - Biotechnology. - Telecommunications and the Information Society. - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, New Materials and New Industrial Processes.
A programme to provide interest-free loans to finance the official masters degrees of more than 6,000 students, with repayment linked to loan recipients' future income.
The Public Sector Procurement Act, which transposes Directive 2004/18/EC into the Spanish law, was approved on 30 October 2007 and entered into force on 30 April 2008. Its main objectives are to eliminate entry barriers to the public procurement market and increase competition. It also incorporates social and environmental criteria into domestic legislation on public procurements. The Act introduces the possibility of public-private partnerships as a means of public technology procurement. The Public Sector Procurement Act introduces the possibility of "public technology procurement".
Its purpose is to improve the quality of the university system so that higher education in Spain attracts the best students and professors from Spain and other countries.  Its first goal is to improve teaching and research quality through a professor recruitment system that is governed by principles of publicity, merit and capability and ensures efficient, transparent and objective selection.  The universities are provided with greater autonomy in management, at the same time as accountability is reinforced. Additionally, in order to increase accountability to society, the role of the Spanish National Quality and Accreditation Evaluation Agency (ANECA) in evaluating universities has been enhanced.  Technology transfer is the third function of universities, together with teaching and research.  Finally, the reform of the LOU seeks to promote equality between men and women, ensuring equal representation in governing bodies.
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 33. Real Decreto 45/2007.
In order to avoid obstacles to competition in professional services whose fees are set by government, measures have been introduced to increase efficiency and transparency in the services of notaries and registrars. These include steps to expedite registration processes, online access to the registers, the promotion of online processing, and the obligation on the part of public authenticating officers to disclose the application of fees.
Inauguration of the Iberian Electricity Market (MIBEL). The MIBEL spot market became operational on 1 July 2007, thus completing the process of integrating the Spanish and Portuguese electricity markets. New operating rules have been issued for the integrated market and a competitive mechanism has been established for managing the interconnection, under which the markets can be decoupled if the grid is congested. This is a process of economic integration that will increase the number of players, strengthen competition and contribute to reinforcing supply security.
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 27. http://www.ingenio2010.es/
Euroingenio, the fourth of the strategic programmes under Ingenio 2010, was launched in 2007 with the overall goal of increasing Spain's participation in the Framework Programme from the 6% obtained in the Sixth Framework Programme to 8% in the Seventh Framework Programme 2007-2013. In the first round of funding, four initiatives were launched in 2007 with a total budget of 15 million euro, supporting participation in Europe-wide research by close to 100 companies and technology centres, 10 technology platforms and industry associations, 11 hospitals and over 40 universities and government research centres.
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 125-126.
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 43-44. Law 11/2007 (of 22/06/2007). National Gazette 23/06/2007 (www.boe.es) Ministry of Territorial Policy (www.map.es) (March 2010)
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 32. Minister Cabinet Meeting 04/05/2007  www.la-moncloa.es Press Note from the Ministry of Public Administration (26/11/2007) www.map.es
It is essential to improve legislation in order to increase competition and promote sustainable growth and employment. To that end, and in compliance with the European objective of cutting by 25% the administrative burden arising from European legislation by 2012, and to adopt similarly-ambitious goals at national level, a High-Level Group was established with the mission of drafting an Action Plan to be presented by the end of 2007, in which all the public administrations were asked to participate in order to contribute to eliminating or simplifying administrative processes or obligations. The administrative burden will be quantified using the common methodology recommended by the European Commission.
The new Biomedical Research Act provides legal coverage for new scientific discoveries and establishing conditions for conducting biomedical research in Spain.
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 46.  Royal Decree 171/2007, of the 9th of February, which regulates the publication of family protocols  Minister Cabinet Meeting 09/02/2007  www.la-moncloa.es (website visited in April 2010)
A Royal Decree regulates the publication of family protocols for family businesses, which represent a high percentage of the Spanish business network, in order to facilitate the generational handover. Family protocols are a legal instrument, which encourage a fluent communication between the family and advisors, and within the family itself.
NRP Progress Report 2007, p. 42.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regeringens proposition 2006/07:100 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Stockholm Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/08/02/54/ab03ee76.pdf
In order to improve liquidity and simplify the calculation of VAT, small companies with a turnover not exceeding SEK 40 million will be able to report VAT every three months instead of every month. This change will take effect on 1 January 2008.
A new structure for education and qualifications in Swedish higher education was introduced on 1 July 2007. The changes are in accordance with agreements under the Bologna Process. The new regulations for qualifications in Swedish higher education have been established in cooperation with the social partners and with the employability perspective particularly in mind. Support in carrying out this work has come from reference groups, in which the public authorities concerned, trade-union representatives have had considerable scope to influence the description of objectives for professional education.
With the aim of improving the application of Community law, the Government established a new Public Authority Ordinance in June 2007 in which the obligation to respect Sweden's commitments in the EU have been given a central place. The Ordinance was preceded by a comprehensive study of how the central government and municipal administrations apply and comply with the EC Treaty' rules on the free movement of workers (Swedish Agency for Public Management Report: 2006:16). In addition a new ordinance on impact assessment in the event of regulatory change is being prepared.
The National Board for Public Procurement was made part of the Competition Authority as a step towards improving oversight and information activities in public procurement. Increasing the opportunities for SMEs to participate in public procurement is a priority for the Competition Authority. In the 2008 Budget Bill, the Government has earmarked SEK 5 million annually beginning in 2008 for the Competition Authority for measures to make the public procurement process more efficient and make it easier for SMEs to participate.
On 1 January 2007 a new ordinance (the Regulatory Impact Assessment Ordinance 2007:1244) on impact assessment of regulations came into force. This ordinance ensures that consequences analyses are made in a uniform way throughout the whole chain of legislation. It is for example, made clear that the administrative costs following from a proposed law must be reported.
The Government has changed the mini loan, which is aimed primarily at new and small enterprises. The demand for this type of loan has turned out to be very large, especially among women and new entrepreneurs. The borrowers have, however, asked for somewhat larger loans. The Government therefore increased the ceiling for the mini loan from SEK 50 000 to SEK 100 000 in February 2007.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010, p. 18, 47  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Regeringens proposition 2008/09:1 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Stockholm Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/16/79/bc7025e7.pdf
NRP Progress Report 2007, p. 21 and p. 41.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	"Regeringens proposition 2007/08:26 " Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of finance Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Swedish Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Stockholm Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/09/08/73/b8442ab8.pdf
In order to stimulate access to private finance, the Government decided to abolish the wealth tax as of 1 January 2007. This is one step in enabling companies to build equity.
A new program, intended to enhance entrepreneurship among swedes of foreign descent,was launched in June 2008 with a budget of SEK 20 million for 2008 and a total budget of SEK 60 million for 2008 to 2010.  The programme is implemented by the Swedish Business Development Agency (Nutek) and includes both measures for better advice to established entrepreneurs wanting to make their businesses develop and grow and for changed attitudes in the financial system, such as knowledge building and programmes for mentors and networks.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008 to 2010, p. 45
On 1 January 2008 two new laws came into force, a law (2007:1091) on public procurement (LOU) and a law on procurement in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors (LUF). The laws implement the EU directives on public procurement 2004/18/EG and procurement in the utilities sectors 2004/17/EG.
UK National Reform Programme 2008, p. 16.  Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Department 2007 'Delivering Simplification Plans-A Summary', p. 9.
Working across several government departments and Local Authorities, a national communications campaign on the benefits of formal childcare, and the choices and financial help available, was launched in March 2007.
Budget 2007 announced an increase in the generosity of R&D tax credits. From April 2008, the large company R&D tax credit will be increased from 125 per cent to 130 per cent and the enhanced deduction element of the SME R&D tax credit will rise from 150 to 175 per cent from 1 August 2008, subject to state aid negotiations. After the approval of the European Commission the SME scheme was also extended to companies with up to 500 employees (from 1 August 2008). The Government intends to evaluate the scheme in 2010.
UK NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 25.  http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/ete/neet/ http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?go=site.home&sid=42&pid=343&ctype=None&ptype=Contents
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has a target to reduce the proportion of young people aged 16-18 not in education, employment or training (NEET) by two percentage points between 2004 and 2010.  In November 2007, the NEET Strategy, Reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) was published. The Strategy is structured around the four key themes that are essential to reducing the proportion of young people who are NEET:  Careful tracking to identify early those young people who are NEET, or who are at risk of becoming NEET;  Personalised guidance and support to enable young people to access suitable provision, and to tackle barriers to learning;  A flexible mix of learning provision, both pre- and post-16, designed to meet the needs of every young person in every area; an  An emphasis on rights and responsibilities so that there are clear incentives on young people to re-engage quickly if they drop out.
National Audit Office 2007 'Evaluation of Regulatory Impact Assessments 2006-07', p. 25.
In response to on-going weaknesses in Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs), the Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has developed new guidance and a supporting toolkit. The BRE consulted on proposed changes to RIAs in July 2006 and started to phase in the new arrangements from May 2007. The revisions, which will be compulsory from November 2007, have been subject to extensive debate which led to the postponement of the introduction of new requirements. The new guidance aims to ensure that the cost and benefit information is presented in a much more transparent way, and that RIAs are carried out and updated throughout the policy making cycle. Although the previous guidance remained in place, the period during which the guidance was under review created uncertainty. This was prolonged by postponements to the introduction of the new guidance and template. There was a lack of clarity on the coverage and future direction of RIAs, and policy officials were unsure of when the new requirements would be introduced. Revisions to the guidance, however, were necessary as many officials commented that the old guidance was too long, overly prescriptive and complex. The new guidance has sought to address previous deficiencies and has improved during the period of consultation. There is a need, though, for departments to supplement the Better Regulation Executive (BRE) guidance to provide greater clarity on the circumstances when an RIA is needed; the benefits of using RIAs; and how to tailor RIAs to the policy context to ensure an appropriate level of analysis.
Second Austrian Reform Programme, 2008, p. 21
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 11
measure included in economic stimulus programme 2009  Austrian Stability Programme for the period 2008 to 2013
To compensate losses in enterprise funded R&D expenditures due to the economic downturn, the Federal Government provided additional resources for business relevant and application oriented research activities (two thirds, 33 million Euro for the automotive industry) as well as for updating university equipment (one third) amounting to 50 million euro for 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Measure included in economic stimulus programme 2008  Austrian Stability Programme for the period 2008 to 2013, p. 23
The international competitiveness of Austrian businesses is strengthened by funding training programmes, studies on market developments or research co-operations.  (Annually 25 mio. Euro until 2013)
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 23
To avoid significant deteriorations in investment activities due to the economic downturn, an accelerated depreciation of 30% is approved for 2 years.
Second Austrian Reform Programme, 2008, p. 9. Structural reform measure as part of recovery programmes in response to the EERP
The inheritance and gift taxes expired after a ruling of constitution court and the formal decision was taken through the reform of the Schenkungsmeldegesetz. Facilitates intergenerational enterprise handovers and disburdens saving and capital accumulation (0,05 % of GDP). Expected revenues loss in 2009 and 2010: approx. 150-200 mio Euro  p.a.
Measure included in 2008 NRP, included in economic stimulus programme 2008 Structural reform measure as part of recovery programmes in response to the EERP
Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) will install a participation fund to invest in SMEs for expansion projects. In the form of silent partnerships and mezzanin-capital aws will provide direct financing. Hence the equity of SMEs will be strengthened and the financing of growth-oriented investment projects will be improved. In total funds of 80 mio. Euro will be paid in by the government (40 mio. Euro in 2009 and 40 mio. Euro in 2010).
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - 2nd Implementation Report 2007
The introduction of a compulsory year of kindergarten for children with language deficits is expected to ensure the earliest possible start for remedial therapy, thereby facilitating the transition to school. Integrated provision at kindergarten level will provide suitable services for this target group. In future, the measures are to begin 15 months prior to a child starting school in order to ascertain whether there are still problems with the pupil's knowledge of German. Adaption within the NRP - legal basis has been accomplished in July 2009 First compulsory year of kindergarten has started in Sept. 2009
measure included in economic stimulus programme 2008
A new microloan program up to 30,000 Euro will be installed. For this new activity 50 mio. Euro is reserved.
Second Austrian reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 26.
The guarantee frames of aws have been increased from 3 bn. Euro to 5.3 bn. Euro to establish a sufficient frame for guarantees for equity and loan financing. In total an increase of about 400 mio. Euro guarantees per year is expected. Moreover, credit facilities for low interest loans will be increased by 200 mio. Euro for 2009 and 2010 respectively.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 57
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 61
The Walloon Region supports the employment of researchers by means of its FIRST measures (by paying the salary of a young researcher for two years). At the end of 2008, four streams of calls were made (Spin-offs, higher education schools, Post-Doctorate and DOC.A). The FIRST measures for Doctor in Business came into force at the beginning of 2009. At the end of 2008, the French Community set up a research fund for higher education schools, allocating 250,000 euro per year, to enable them to replace project leaders who were posted somewhere else by the FIRST higher education schools.
Belgium NRP 2008-2010, p. 32.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	"Commissievergadering Commissie voor Bestuurszaken, Binnenlands Bestuur, Decreetsevaluatie, Inburgering en Toerisme - 14/12/2010" Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaams Parlement Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://docs.vlaamsparlement.be/docs/handelingen_commissies/2010-2011/c0m081bin6-14122010.pdf 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Lokaal Pact tussen de Vlaamse Regering, de Vlaamse gemeenten en de Vlaamse provincies Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Vlaamse Regering Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://binnenland.vlaanderen.be/lokaal-pact
The Local Fiscal Pact is an agreement between Flemish Communes & Provinces and the Flemish Government. For those local communes that wish to engage themselves in this agreement, the Flemish Governement agrees to the following:(a) it will exempt all new equipment and tooling from withholding tax on real estate and will fully compensate communes and provinces for revenue lost on supplementary local taxes to withholding tax on real estate; (b) it will pay for the outstanding debts of communes up to total max. of 612 MIO euro, (c) it will decrease the withholding tax on low-energy housing and will fully compensate communes and provinces for revenue lost on supplementary local taxes to withholding tax on real estate, (d) it will increase the compensations for the loss of the "Elia tax". In return, these communes  commit themselves (a) to remove the taxes on office space and on employed staff, (b) to carry out a transparent fiscal policy favourable to companies, (c) to not increase taxes in 2009, ((d) not to introduce new lump sum taxes for households and (e) to abolish any lump sum taxes on househols waste),
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 75
At the end of 2008, the Authority also decided to create a new fund for large businesses, the XL-fund. This fund will invest in large businesses with a financial value of between 75 million euro and 750 million euro and that start up with an issued capital of at least 500 million euro.
A new Human Capital Action Plan (Actieplan Menselijk Kapitaal) was approved in 2008 and funded in the amount of 8.17 million euros. Among other things, it includes a pilot programme (the Baekeland programme) for intersectoral mobility between the academic world and companies.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 60.
This act seeks to prevent students from dropping out and getting them back to school.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 76
Service Public de Wallonie, Plan Marshall 2 vert, Rapport annuel 2010, p. 64. Other source: National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p.85.
The objective of this virtual institute is developing very high quality research in domains related to medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary biotechnology.
Belgium NRP 2008-2010, p. 51.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Meetrapport Administratieve Lasten 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	DAV Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.vereenvoudiging.fgov.be/doc/1248355067-2988.pdf pag 32
BE plan de relance 11/12/08  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	KMO Plan Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Sabine Laruelle Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Federal Ministry for SMEs, Independents, Agriculture and Science Policy Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.sabinelaruelle.be/KMO-Plan.pdf
This ambitious plan includes forty-seven measures in five transverse axes and a sectorial axe aimed specifically at important sectors such as retailing, the construction sector  and the hotel and catering industry.   The five transverse axes are:    1. stimulate entrepreneurship  2. enhance the security of the entrepreneur  3. improve relations between the SME sector and public authorities  4. improve the labor market for SMEs  5. strengthen the statute of the independents
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 84 and p.97.
The aim of this measure is to improve  the quality of training by improving the quality of the alternation between studies and traineeships.
The government wants to set up an independent and powerful regulator and supports European initiatives on the issue. The competences of the CREG, the energy regulator, were extended by the law-programme of April 2008. Whereas, in the past, the CREG had only kept a market watch over transportation and distribution costs, in the future, it will analyse all energy price components. This monitoring implies that the CREG will have regular access to the real costs of producers, importers, and suppliers. This will enable an assessment of the effective and justified ratio between costs and price, to pinpoint market trends, and to anticipate them. In carrying out its oversight and supervisory activities, the CREG may observe anticompetitive behaviour or unfair commercial practices and report its observations to the Minister on its own initiative and, in any event, offer to take upon itself, or to assign to another competent authority, any measures it deems useful to fight against anti-competitive behaviour. As part of its oversight activities, the CREG will inform the Competition Council of any suspected breaches and will provide it with the report sent to the Minister. It can also formulate opinions on market operation and suggest measures that will improve it and increase its transparency.
BE Plan de relance  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Want To Know More About Initio? Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Participatiefonds Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.fonds.org/en/creditactivities/initio/more 	8-2-2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Relance Plan Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Belgian Government Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.belgium.be/nl/binaries/herstelplan_tcm117-29600.pdf
The Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA) proposes a program to introduce young people in the Brussels' "Priority Intervention Zone" to entrepreneurship.This initiative aims at implementing educational programs to stimulate entrepreneurship at the different educational levels (primary schools, secondary schools, ...) to develop educational tools, to organize events and meetings in order to strengthen the networks and to set-up a system of follow-up. The objective is to raise awareness of entrepreneurship among  29 primary schools, 23 secondary schools, 8 colleges, 436 teachers and 2,000 students on an annual basis. In concrete terms, this project has resulted in the "BOOST YOUR TALENT" programme, which aims to stimulate entrepreneurial spirit in the schools situated in the Priority Intervention Zone of the Brussels Capital Region
Walloon Plan Actions anti-crise 05-12-08 Structural reform measures as part of recovery programmes in response to the EERP
A decree modifying the decree of 12 April 2001 on the organisation of the regional electricity market and a decree modifying the decree of 19 December 2002 on the organisation of the regional gas market were adopted by the Walloon parliament on 16 July 2008. Their objectives included organising the separation between network management and their operation in order to ensure greater distribution network operator independence from competing companies, producers, and suppliers (via distribution sector reform and modification of the shareholding of the network operators), strengthening of the missions and powers of the CWAPE, the Walloon market regulation authority, and the creation of a mediation service for consumers.
A new decree for the support of research, development, and innovation in Wallonia which replaces the decree of 5 July 1990 was adopted in July 2008. This decree plans new actions adapted to changes in the global economy and technology, the Belgian institutional landscape and changes to European support aid in this area.
On 1st July 2008 the partial exemption of wage tax on the pay of researchers was standardised. The 25%, 50% and 65% rates were all fixed at 65%. The exemption for additional SME personnel (which was a temporary measure and due to finish at the end of 2007) will now become permanent in 2008.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 125  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Lisbon strategy. National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Belgium. Progress Report 2009, p. 125-126 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	ouvrage collectif Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.be2010.eu
This measures was activated from 2009 by SOWALFIN, and is based on EFRD funding to encourage entrepreneurship. Particular attention is paid to the VSE (very small entreprises), to young innovative companies and to innovative projects.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 80
The Flemish government launched an innovative public auction action plan (Actieplan Innovatief Aanbesteden) in mid-2008 with a total of 15 million euros for its 2008-2010 pilot phase. As part of this plan, the authorities have taken the initiative of acquiring existing and planned innovations which help to solve important socio-economic issues or improve the quality/productivity of public services.
The Brussels-Capital Region is set to launch a new programme in early 2008 under the heading of "Brains back to Brussels". This seeks to halt the brain drain and encourage researchers to return to the Belgian capital.
A project to greatly simplify innovation support instruments for SMEs was initiated in 2008. The Flemish strategic research centres (Strategische onderzoekscentra) aimed at international excellence concentrate on technology transfers, cooperation/agreements with companies, the economic exploitation of research activities and the creation of spin-offs in four sectors: These are IMEC (nanotechnology and microelectronics), VIB (biotechnology), VITO (new materials and energy), and IBBT (ICT and broadband technology).
In the Province of West-Flanders, the project "Action for Starters", aims to develop a provincial network of urban business centres and facilities for start-ups, with specific incubation facilities for new social economy companies and creative starters. On top of this creation and improvement of (existing) infrastructures for starters, a network of starter facilities will be set up on 4 levels. The first level involves the setting up of a network of communal SME counters. The second level refers to the basic first coaching and information sessions for starters. The third level foresees the possibility of furthers perfection courses, training and guidance for the starters. The fourth level intends to realize specialized networks for the development of innovative concepts. Finally, all these facilities will be connected by an effective ICT network, whereby the expert networks, the starter services and the SME One-Stop Business Shop in the province can be linked.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 66
The ratification of the London Protocol of 23 May 2008 will enable a substantial reduction in the costs associated with European patents by lowering translation costs.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 68
Stimulating business creation rests on expanding the duties and reinforcing the legal framework of the appointed Enterprises Counters to make them a single point of contact and to take on the function of a Single Point of Contact as provided for by the Services Directive.
Action Plan to the National Reform Programme 2008-2010, no 50.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Decisions of the Council of Ministers N  468/10.07.2007 and N.  867 / 05.11.2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2007 and 2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.government.bg
On 18 April 2008, the MEE initiated a public procurement procedure concerning "The identification and measurement of administrative burdens arising from the legal obligations of the business to provide information and proposal for their reduction".  The consultancy task was executed. On the basis of its outputs a national goal of reduction by 20% of the administrative burden was set up. For the implementation of this goal an Action Plan with detailed measures was adopted in April 2010 by the Council of Ministers. The results of the procured consultancy task were used and incorporated in the actualized Better Regulation Program (2010-2013).
Action Plan to the National Reform Programme 2008-2010, no. 98.   Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Report on the JOBS Project, 2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	JOBS team Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Labour and Social Polciy and UNDP Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.jobs-bg.org 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	?????????? Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mee.government.bg/bids.html?id=299485
TECHNOSTART, a project for the promotion of young people's innovative activity, was launched in 2008. Grant financial assistance of BGN 20,000 was available in 2008 for the establishment of technological companies by students or graduating students.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 20203 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p.21.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p.75. Completed by Republic of Bulgaria, Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, National Report Contribution to the Joint Progress Report of the Council and the Commission on the Implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training, Education and Training 2020, Sofia, May 2011, p. 5.
The National Programme "Care for every pupil" is introduced in 2008 in accordance with the principles set in the National Programme for the Development of Pre-school and School Education and Training (2006-2015). It aims at providing an opportunity for supplementary education adapted to two groups of children - children having learning problems and childern with special learning needs (talented children). This will be achieved by motivating teachers to work with the pupils taking into account their individual abilities and interests and promoting the implementation of innovative approaches in teaching and learning for children with different and/or special abilities. The programme has been implemented annually by means of executing the programme budget of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 15; Action Plan no. 52;   Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	State Gazette  No. 34/25.04.2006 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Parliament Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	//dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/broeveList.faces
In order to improve the legal framework, a Law on amendment of the Law on the Commercial Register was adopted and entered into force on 30 May 2008. The amendment regulated certain legal gaps in connection with the registration with the Commercial Register. The law explicitly provided the possibility the re-registration of commercial entities to be carried out on the basis of an act of any interested party empowered by law to request an entry into the register. The law contributed to better synchronization with other laws (Law on Accountancy) and improved the access to public information.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 20
In September 2008 the supercomputer centre for scientific research was officially opened; it is directly linked to the policies aimed at stimulating the investment in R&D - with its support the creation of applied products with the aim of their introduction on part of the business will become possible.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 12
By the end of 2008 a new Law on Competition Protection will enter into force widening the powers of the Competition Protection Commission (CPC) in relation to investigating infringements of competition and amending the method for determining sanctions for law infringements. The regular monitoring on part of the competent authorities of risk companies and market segments/sectors in which often the rules of competition and consumers' rights are violated will be expanded.
Action Plan to the National Reform Programme 2008-2010, no. 94;
Actions: conducting an information campaign by the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Agency (BMEPA); calling for a competition session; collecting the applications; ranking the applications; issuing certificates to the enterprises approved for financing; signing of contracts; implementing the projects; effecting payment by the BSMEPA to the benficiary enterprises up to the amount of the subsidy fixed in the certificates.
Action Plan to the National Reform Programme 2008-2010, no. 76;
The approval of the Law on funding undergraduates, graduates and post-graduates creates conditions for the provision of financial assistance for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students and guarantees equal access to higher education.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p.26.
The Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) is monitoring regularly and thoroughly each company and the managed funds in the event of repeated reporting of yield in the mandatory funds below the required minimum yield and in the event of jeopardised financial stability of the company. In addition, FSC requires that an annual Programme for financial stabilisation of the companies and the funds managed by them is prepared. In accordance with the Action Plan in times of a financial crisis, adopted by the FSC on 23 September 2008, the companies are required to submit to the FSC twice-a-month up-to-date information about the amount of their equity capital and liquid funds, a balance sheet and an income statement of the companies.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 14  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Better Regulation Program 2008-2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.mee.government.bg/.../Better%20regulation%20programme%202008-10.pdf - 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Reform Program (2008-2010), 2009 update Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	n/a Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Council of Ministers Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/bg_nrp_en.pdf
After a wide public discussion in April 2008 a Better Regulation Programme (Decision on item 49 of Minutes No. 16 of the Council of Ministers meeting on 17 April 2008) was adopted, which determines the actions of the government in the period from 2008 to 2010. The overall objective is decrease of the administrative burden before business and improvement of the administrative regulation. The specific goals are: relief of administrative regimes, strengthening of institutional capacity for implementation of the better regulation policy, activation of the dialogue with the key stakeholders, improvement of the municipal and regional capacity for implementation of better regulation policies. The program contains specific measures related to each goal and a list of regimes (licenses, permissions and registrations), which are proposed to be abolished or facilitated. A new Better Regulation Program (Actualized) was adopted with a Decision ? 361 / 01.06.2010 of the Council of Minsters.
Action Plan to the National Reform Programme 2008-2010, no. 56.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual Consolidated Financial Statement 2009; Independent Auditor's Report				 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Board of Directors; Auditors			 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Board of Directors; Auditors		 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Sofia					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010					 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.bbr.bg/assets/files/the Bank/fin_bg/2009/BDB_FScons_2009_BG_FINAL.pdf
The Law established a financial group comprising: - Bulgarian Development Bank; - National Guarantee Fund; and - Capital Investment Fund (venture capital fund). The main goal of the Bank is promotion of the overall economic, export and technological potential of SMEs through facilitation of their access to finance. Activities of the Development Bank include: Pre-export and export crediting of SMEs, provision of guarantees and venture capital to SMEs, re-financing of banks, which finance SMEs, supporting public projects, etc.
Renewed National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 22
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 71
This measure aims at bridging the gap between the suppply and demand of innovation through a mechanism of intermediation between research/academic institutions and SMEs. The measure is at its final stages of design and is included as an individual Action under the "Innovation Support" Program, within the RPF Framework Program 2008-2010. The first call is expected to be published at the beginning of 2009.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 76
The eFiling project, which will allow for a complete online registration of a new company, is in progress and on track. The project commenced in April 2008 and will be completed in June 2009.
Cyprus National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, April 2O11, Table 3, p.73.
Aims at increasing the atractiveness of technical and vocational education and match the specialisations offered with the needs of the labour market.
National Lisbon Programme CY, October 2008, p. 75
This programme, an amendment of the 2005 "Researcher cooperation with Distinguished Overseas Scientists" programme is included in the new national RPF Framework Programme 2008-2010. The programme includes two actions: (a) attraction of experienced foreign researchers (as the previous programme) and (b) attraction of new foreign researchers.
Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 80; research.org.cy; Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 21, 30
Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 88; Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 79
The Learning Management System refers to the use of platform that enables the communication between teachers, students and parents in issues like absences, homework, examination grades etc. This platform was launched on a pilot basis in 8 schools in November 2008, whilst implementation in all schools is expected to be completed by in 2009-2010.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.123.
The Memorandum of Agreement reached between the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance and the Ministry of Education and Culture regarding the implementation of the New Modern Apprenticeship, was endorsed by the Council of Ministers on the 10th of December 2008.  The Memorandum clarifies the respective roles of the two ministries regarding the New Modern Apprenticeship.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 90
The National Action Plan takes into account the commitments of the Republic of Cyprus, derived from the spring European Council Conclusions of March 2007. In this respect, the Council of Ministers in February 2008, has decided the following: (i) To set Cyprus's national target for the reduction of AB, by 2012, at 20%. (ii) To adopt the Standard Cost Model (SCM) as the appropriate methodology for the measurement and reduction of AB.  (iii) To commission the Ministry of Finance to issue tenders in order to acquire consulting services for a zero base measurement of all legislation relating to business operations.   (iv) To commission the Ministry of Finance to proceed with the required actions for completing the tender procedure to acquire immediately services for the pilot project regarding the reduction of administrative burden in the land market.
Renewed National Reform Programme Cy Oct. 2008, p. 63
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 80
On the 7th of June 2008 the Council of Ministers adopted the policy and regulatory framework for the authorization of DTTV networks. According to this framework, two nationwide licences will be granted. One license (one multiplex) will be granted to the public broadcaster, CYBC, for the sole prupose of broadcasting its programs to the entire population of Cyprus. The other license (5 multiplexes) will be auctioned and the operator will have the right to offer any kind of service. He must however, carry all existing national programs. Both licences will be granted in 2009. All analogue terrestrial television transmissions will be switched off by the 1st of July 2011.
Renewed National Reform Programme CY Oct. 2008, p. 82
On 18 April, the new legislation on the Protection of Competition Law (Law no. 13(I)/2008) was adopted. The CPC is now in full harmonization with its obligations as set out in Regulation (EC) no. 1/2003 on the implementation of Article 81 and 82 of the Treaty. The CPC was enforced by the appointment of five members and five deputy members to its Committee. The five members of the Committee are employed on a full time basis.
Renewed National Reform Programme, p. 15
Within the context of the ongoing educational reform for a better and more modern educational system that would meet future needs and challenges, a decision was taken by the Council of Ministers in September 2008 to promote priorities such as: - in-service training of newly appointed teachers - Establishment of an Educational Research and Evaluation Centre - Expansion and improvement of Zones of Educational Priorities - Expansion of voluntary "All day" Pre-Primary schools - Establishment of Medical School in the Cyprus University - Organization of short-term language classes for foreign students
Addendum to an updated Convergence Programme (November 2008)  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Addendum to an updated Convergence Programme (November 2008) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Ministry of Finance Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Finance Czech Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Prague Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.mfcr.cz/cps/rde/xbcr/mfcr/Priloha__KoPr_02012009_pdf.pdf
Increase in capital of the Czech Export Bank totalling an amount of CZK 2 billion (no impact on budget). One-off increase in capital of the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank totalling CZK 1.1 billion (this increase will have some impact on budget in terms of lower dividends for the state). Increase of insurance cover of the Export Guarantee and Insurance Corporation (no impact on state budget). All these institutions are focused on the support of business and export in the CZ. Increase in capital of the CEB should give a clear signal that CEB is prepared to fill in the potential gap in financing Czech exports should the appetite of standard commercial banks in providing export credits decrease for whatever reasons. EUR -20 million - lower dividend from the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Dev. Bank.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.39 Action Plan on the Support of Vocational Education and Training, December 2008
System for developing the partnership between schools and companies. It aims at raising the quality of vocational training. Examples of best practice were published online.
National Reform Programme CZ 2008-2010, p. 10;
An amendment to the Trade Act of July 2008 simplified the provision of services of child care in the form of a trade (entrepreneurial activities), which will facilitate the extension of the circle of persons interested in this type of activities.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.29. Other source: Grant Thornton, Amendment of the Income Tax Act, Czech Republic, November 2008. OTHER SOURCE: Kocian Solc Balastik Avokatni Kancelar.
The Amendment to the Income Tax Act introduced the option of a flat-rate transportation expenses deduction. Tax subjects opting for its application no longer have to keep a record documenting actual vehicle operating-related costs. This amendment aims mostly at small and micro-entrepreneurs, subjects not liable for VAT that operate a low number of vehicles; (its applicability is limited to 3 vehicles). The  amendment to the Income Tax Act, which is published in the Collection of Laws under No. 304/2009 Coll. (this amendment was added to the draft amendment to the Act of Administration of Taxes and Fees; Parliamentary print no. 387). Under this amendment, a transport flat rate in the amount of CZK 5,000 was added to the Income Tax Act. The effectiveness of this amendment was changed and commences as of 1 January 2010, while the amendment to the Income Tax Act shall apply to the tax period beginning in 2009, pursuant to transitory provisions. The amendment to the Income Tax Act was adopted on the basis of a parliamentary amendment, but the terminology thereof is not clear. Negotiations between the representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Chamber of Tax Advisers of the Czech Republic will take place in mid-September to clarify the legal interpretation of the new amendment.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 37
In April 2008 the Council for Information Society issued a Strategy for the Development of Services for Information Society with a vision for the Czech Republic to become one of five European Union states with the highest level of the development of e-Government by 2015.
On 1.7.2008, act no. 130/2008 Coll. amending act no. 455/1991 Coll. providing for small trade as amended (Trade Licensing Act) came into effect. The draft amendment to the act was enacted as a result of step-by-step harmonisation of the trade licensing area with EU law and focuses on those issues, which can be resolved and at the same time preserve the underlying policy of the act, requiring no major changes of other legal regulations.                                                                                                                                                                            As a result of the amendment, the trade Licensing Act currently contains a single unqualified trade (instead of 125) containig 80 fields of activity. For legal entities and foreigners, the proposed legal regulation simplifies their entry into small trade business, as it partly cuts the red tape of entrepreneurs with respect of the contact with the trade licensing authorities and significantly reduces administrative costs and fees. By removing the requirement to provide proof of no debts outstanding and by mitigating the criminal record requirement, conditions to start a small trade business have been generally simplified.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.30
A VAT deduction for motorcars used for enterprising was introduced as well as higher lumpsum expenses for entrepreneurs (in force only through 2009 - with regards to 2010 public debt-cutting measures lump-sums will be raised again).
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.21.; National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic (last version: April 2012), chap. III.5.1
This Amendment brings a better harmonization of the Czech legal provisions with the Community law and it aims to simplify the system of support of R & D and Innovations in the Czech Republic by inter alia extending its scope also to the field of support of Innovations, establishing the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic and amending the statute of central authorities and the Research and Development Council.
National system overviews on education systems in Europe and ongoing reforms, European Commission, 2010.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms - Going for Growth, 2010. p,102
Compulsory language screening for three-years-olds was introduced along with strengthened individual evaluation.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.11
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.13
The Government prioritises international research cooperation. Early 2008, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation launched a strategy outlining goals for enhanced cooperation with China in the areas of higher education, research and innovation. Among other things, PhD collaboration has been established in the field of nano, bio and ICT technologies. Cooperation has also been established in the areas of sun, wind, biomass and sustainable construction, where Denmark contributes DKK 19 million to the cooperation between Danish and Chinese researchers. Cooperation with India has also been established in the area of foods. In 2009, funds will be allocated to joint Danish-Indian projects. Denmark contributes DKK 8 million.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.22
As part of the extensive work of measuring administrative costs attributable to regulation at EU level and in order to contribute to the simplification of existing business regulation at EU level, Denmark, in November 2008, submitted 30 proposals for simplification of rules in the 13 priority areas to the European Commission.
The Quality Reform presented in August 2007 focuses on high quality in the public service sector. The reform includes 180 initiatives to strengthen quality in healthcare, children and elderly care. The Quality Reform allocates DKK 10 billion for 2008 to these initiatives. Furthermore, a quality fund of DKK 50 billion finances an increase in public investment towards 2018.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.20
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.14
In autumn 2008, the Danish Council of Technology and Innovation established a new, comprehensive national infrastructure for innovation networks, which, inter alia, means fewer and stronger networks, each of which covers important technological and commercial areas in Denmark.
A scheme has been introduced under which students can take public grants with them to a recognised educational institution abroad. The scholarship scheme for study abroad supports the internationalisation of Danish higher education.
With the Act on Academies of Professional Higher Education, up to 10 academies of professional higher education are to be established at the beginning of September 2008, and they are to be ready to go into operation on 1 January 2009. The academies of professional higher education are to offer academy profession programmes and in-service and higher education programmes within their geographical coverage area. In addition, the academies are to develop new education programmes and function as centres of knowledge and expertise. Finally, the academies are to function as growth layers for the technical and commercial professional bachelor programmes.
Study guidance has been strengthened, inter alia with the result that the number of full-time equivalents at the universities engaged in this area has risen from 66 full-time equivalents in 2006 to 106 full-time equivalents in 2009. As part of the enhanced study guidance, as per 1 February 2008 the universities are obliged to monitor students who are in danger of dropping out (i.e. students who are more than half a year behind in their studies), e.g. by offering them an interview.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.17
Denmark was one of the first countries in the world to publish a green IT action plan in 2008. The action plan contains initiatives to reduce the total emissions of CO2 from the IT sector and initiatives that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions in other sectors when IT is used intelligently.
Estonian Strategy for Competitiveness 2009-2011 - Overview and update to the estonian Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, 5 November 2009, p. 14
Centralising enquiries to (foreign) investor and related information services and linking these to a unified contact solution.
In 2007, preparatory work has been carried out for a new and modified start-up scheme for enterprises. The scheme will be open for the use of enterprises in autumn 2007. The objective of the support scheme is to propose an integrated solution so as to improve access to financial instruments in the initial years of an entrepreneur's economic activities. Aid given thus far will continue in supplemented form - a new solution is constituted by a state guarantee for obtaining microloans. Although, the aid will continue to be granted by Enterprise Estonia and loan guarantees will be issued by KredEx, an entrepreneur will be able to submit one application for the use of both measures and receive a simultaneous reply as to the aid as well as the guarantee.
Estonian Strategy for Competitiveness 2009-2011 - Overview and update to the estonian Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, 5 November 2009, p. 21
Financial support measures to educational institutions to enable them to better attract foreign students at Master and PhD level to study in Estonia; encourage them to stay longer and forge ties with the Estonian labour market (especially in research and development work) after they finish their studies.
Expanding the target group of the Marketing support scheme to companies that have just begun exporting.
Estonian Strategy for Competitiveness 2009-2011 - Overview and update to the estonian Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, 5 November 2009, p. 22
Promoting science and technology study fields by increasing the importance of science subjects at basic and secondary school levels and by increasing the freedom of choice for secondary school and vocational education students; developing curricula in technology and the natural sciences for non-formal education institutions.
Companies are supported with a programme for R&D projects worth 69 m EUR, a programme for technology investments worth 38 m EUR and a new innovation voucher scheme enabling companies to pay for the work done by R&D institutions;
Support for studies abroad for Estonian Master level students in order to ensure the availability of highly qualified people.
Opening calls for applications concerning cluster development and collective marketing events and participation in trade fairs, including opportunities for the sectoral business associations to apply.
Raising the qualification of teachers in vocational and general education by developing a needs-based additional training system for teachers.
Support the establishment of new Competence Centres and continuing supporting the activity of existing centres at the launching and carrying out of long-term and market-oriented cooperation projects (2008-2013).
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 44
Increase the volume of the support programme for R&D activities in enterprises and research and development institutions, focusing on supporting preliminary and applied research projects and product development projects (2008-2013). The amount of support will increase from EEK 198 411 792 in 2008 to EEK 305 754 104 in 2011.
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 102
Select and finance new centres of excellence (2008-2013)
Launch of a technology transfer support programme with the aim of supporting the employment of new technologies in industrial enterprises (2008-2013).
Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, p. 82, LISREF
Support the implementation of a national curriculum in pre-school institutions and organise the teaching of Estonian as a foreign language in order to prepare children better for school (2008-2011). In kindergarten level teaching Estonian language through games and music lessons as a foreign language for non-Estonian speaking children in order to prepare them better for school.
The entry into force of the Estonian Reorganisation Act (ERA) on 26 December 2008, which for a business operator faced with solvency problems includes the option of overcoming the financial difficulties and continuing to operate by restoring liquidity
Launching the DoRa programme (programme for doctoral studies and internationalisation) to increase the quality and competitiveness of higher education. Within the framework of the programme, up to 50% of the wage costs of foreign professors working at regular posts in Estonian universities will be financed. Foreign professors are expected to start their activities in Estonia in 2011.
The evaluation of doctoral students means an evaluation given by the university's evaluation committee regarding the student's progress in his/her studies as well as research work. The committee evaluates the fulfilment of the plan of studies and research work (the individual study plan) compiled by the doctoral student. The evaluation of doctoral students is performed at the end of every academic year and has to be completed at the latest by the beginning of the next academic year. At the implementation of the model, the period of the payment of doctoral grants shall be prolonged - from ten months to twelve. All doctoral students passing the evaluation shall receive the grant.
Re-organization of the network of Enterprise Estonia representatives abroad in order to provide adequate services to exporters and attracting foreign investors in target sectors;
Addenda  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Counter-cyclical Loan Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Finnvera (specialized financing company of State of Finland) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.finnvera.fi/eng/Loans/Counter-cyclical-Loan 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Counter-cyclical Guarantee Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Finnvera (specialized financing company of State of Finland) Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.finnvera.fi/eng/Guarantees/Counter-cyclical-Guarantee 	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Talouspoliittiselta ministerivaliokunnalta uusia linjauksia yritysrahoituksen vahvistamiseksi Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Employment and the Economy Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.tem.fi/index.phtml?98603_m=93898&s=3804
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI p. 65
In April 2008 a practical action programme encompassing around 40 projects was decided upon. The programme emphasises in particular the provision of reliable and user-friendly electronic services as well as the preparedness of citiznes and companies as users of electronic services.
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 35
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.77
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.80
The objective is for citizens and companies to be able to trust in the security of their information both in information and communication networks and in services related to them. The new strategy will focus on three priority areas: basic skills in the ubiquitous information society, information-related risk management and service reliability, and competitiveness and international network cooperation. To achieve the objectives, an information security group will prepare an action programme based on the priorities of the resolution.
Taxation on generational transfers was eased in 2006, and the new Government Programme includes to abolish this taxation in certain cases.  Gift and inheritance tax was reformed in 2008. It was planned to include two phases. The first phase of the reform included overall decrease and simplification of gift and inheritance tax which impact on government revenues were -165 million EUR. The second phase concentrated on easening the generational transfer of firms. Tax base were reduced from 40 % to 20 % of corporate assets to avoid discontinuation of business and employment activies in generational transfer situations. Estimated budget impact of the change on the revenues was -8 million EUR. But 18.11.2008 the government withdrew the planned reform and it was altered so that it included only the first phase of general decreases in gift and inheritance tax rates. Government revenues were to decrease by 60 million EUR per year.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 48
The new R&D&I framework on state aid, adopted by the Commission, entered into force at the beginning of 2007. In accordance with the framework, a new funding decree for TEKES, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, entered into force in spring 2008. This facilitates the granting of aid also for innovation activity.
Addendum Stability Programme update for Finland 2008. Structural reform measure as part of recovery programmes in response to the EERP
Business subsidies, R&D (Various forms of capitalisation, funding public sector R&D, for instance). Off-budget expenditure in 2009: 336 mio. EURO, in 2010: 250 mio. EURO
An effort has been made in Finland in recent years to broaden innovation policy beyond traditional R&D funding. This is clearly evident in the proposal, completed in June 2008, for a new National Innovation Strategy, in which the priorities of innovation policy will be moved in the direction of markets that promote innovations, non-technological development, user orientation and public services. Public investments made in these areas make up only a small part of R&D expenditure. The objective is to safeguard Finland's innovation environment quality, international competitiveness and attractiveness, to ensure that it can answer the challenges of, among other things, ageing, globalisation, climate change and sustainable development. Strengthening internationalisation, activation of user and customers in innovation work and promoting wide-ranging creativity and innovations are, in addition to a high level of expertise, the means by which Finnish innovation activity will be enhanced.
The Helsinki University of Technology, the University of Art and Design and the Helsinki School of Economics will be merged into the Aalto University. The capital of the Aalto University Foundation will be formed by donations of at least EUR 700 million. This capital will be accumulated in stages during 2008-2010 by a Government donation of EUR 500 million and donations of at least EUR 200 million from Finnish business and other financiers. The goal is to create an innovative scientific community from top-flight universities in the field of technology, economics, and art and design. The merger will create new opportunities for multidisciplinary education and research. The Aalto University is scheduled to start operating in August 2009.
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 65
The Utilisation of Information and Communications Technology in Education and Study project will develop a new electronic learning environment and trial technological opportunities in education and in the development of education. At the beginning of 2008, a network coordinated by the University of Helsinki conducted a review which evaluated the current situation of information and communications technology in schools from the perspective of technological environments, software and infrastructure, pedagogic use and effectiveness, and skills resources. A pilot project has been initiated and the schools that will participate in the project will be selected in autumn 2008. The project will continue until the end of 2010.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.74
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 56
In spring 2008, the Academy of Finland approved an international operating strategy extending until 2015. The objective is to create new conditions for internationally high-level research, researcher education and attractive research environments. The Academy of Finland's international activity supports and promotes the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy. The key elements of the Academy's strategy are international peer reviews, supporting elite units' top level research groups and researchers as well as clusters of strategic expertise, participating in the implementation of the national infrastructure policy, internationalising research programme and researcher careers, and promoting the visibility of Finnish science.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010, Rapport de suivi pour 2009, pag. 10
The Economic Modernisation Act (LME) provides for more competitive business relations by allowing suppliers to differentiate between the prices granted to retailers. A supplier may not only adjust its published general sales terms to each buyer category, it may also agree, in all confidentiality, special sales conditions with retailers. This provision is expected to strengthen competition between brands (i.e. between suppliers) and within brands (between retailers) in the interest of the consumer. In practice, this mechanism should limit listing fees to genuine commercial cooperation services between suppliers and retailers, as in other European countries. A more dissuasive penalty system will be implemented to prevent abuse of dominant purchasing and sales positions.
The reform of the primary education system, intended to divide the number of dropouts after primary school (currently 15%) by three in 5 years and to halve the class repeat rate, aims to give each pupil the basic knowledge and skills needed to continue studying. This reform introduces new programmes focusing on basic literacy and numeracy skills and reorganises school hours, reduced from 26 to 24 hours per week, together with 2 hours of personal help for pupils in serious difficulty.  The impact of this reform will be assessed by implementing a new evaluation system designed to provide reliable data about the results of pupils in the second and highest form of the primary school system. These data will be indicators of the performance of the educational system.   This reform was implemented for the 2008-2009 school year. The programme to take living language courses to all primary schools will be completed in 2010.
France NRP, 2009 Progress Report, p.10  Website of the ministry of economy http://www.economie.gouv.fr/directions_services/dgtpe/assurance/cap/cap_20090611.pdf (11.05.2010)  Senate website - analysis on the 2010 finance bill http://www.senat.fr/rap/l09-101-3-11/l09-101-3-116.html#toc238 (11.05.2010)  Ministry of economy - press kit http://www.minefe.gouv.fr/discours-presse/discours-communiques_finances.php?type=communique&id=2234&rub=1 (11.05.2010)  Official website to support SMEs http://www.economie.gouv.fr/themes/secteur_bancaire_financier/assurance/cap.htm  (11.05.2010)
France NRP 2008-2010, p. 10 and p. 21 Joint website of minister of economy and finance and minister of budget http://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/plandesoutienpme/pls-hist.html (05.02.2010) http://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/document/plan-soutien.pdf  (05.02.2010)
France NRP, 2007 Progress Report, p.10  Website of tax authorities http://www.impots.gouv.fr/portal/dgi/public;jsessionid=BILVM54SWSDCNQFIEMQCFFGAVARW4IV1?paf_dm=popup&paf_gm=content&espId=&typePage=cpr02&paf_gear_id=500018&docOid=documentstandard_5602 (10.05.2010)  Website dedicated to the French scheme of the revival of economy http://www.relance.gouv.fr/-Les-actions-.html (10.05.2010)  http://www.gouvernement.fr/gouvernement/le-plan-de-relance-pour-l-economie (10.05.2010)
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010, Rapport de suivi pour 2009, pag. 9
The refinancing scheme implemented is intended to loosen the constraint on the activity of credit to the economy in a context of considerable stresses on the markets. It is based on the establishment of the Financing Company French Economy (SFEF) whose mission is to issue debt guaranteed by the state to provide loans to credit institutions in France. SFEF finances these loans by issuing bonds (54.5 billion euros at the end of April). Moreover, credit institutions can benefit from strengthening their capital through the subscription of securities issued by these institutions. The European Commission has authorized the issuance of two tranches of respective amounts of 10.5 billion (completed December 11, 2008) and 11 billion euros (open until August 31, 2009).
France NRP 2008-2010, p. 10. SBA fact sheet (EC) http://www.minefe.gouv.fr/directions_services/cedef/gr/marches-publics.htm#sba
Based on the European Small business Act as model, art. 26 of the law N 2008-776 (LME) establishes in France an experimental device for a period of five years, inciting the public buyers to treat in a preferential way the innovative SMEs, or to reserve them a part of their public procurements, in high technology, in research and development and in technological studies.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010. p.21
Under the temporary Community framework for state aid to promote access to finance, adopted by the European Commission 17 December 2008, the Finance Act No. 2009-122 amending the February 4, 2009 temporarily increased from 5 million euros to 2.5 million euros the investment ceiling applicable for SMEs implementing this tax cut. The ceiling of 2.5 million is applicable in any period of twelve months from 1 January 2009 to December 31, 2010.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p.16.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010, Rapport de suivi pour 2009, pag. 12
Investments in equipment and property made between October 23, 2008 and December 31, 2009 will be fully exempt from tax. This measure, designed to encourage businesses not to postpone the investments originally planned in 2009, foreshadowed the elimination of business tax proposed in the draft budget law for 2010
NRP 2008  Press kit on website of the Ministry of economy http://www.minefe.gouv.fr/presse/dossiers_de_presse/081118soutien_activite_pme.pdf (23.04.2010)  Senate report on the project of budget law 2009  http://www.senat.fr/rap/l08-099-21-1/l08-099-21-1.html (23.04.2010)  Support plan for economy and SMEs - Press kit from the ministry of economy http://www.minefe.gouv.fr/presse/dossiers_de_presse/081118soutien_activite_pme.pdf (23.04.2010)  Support government website towards SMEs http://pme.service-public.fr/actualites/breves/suppression-progressive-impot-forfaitaire-annuel-ifa-2009.html (23.04.2010)  Tax authorities website http://www.fiscalite.gouv.fr/portal/dgi/public/professionnels.impot;jsessionid=NZSS33ODOO2H3QFIEMQCFFOAVARXAIV1?espId=2&pageId=prof_impot_forfait&impot=IFA&sfid=50  (23.04.2010)
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010. p.22
Establishment of a proactive policy on taxation and support for buyers and people who pass the property of their business. The government established in October 2008 a national plan for transmission to boost the market for the mutation. Moreover, many measures have been taken in the context of the LME to facilitate the return and transfer of businesses and offer a second chance to failed entrepreneurs.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 40.
The Economic Modernisation Act transforms the existing Competition Council into the Competition Authority with extensive powers and increased resources. In the future, only the Competition Authority will supervise mergers and amalgamations. The Minister for the Economy will preserve the power to examine particular cases affecting the general interest, as in Germany. The Competition Authority will have its own investigators and more authority over the personnel of the French Competition Directorate, who may be put at its disposal in order to assist investigations. At its own initiative, the Authority may also issue opinions and recommendations in all matters relating to competition. The Minister for the Economy will preserve the right to refer anti-competitive practices to the Competition Authority and the power to investigate strictly local anti-competitive practices. The modernised and enriched powers of this Authority and their link with the powers of the Minister for the Economy will be specified in a government order which will be adopted in the beginning of December 2008. This reform will take effect no later than 1 January 2009.
National Reform Programme Germany 2008-2010 p 25
Due to a decision of the Federal Institutional Court a change of the inheritance taxation became mandatory. The Court decided that inherited bank deposits, real estates and enterprises need to be evaluated at their current market value. At the same time, the thresholds for a tax free inheritance for close relatives were expanded. When it comes to the transfer of ownership of family business due to death or donation, the reform foresees a tax free transfer under certain conditions: If the wage sum is at least kept at a constant level for 10 years no inheritance taxes need to be paid. Freed from 85 % of the inheritance tax are family businesses, whose wage sum is kept at a level of at least 65 % after seven years as compared to the point of inheritance. If the business is sold during the specific period, inheritance taxes will become applicable for the remaining time span.   The reform of the inheritance taxation in the area of a transfer of ownership due to death or donation leads to a decrease in tax revenues by a (time-lag) adjusted annual amount of 2,141 million Euro. The non-adjusted decrease in tax revenues is estimated as follows: 2009: 565 million Euro; 2010: 2,290 million Euro; 2011: 2,415 million Euro; 2012: 2,545 million Euro; 2013: 2,685 million Euro.
Implementation and progress report 2009, page 30, grid no 9
Greater autonomy promotes excellence and facilitates international partnerships. Thus the initiative aims at greater autonomy for non-university research institutions in the areas of budgets, staff, partnerships, construction and procurement
Implementation and progress report 2009, page 32, grid no 13
Support of R&D of non-profit external industry research centres in East Germany in order to stimulate the economic catchup process in East Germany on a sustained basis by strengthening the research infrastructure and technology transfer in SMEs.
Time-limited opportunity to individually support weaker students for an extended period in making the transition from school to vocational training, or to the transition system if an in-company training post is not available.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2007, p. 35, grid no. 54. http://www.zim-bmwi.de/
NRP Implementation and progress report 2009, p. 22, grid no. 1
Germany, National Rreform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 46.
The quality-driven continuing training of professionals helps develop and guarantee quality standards in child day-care centres; strengthens the WiFF while also specifically supporting young researchers in the field (of which there is an acute shortage, particularly since the introduction of training for child care workers at third level). Each child should be given the opportunity to discover his/her aptitude, interests and talent for science and technology in a way that is appropriate for his/her age ("Haus der kleinen Forscher").
Germany, National Rreform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 47.
National Reform Programme Germany 2008-2010 p 49
The MoMiG aims at the modernisation of regulations as well as the prevention of misuse. Therefore the reform of the Limited Liability Company Act (GmbH-Gesetz) intends to facilitate and speed up start-ups by entrepreneurs wishing to set up a limited liability company. It is the most comprehensive reform since the Limited Liability Company Act entered into force in 1892. Registration procedures for start-ups in the legal form of a GmbH are for example simplified by providing standardised registration forms. In order to ease starting up a business at low budget, a new legal form called the "haftungsbeschraenkte Unternehmergesellschaft" (UG), which is a sub-form of the GmbH, was created. Entrepreneurial companies can be incorporated as a limited liability company even if they do not meet the minimum capital requirements (25,000 Euro) of a GmbH. Moreover in the future every entrepreneurial company with limited liability must be entered into the trade register. In the long run simplified registration procedures may lead to decreasing budgetary expenditures, even though in the short run additional costs may evolve in order to execute changes of registration procedures.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 40
According to Directive 2008/6/EU on the integration of the Community postal services internal market, the complete opening is to be achieved by 01.01.2011, allowing for a derogation for 2 more years (until 01.01.2013) for specific Member States, including Greece, which has formally expressed on 13.06.08 the intention to utilise this clause.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 36
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 31
In the electricity sector the high voltage retail tariffs have been liberalised since 1/7/2008.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 21
The Greek government has proceeded to adopt Law 3652/2008 on the "Legislative Framework for Research and Development" in order to strengthen the efforts for elaborating a strategy aiming at the improvement of governance and the increase of investment in the sectors of Research, Development and Innovation. The main Presidential Decrees and the Common Ministerial Decision required for the implementation of the new legislative framework are underway. The General Secretariat of Research and Development will continue to exercise its duties until all new bodies become fully operational.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 18
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 15  Jeremie initiative, NSRF 2007 - 2013
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 14
The Ministry of Interior has sigend a Memorandum for a three-year project with OCED, funded by national resources, in order to support public administration reform interventions. Specifically, OECD will offer recommendations, best practices and expertise, while its support to the OP "Public Administration Reform" will consist of the follwing phases: - Supporting the Greek Reform Program, especially during the formulation of interventions and policies (2008-2009) - Giving assistance during the implementation of the reform program (2009) - Evaluating the progress made by the reform and peer review by OECD experts (2010)
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 15
- Development of the methodology required for the measurement of administrative burden, through the implementation of the Standard Cost Model adapted to the Greek Public Administration's context and the creation of necessary technical and organisational provisions for its implementation (i.e. personnel skills). - A series of projects for the measurement of administrative burden in 17 policy areas (Sector measurements), including measurement of administrative burden, reduction appraisals and simplification proposals, dissemination actions and training to the public servants involved. These policy areas include the 13 selected policy areas of the correspondent Action Program of the European Commission, including among others: company law, pharmaceutical legislation, employment legislation, tax law (VAT), agricultural subsidies, environmental law, fisheries, transport, food safety.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 8
The phased reduction in corporate tax rate has been legislated for domestic anf foreign limited liability SA companies, including co-operatives, public and municipal enterprises. More specifically, the corporate tax rate will be reduced from 25% in 2008 to 24% in 2010, 23% in 2011, 22% in 2012, 21% in 2013 and 20% in 2014.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 16
The market regulation code was revised through law 3668/2008 and a market surveillance service was created through law 728/2008.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 12
In September 2008 a Memorandum of Cooperation for the participation of Greece in the newly esablished European PPP Expertice Centre (EPEC) was signed. This is a significant development for the efficient use of PPPs in the future. This Centre was founded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission. The main objective of the Centre is to assist EU Member States in issues related to PPP projects and their effective implementation. The Centre undertakes the diffusion of know-how and best practices, and the collection and elaboration of information from all countries of the European Union, regarding requirements and skills needed for effective implementation of PPP projects. In addition, Greece will cooperate with the European Investment Bank, which has expressed its interest to finance PPP projects in Greece.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 65
Regarding the reform of higher education, the following two legislative initiatives are worth mentioning: (a) Law 3653/2008 on the "Institutional framework for research and technology", which harmonises deomestic practices with corresponding practices in Europe, and (b) Law 3685/2008 on the "Institutional framework for post-graduate studies", which ensures convergence to the European standards in the field.
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 24
Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Directorate for European Union Affairs, 2011 National Report on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, June 2011, p. 11.
Law 3699/2008 about special needs education stipulates school provision for pupils with special needs as an integrated part of the compulsory and free of charge public education.
The approval by the European Commission of the privatisation plan for Olympic Airlines S.A. (OA) and Olympic Airways Service Group (OAS) has been a particularly important development. This plan provides for the transfer of certain assets of OA and OAS to three different companies, already existing or to be established especially for this purpose. The procedure of transferring assets will be launched after the selection of private investors through an open international tender, and in parallel with the preparation of the full operation of the new companies. Private investors are expected to be selected by the end of 2008 and the privatisation of OA and OAS is estimated to be completed by the spring of 2009. The endorsement by the European Commission is a critical factor for attracting investors and this is the element which was lacking from previous attempts to privatise OA. In addition, the plan provides for the following: - Use of the name "Olympic" and of the Olympic circles. - Utilisation of OA and OA-S assets by the new companies, (assets which are of significant value). - Uninterrupted serice to the periphery of the country and loss-making destinations. - Uninterrupted flight service throughout the privatisation process and, therefore, sustained servicing of passengers. - The functioning of the new company in slots which correspond to 65% of currently available (based on the summer 2008 programme) passenger kilometres. This restriction applies only for the first day after completing the privatisation, after which the investor will have the opportunity to expand operations.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 15
National Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010 Greece, p. 66
The approval of the new law on the operation of Colleges and Free Study Centre (Law 3696/2008) which stipulates that these institutions fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and, therefore, will have to comply with specific standards regarding their operation; also they will be evaluated for the quality of their academic output.
Addendum to the 2008 updated convergence programme of Hungary and information from Hungarian EPC member
Investor-friendly Settlements Programme (investment audit of settlements, individual advising for settlements, building of online investment plant database)
Hungary National Action Programme, Web page of Ministry for National Development and Economy, access 14.07.2009
Addendum to the 2008 updated convergence programme of Hungary Report on Implementation Oct. 2008
Administrative burdens on entrepreneurs arising from national legislation and from transposition of EU directives and rules will be reduced by at least 25% till 2012 according to  Government resolution 1058/2008 (IX.9). To achieve this goal a survey was carried out using SCM method. The survey identified the most cumbersome information obligations originating from Hungarian regulations (152 IOs) and estimated the administrative burden related to them. These estimation will form the basis for determining and realising the required administrative changes.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 64.
The TITAN Programme ties in with these actions. The programme is an initiative established in Hungary on the basis of the self-organisation of the IT sector, governmental and non-profit players aimed at developing and implementing a national development programme that contributes to the training of Hungarian human resources. The long-term target of the TITAN Programme is to develop various levels of e-skills and integrate approximately 1.2 million people in training programmes over the 2009-2013-period.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 66.
Relocation programme for attracting foreign investments, change in investment promotion system. Main goals: job creation, attracting investments to disadvantaged regions
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 93.
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.75
Accelerating programme for the construction industry: simplifying construction regulation, accelerating construction projects of national importance
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.45
In the course of the Program the Ministry and ITD Hungary Zrt. offer professional help to all settlements interested in the subject on how to make themselves attractive for national and international companies and how to conduct open and constructive dialog at local level on the effects of investments. The opening event of the Program held on November 14th  of 2008 was attended by the representatives of 42 settlements. After that, in the first quarter of 2009 the audit on competitiveness was carried out and the implementation of the program started.
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.55
The review period of the applications for the approval of premises is 30 days, rather than 60 days before from 31 March 2009. The approval procedure has to be conducted only in the case of 66 business activities, instead of 165 ones. The business can be launched at the time of notification in the case of 83 scopes of activities.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 95.
The NHDP Portfolio Guarantee programme offers favourable guarantees for commercial bank credits of SMEs, the objective of which relates to improving the position and competitiveness of Hungarian micro, small and medium enterprises by providing guarantee (mass) instruments ensured by the portfolio. Within the framework of the scheme, Venture Finance Hungary Private Limited Company offers favourable term guarantees granted within the scope of a simplified procedure to credit institution portfolios of SMEs not exceeding a max. amount of 100 million HUF in value per SME. ECOP and CHOP funding of 28.2 billion HUF in value was allocated within the framework of the programme.
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.51
Act XL. of 2008 on natural gas supply became effective on July 1, 2009 introducing a model similar to that of electric energy market therefore the natural gas market was also opened for competition
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.52
Government decisions adopted at the end of April 2007 and in the autumn of 2008 ordered the reduction of administrative burdens and the simplification of procedures in several areas including the business environment as well. With the entry into force on October 1, 2009 of the amendment of Act CXL. of 2004 on the general rules of official public administrative proceedings and service the public administration procedures become simpler, faster and more efficient, reducing thereby the deadline specified for procedures and the number of required certificates as well as the burdens and obligations of clients, making possible in a wide range the one-stop-shop administration and the application of electronic procedures. The participation of competent authorities has been revised in terms of expedience and efficiency, taking into consideration the administrative burdens of clients and authorities. As an outcome of the survey the number of participation of the competent authorities has reduced by 25% as compared to the original, 1100 proceedings. Progress was made in the area of vehicle administration; the obligation to classify catering trade units into categories; the issue of construction permits; the registration of real estates; deregulation and re-regulation of starting a business; and the usage of electronic forms in official procedures
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms - Going for Growth, 2010.(p.114)
The government fully privatised the rail freight segment of the national railway company in 2008.
As from June 2009 the parents of children with disadvantages are entitled to nursery school support which stimulates the parents to enrol their children in the nursery school. Nursery school training for the disadvantaged children is an opportunity to develop their abilities, which creates the preconditions for successful school education. As from September 2009 the children in disadvantaged position or those exposed to risk may participate in ability development programs in the frame of Sure Start program, where they get age-specific training and the parents are provided advise on bringing up children.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 96.
Hungary National Action Programme 2008-2010, p. 43.
From 2009 the business associations without legal personality (limited partnerships and unlimited partnerships), not obliged to be audited are entitled to make their specific simplified annual report;
The NHDP Venture Capital Programme has set the target of providing equity financing to help the successful financial management of enterprises at an early (seed and startup) and growth-stage of their life-cycle. Venture Finance Hungary Plc shall operate a venture capital programme in collaboration with private investors from end of 2009 by using funding of 40,5 billion HUF in value earmarked within the framework of ECOP and CHOP financial programmes.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 43
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) Asset Strategy for the ESB agreed measures to reduce the company's share of the all island generation market to below 40% in capacity terms. This has been largely achieved with the sale of Tarbert and Great Island power stations, sites at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro and 208 MW of peaking capacity located at Rhode and Tawnaghmore by ESB to Endesa Limited. This sale process was completed in early January 2009. The disposal constitutes the divestment of a significant portion of ESB's generating capacity and positions the company to fulfil its commitment to reduce its share of the electricity generation market to less than 40% by 2010.
During 2008, the Government decided to establish a National Public Procurement Operations Unit in the Office of Public Works, a sub-office of the Department of Finance. The Unit's main roles will include (i) the organisation of the procurement of common good and services across a wide range of public service organisations, including Government Departments, agencies and non-commercial State bodies; (ii) the provision of operational procurement advice to the public sector and (iii) the operation and development of the Government's eTenders website - etenders.ie."
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 28 & Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 24
In November 2008, Enterprise Ireland launched a new initiative, the Business Partners Programme, to leverage the State investment in research by bringing together third level researchers and entrepreneurs who would be interested in commercialising the outputs of academic research. Interest in the scheme has been very encouraging, and nineteen proposals have been given supports to develop business proposals.
Budget 2009 (pages A.17 - A.18), Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 8, & the Irish Statute book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/home.html)
The current 20% rate of tax credit for a company on qualifying research and development (R&D) has been increased to 25%. This change was provided for in the Finance (No 2) Act 2008 (No 25 of 2008).
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 28 & Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 45 and Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment
In October 2008, as part of Budget 2009, the Government has provided for the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency, as part of a wider rationalisation of state agencies. This will ensure improved co-ordination of these two policy areas and realise synergies in the interests of consumers and business alike. It is the intention to bring forward legislation to provide for the implementation of the merger during the course of 2009.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 44
Since February, several services that come within the scope of the Services Directive have been included, on a pilot basis, in the Internal Market Information  (IMI) system, in preparation for implementing the administrative cooperation requirements of the Directive.  This process will continue, potentially indefinitely, with additional services being included in the system as required.   A Commission Decision obliging Member States to use IMI for purposes of complying with the administrative co-operation requirements of the Services Directive has been agreed by Member States and is expected to be formally adopted by the European Commission shortly, following the completion of certain formalities at EU level.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 8 and Irish Statute Book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/home.html)
Department of Finance Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 25
The Commission on Taxation was established on 14 February 2008 to review the structure, efficiency, appropriateness of the Irish taxation system. The report which was published on 7 September 2009 provides a comprehensive examination of the Irish taxation system that could set the framework within which tax policy will be set for the next decade. Given the longer term strategic perspective and focus of the report, the implementation of the many complex and often inter-related recommendations in the report are likely to be phased in over several years.
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.22. Completed by: National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013, Higher Education Authority, Dublin, July 2008.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 36 & Irish Statute Book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/)
In December 2007, the Minister for Health and Children received from the Dental Council a draft of a scheme to establish a class of auxiliary dental worker to be known as Clinical Dental Technician. The Minister for Health and Children gave her consent to this Scheme in July 2008.   A Register of Clinical Dental Technicians has been established by the Dental Council and there are currently seven Clinical Dental Technicians on this Register.   Government is reviewing the number of training places for dentists and other oral healthcare professional to address supply issues.  The Dental Council has removed unnecessary restrictions on advertising by dentists.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 49
On 1 January 2009 ESB Networks Limited, a new, wholly separate and legally independent subsidiary of ESB, was established to carry out the functions of the Distribution System Operator. This company has responsibility for the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity distribution system in an independent, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The establishment of ESB Networks Limited completes Ireland's transposition of the internal energy market Directive 2003/54/EC and represents a new milestone in the liberalisation of Ireland's electricity market
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 49 & Irish Statute Book (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/)
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 34
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 27
A new targeted Enterprise Ireland campaign to identify and recruit locally trading companies with an interest and potential to internationalise was launched in November 2008 and is now underway. The Internationally Traded Services (ITS) business unit client group is expected to grow and contribute in a significant way to scaling exports in the medium/long term.
Ireland National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 36
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 28
Art. 18 od the Decree Law 185/2008, converted into Law 2/2009.
Art. 29 of the Decree Law 185/2008, coverted into Law 2/2009.
The art. 29 of the Decree Law 185/2008 allocates new funds to finance -until 2011 -the tax credit of ten per cent of the costs for industrial research activity and pre-competitive development introduced in the 2007 Budget Law
Art. 16 of the Decree Law 185/2008, converted into Law 2/2009.  Official Report n. 280, 29-11-2008 - Ordinary Supplement n.263
Italian NRP 2008-2010, p. 37. Official Report n. 195 del 21-08-2008 - Ordinary Supplement n. 196
An important first part of simplification measures was approved with Law 133/2008. A "Guillotine Mechanism" instrument (Article 24) was applied for the first time, thanks to which more than 3,000 obsolete laws were rescinded. Another application of the Guillotine Mechanism is planned and is aimed at reorganising the regulatory framework, focusing on the adoption of consolidated acts and on the simplification of the remaining regulations. It is also worth mentioning the introduction of a "cost-cutting" mechanism (Article 25), with which the Government has sharply accelerated the process of measuring and reducing the costs of the bureaucracy, adopting essential instruments for guaranteeing the achievement of a 25% reduction of such costs. Another simplification measure regards the "public body-cutting" (Article 26), which is designed to suppress all no-economical public entities that are no longer functioning. Certain entities have already been abolished, others will be eliminated should special restructuring regulations not be approved by 31st March 2009.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.31
As of October 2008, insurance companies and intermediaries will be subject to new regulations regarding disclosure obligations, and the obligation to supply a free price quote either at a sales office or through the Internet.  The regulations regard "the governance of the transparency of premiums and the contractual conditions for mandatory insurance of motor vehicles and watercraft" and reflect the implementation of Article 131 of Legislative-Decree n. 209 of 7th September 2005 (Private Insurance Code).
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 34
In order to favour access to credit, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance issued a decree on 25 February 2009 with provisions in relation to the procedures and conditions for public subscription of special bank bonds as provided by Law 2/2009. The so-called "Tremonti Bonds" are an instrument through which the bank issuers obtain funding to be dedicated to granting loans to businesses.
Article 23-bis of Law 133/2008 has changed the regulation of local public services in order to favour competition and the freedom of establishment and offer of services, while ensuring users the right to the universality and accessibility of the services, and guarantee an essential level of service quality and an adequate level of protection. The new regulations establish that the award of service contracts on an ordinary basis must be done through publicly documented competitive procedures, and that such procedures are to be carried out in respect of the principles of the Treaty on European Union, the general principles in relation to public contracts, as well as the principles of cost consciousness, effectiveness, impartiality, transparency, adequate disclosure, non-discrimination, equality of treatment, mutual recognition and proportionality.
Law 133/2008 has eliminated all constraints that were impeding the entry of new participants in the business of fuel distributing networks in Italy. The law has rescinded all regulations that imposed minimum distances between plants, between plants and retail establishments, and with regard to minimum commercial floor space, or which placed restrictions or obligations on the possibility of offering non-fuel products and services in the same facility or in the same area. It is furthermore contemplated that the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces will promote, as part of their territorial planning powers, the improvement of the fuel distribution network and increased distribution of eco-compatible fuels, according to criteria of non-discrimination, efficiency and quality of the service to the public.
Measure 29 on the grid annexed to NRP 2011
The Bank shall  operate for at least five years as a second-level financial institution, supporting investment projects in Southern Italy and especially providing credit to SMEs also through the support of financial intermediaries. Financial support must be used primarily to foster the establishment  of new businesses, youth and female entrepeneurship, increase in business size and internationalisation, so as to create new jobs.
Art. 13 of the Decree Law 185/2008, converted into Law 2/2009. Official Report n. 280, 29-11-2008 - Ordinary Supplement n.263
With the art. 13 of the Decree Law 185/2008, if there is a takeover bid, listed companies have to refrain from undertake any action that may contrast the effort of the bid's objectives. This article aims at adapting the Italian law to the European rules.
Art 17 of the Decree Law 185/2008, coverted into Law 2/2009.
Decree Law 185/2008 "Emergency measures for supporting families, work, employment and business and for the redesign as an anti-crisis strategic national framework". Title I, support to families
With art. 32 of the Decree Law 185/2008 taxpayers may use the F-24 form to pay for several taxes, welfare and pension contributions and insurance premia. In this way the taxpayers may save time in order to adhere to these tax obligations.
Art. 14 of the Decree Law 185/2008, converted into Law 2/2009.
Measure No. 49 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Art 17 of Decree Law No. 112/2008 allocates funds to the  Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia (funded by law No. 266/2005; Art.1).
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 30
Law n. 133/2008 facilitates the efforts of telecommunications service providers at a procedural and administrative level, simplifying authorisation formalities, reducing the costs of the installation of electronic communications networks, and allowing service providers to use existing civil infrastructures and to lay the fibre underground on public property without the need for any specific authorisation and on private property without the prior consent of the owners
In order to guarantee the integrity of the credit and to exclude charges to be borne by businesses, a decree implementing Decree-Law 185/2008 was issued to sanction the obligation of any administration to certify its debt at any time.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 28
With Decree-Law n. 185/2008 and the subsequent Decree of the Ministry of Economic Development dated 29 April 2009, the Italian electricity market was reconfigured, with a provision for the establishment of an infra-day market so as to allow a greater number of operating companies to participate in the Italian Power Exchange (IPEX) with a view toward stimulating greater competition.
Italian NRP 2008-2010, p. 37-38. Official Report n. 195 21/08/2008 - Ordinary Supplement n. 196
Measure No. 81 of the grid annexed to the NRP 2011
Strengthening the Central Guarantee Fund for SME access to credit. The Fund provides collateral for any type of financial transaction guaranteeing 60% of the transaction (or 80% for convergence objective areas) on guarantees granted by Confidi and on joint Central Guarantee Fund- Confidi guarantees.
With the art. 2-bis of the Decree Law 185/2008 the maximum overdraft fee clause, foreseen by bank contracts, has been abolished.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 30 Law-Decree No. 112/2008
The Government has further simplified the procedures for starting and carrying out business activity, through reorganising the governance of the single service centre for productive activity and the requisites and means for accreditation of the agencies for businesses (the so-called "business in one day". This has been via the Council of Ministers' approval on 26 June 2008 of two specific regulatory schemes. The average waiting time is expected to fall by 50 per cent.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 44
The Ministry of Education, Universities and Research undertook activities in partnership with the regions, other ministries, businesses and unions in order to lay the foundation for actively designing and developing a multi-level governance system for the National Operating Programme R&C. Dialogue between institutions was also undertaken in order to determine the priorities and needs within the Target Convergence regions (Campania, Apulia, Calabria and Sicily) and related measures.
Art. 7 of the Decree Law 185/2008, coverted into Law 2/2009. Official Report n. 280, 29-11-2008 - Ordinary Supplement n.26
With the art. 7 of the Decree Law 185/2008 the VAT has to be paid by the enterprise to the government at the moment of the actual collection of operation charge, instead of paying it in advance.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 41
The measures for streamlining the university system include the first-time merit-based award of 7 per cent of the Ordinary Financing Fund, which is equal to 530 million Euros. In addition, new parameters have been identified the qualitative assessment of teaching and research activity.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.55.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.27.
On December 22, 2008, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Regulations (No. 1112) on competition for payment of production capacity of electricity to be introduced. In 2009, the conditions were being coordinated with the European Commission.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.43.
National database of learning opportunities NIID.LV has been established and is maintained. The project was completed in August 2008.
Comment MS on measure "New Insolvency Law" 2007
substantial changes have taken place in the insolvency procedure regulation during the year of 2008.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.48.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.14.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.11.
The Law on Amendments to Electronic Communications Law had been adopted (came into force on June 7, 2007), on the basis of which a delegation agreement has been concluded on establishment of computer safety incident editing units and organisation, as well as management of their operation.
Latvian NLPL 2008, Annex p. 7, grid no. 2.1.3.
Latvian NLPL 2008, p. 39 and Annex p. 20, grid no. 2.4.2.
Latvian NLPL 2008, p. 37., Annual Accounts Law
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.18.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (April 2012). Page 37.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.51.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.21.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.40.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.16.
Latvian NLPL 2008, Annex p. 6, grid no 2.1.1.
A market-oriented research programme is implemented. The aim is to promote integration between research and development (R&D) and foster private sector investments in R&D. The Programme is financed from the state budget, and financing may be received by scientific institutions registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions in the amount of about 50% of the referable costs and the remaining 50% are to be attracted from commercial companies. 37 market-oriented research projects will be continued in 2009 by allocating 450 000 LVL (in 2008: 1 mio. LVL), but in 2010 and 2011 planned financing for these projects is 700 000 LVL annually. Results of the Market-oriented program are products, technologies, etc., which are innovative and can compete in national and international markets.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.45.
Latvian NLPL 2008, Annex p. 10, grid no. 2.2.3.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.23.
Report on Progress 2007, p. 21 and Annex p. 9.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.52, 58.
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.32., Guidelines for the Optimisation of the Network of Vocational Education Institutions, approved 06.01.2010.
The aim is to ensure accurate accounting of pupils, by introducing a single procedure within the framework of normative regulations stipulating how an education institution should inform parents, municipal or public institutions if a pupil is absent from the education institution without a justified reason, and to ensure support to the youth at the risk of social exclusion and teaching support to the youth having learning difficulties. The normative regulation has entered into force in February 2011.  In vocation education (in compliance with the Guidelines for the Otimisation of the Network of Vocational Education Institutions 2010-2015, approved 06.01.2010.)  an important aim is to ensure an accessible network of cost effective and energo effective vocational education institutions, with an effective use of public resources and resources of foreign financial instruments. This requires development of modern infrastructure and provision of equipment to sequre vocational education in accordance with labour market demands. This will serve as a preventive measure for the risk of social exclusion of young people. An accessible modern network of vocational education insititutions offering a variety of programs (including short 1- 1,5 year programs) for obtaining a professional qualification (needed in the labour market) in a relatively short time.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.20.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 52  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Governmental Resolution of 2 April 2008 No 339 on the approval of the National Programme for Youth entrepreneurship education and promotion 2008-2012 (Off.gaz., 2008, No 46-1728) Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of the Republic of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=358099
The National Youth Entrepreneurship Education and Promotion Programme for 2008-2012 approved by the resolution No. 339 dated April 2 2008 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 46-1728) proposed a new entrepreneurship promotion methodology, a system for the improvement of pedagogues' qualifications in entrepreneurship, creation of the consistent, responsible and efficient Youth Entrepreneurship fostering system. The objective of this Programme is to develop a consistent and effective system of responsible business education for young people. The tasks of this Programme are to develop, introduce and improve entrepreneurship education measures, to promote the start and development of youth business and young farmers, to conduct monitoring of the youth entrepreneurship situation and entrepreneurship promotion and to inform the public authorities and the society about entrepreneurship promotion in Lithuania. The expected results, as envisaged in the Programme documents: conditions will be created for the development and implementation of new and improvement of the existing youth entrepreneurship promotion measures in Lithuania, the number of entrepreneurial young people and youth businesses will increase, the new entrepreneurship education methods aimed at practical and universal youth entrepreneurship education as well as measures to support informal education and to form societal attitudes towards business will be developed; teacher qualification in the area of entrepreneurship will be advanced, services for start-ups and business development will be developed in line with the requirements of young people, which will be rendered by a network of public institutions which will include the existing bodies providing labour market, business and agricultural consulting; an online system for youth business consulting and information will be created, and youth will be prioritised in allocating financial and other types of support, public authorities will be in advance provided with the necessary conditions to share entrepreneurship promotion experience, to coordinate actions, to monitor youth entrepreneurship and business situation changes, and to supply information on the implementation of this Programme.
National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme for 2008-2010, p. 14
The Programme for Promotion of Internationality of Higher Education for 2008-2010 approved by Resolution No. 732 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 9 July 2008 was also drafted (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 85-3384). The purpose thereof is to promote development of internationality of the Lithuanian higher education and training of qualified specialists.
Annual Progress Report Lithuania 2008, p. 15
While forming tax environment favorable for innovations and seeking to create more favorable conditions for business to invest into the R&D, on April 10 2008 Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania approved the Republic of Lithuania Draft Law on the Amending and Supplementing the Law on Corporate Profit Tax. Having passed the Republic of Lithuania Law on the Amending and Supplementing the Articles 2, 12, 13, 17, 18, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, 31, 381, 47, 50 and appendixes 1 and 3 of the Law on Corporate Profit Tax as well as supplementing the Law with the Article 17-1 (Official Gazette, 2008, No. X-1484, Official Gazette, 2008, No. 47-1749), profit tax exemptions for corporation's investment into the R&D were also established.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 66, 71
According to the Program of Increase of Salary of Science and Studies Institutions' Employees for 2009-2011 approved by the resolution No. 509 dated May 28 2008 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 63-2394), salary of employees of science and studies institutions for 2009-2011 will be increased by 20 per cent annually starting from January 1. It is expected that in 2011 salary of employees of science and studies institutions would increase by 70 per cent on the average, comparing with their salaries received in 2008. Preliminary need in funds of the state budget for implementing of this program is 389.3 million LTL, including 101.1 million LTL in 2009, 127.5 million LTL in 2010, 160.7 million LTL in 2011.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 22
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p. 33
The suppliers of services from Lithuania and other EU states will be able to through this call center get all necessary information relevant to the provision of services, various forms, moreover, they will be able to perform any and all procedures and formalities, necessary in order to set up or obtain all necessary permits (licenses), in order to perform the activities in connection to provision of services, at a distance by electronic means based on the Single Window principle
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.65
By the end of 2008 a measure amending and supplementing the Law on Corporate Profit Tax, aiming to foster technology upgrade in business, was passed by the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) (Official Gazette, 2008, No. 149-6000). The new amendment should enable companies, investing into technology and equipment upgrade, to reduce corporate income tax up to 50%, reducing the taxation base by actually incurred investment costs.
Law on the corporate income tax which provides for 20% (up from currently 15%) tariff of the corporate income tax (0.4% of GDP savings)
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.37
In order to facilitate the procedures of company reorganisation by merger and division as soon as possible to reduce the administrative burdens on the companies at the same time reducing additional expenses, incurred in relation to examination of draft terms of reorganisation, the Law amending the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Companies was adopted on 11 November 2008
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.73
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 33, 36  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Annual Progress on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of Lithuania Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	 http://ec.europa.eu/archives/growthandjobs_2009/pdf/nrp2009/lt_nrp_en.pdf  	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Official gazette, 2008, No 29-1024, 2009, No 85-3604 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	The Government of Lithuania Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=322132   	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Implementation Report on Better Regulation Programme (Geresnio reglamentavimo programos igyvendinimo 2010 metu ataskaita) Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Ministry of Economy Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: City	Vilnius Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2011 Information source number 3 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ukmin.lt/lt/veikla/veiklos_sritys/reglamentavimas/regl_lt/2010m_GR_ataskaita.pdf
The main objective of the Programme for Better Regulation approved by resolution No. 185 dated February 13 2008 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2008, No.29-1024), is to ensure a continuous enhancement of legal regulation through the improvement of business and investment environment, reduction of the administrative burden and provision of the public services, to create an institutional framework that implements better regulation policy; to strengthen administrative capacities in this field; and to raise public awareness on better regulation, to formulate integral better regulation policy; to improve the quality and efficiency of legal regulation through development and use of complex measures; to ensure monitoring of legal acts, to reduce administrative burden and unjustified compliance costs. The following results of the Programme are foreseen: more attractive business and investment environment, transparent legislation process, efficient implementation of legal acts, less administrative burden on entities, and simpler and shorter procedures related to the issue of licences, permits and other documents, transparent transposition of the EU directives into the national law, wider application of information technologies for provision of public services, and a lower level of corruption.
Annual Progress Report 2008 Lithuania, p. 78
While resolving the problems of higher education in the beginning of 2008 higher education quality forum was created. The goal of the forum is to concentrate the efforts of state institutions which form and implement the policy of higher schools, students, employers and higher education, to create a culture of dialogue and ccoperation based on public spirit and general objectives of our society. It is estimated that each party participating in the forum will state its conception of quality, provisions, expectations which it would use to base the quality improvement measures and quality securing system on.
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.25
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 28. National Reform Program 2013
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.22
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 55
The work to outline basic skills to be mastered by all children in German, French and Mathematics at the end of each of the four learning cycles extending from pre-school to the end of primary education was finalized in June 2008. The basics for German and French are determined using the Bildungsstandards Sprachen exit qualifications standard. During the 2008-2009 academic year, five "schools in movement" that are piloting the program will begin work on the basis of these foundations. Skill bases for attaining citizenship and for the human right to primary education are being drafted. Work to detail skill requirements for the sciences, musical education, art education and physical ans sports education got underway in 2008-2009.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 21
The law dated 19 August 2008 concerning training-research aid, that modifies the training-research scholarship program introduced by the R&D law dated 9 March 1987, links grants of this type to a determined-length work contract between researchers and their assigned facilities. The new system was developed integrating the recommendations of the Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers established in 2005 by the European Commission. In order to encourage inter-sector mobility of doctorate candidates and post-doctorate students between public and private sectors, supplementary financial stipends are included if a project has specific collaboration with one or several private sector partners. As of October 1st 2008, management of training research aid programs fall under the responsibility of the NRF.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment 2008, p. 9  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Luxembourg Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.eco.public.lu
The third plan of this sort went into effect in April 2008. It is based on ten themes and contains some 100 measures incorporating the Integrated Guidelines, the objectives of the European Charter for small businesses and those included in the Small Business Act. Multiple measures, appearing in several IGs are now being carried out. Some examples include: - Public aid schemes that support R&D in companies will be widely adjusted in 2009. The new legislation will provide for placing research personnel in SME. - Effective backing to help SME incorporate intellectual property into the strategy and daily actions of their companies being pursued.  - Efforts to bolster SME confidence in the Internet and online services are in prgress.  - A multitude of awareness raising actions are being carried out to help people to discover and value entrepreneuralism. The links between schools and the business world are continuously reinforced, and starting up companies - especially innovative ones - is being encouraged. - In order to promote private initiatives through better regulatory practices, a report on administrative simplification has been published that contains an action plan. Ad-hoc working groups can submit specific proposals to the Governemnt aimed at resolving problems experienced by representatives of companies and puplic entities.  - Assistance and consulting actions to companies seeking access to foreign markets are extended in keeping with a view to assisting internationalization of economic activity. - For persons starting companies, faster and lower cost startup fees are being promoted. The electronic application for starting a business is now in its final stage of completion and in 2009 the virtual single contact concept will be progressively endowed with new technologies such as putting online procedures relating to the services directive.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. 2012. Page 31
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 47. National Reform Program 2012
Basic professional training was introduced with the professional training reform of 2008. It leads to a Professional Competence Certificate (CCP) and replaces the former Technical and Professional Initiation Certificate (CITP) and the Manual Competence Certificate (CCM). This training is essentially practical and indicates acquisition of basic professional and social skills that are central to an initial foray into the job market. The training is intended for students with academic difficulties that cannot obtain Professional Aptitude Diplomas (DAP) or Technician Diplomas. The training was inserted at the beginning of the school year 2001-2012 as one of the new training programs set up by the curricula administrators. A total of 370 CCP apprenticeship contracts were signed at the outset of the 2011-2012 academic year. As a number of students qualifying for this training did not find a host company for training, 50 additional apprenticeship contracts were added. These young people participate in the same training program, but they do their first year practice training at the Training Center and receive an indemnity from the State.
In July 2008, Parliament approved the law transposing the European Council Directive 2005/71/CE dated 12 October 2005 concerning a Specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purpose of scientific research.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.42
The Business Plan Toolbox (BPTB) of the IUIL is free online aid (available in English, French, German and Portuguese) intended for future business creators. The tool consists of an electronic platform that future entrepreneurs can use to draw up their business plans on line. Different modules are offered, including a company business plan comprised of market, financing and marketing analyses, a virtual guide containing responses and specific examples of how to draw up a business plan, online information and advice provided by a counselor who can read the business plan and the single form, with data entered only once as the tool then automatically fills in all required forms. One of the specificities of this virtual platform is that it is adapted to the economic, financial and legal environment in Luxembourg. Aside from this" local" specificity the site83 is distinguished by its interactive character and its use paths. BTPB was ranked in the top ten of best practices during the Brdo Charter Conference in June 2008. In conformity with the goal of this conference, which was to exchange good practices at the European level in the area of mechanisms promoting the creation and development of SME, the Institut Universitaire International Luxembourg (IUIL) launched a "dissemination" procedure for the platform, directing it to the University of Metz, the National Schools of Business and Management of Morocco and to the University of Bratislava.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.26
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.23
Since the establishment of the Luxembourg Standardization Organization in 2008 within the confines of the Luxembourg Institute of Standardization, Accreditation, Security and Quality of Products and Services (ILNAS)41, the strategic development of standardization in Luxembourg is clearly inscribed under the principles of the key Knowledge Triangle concept.
For the second year, copyright issues were the topic of an awareness campaign directed at youth during the Books and Copyright Day initiated by UNESCO. On this occasion, a training session on copyrights adapted for young audiences was given during visits to several schools. It is expected that the course materials on copyrights issues prepared for this session and intended for presentation to students can be provided to teachers.
Build a state of the art facility to cater for a large number of undergraduates, and to support a growing number of postgraduates and researchers in various areas of ICT
Government Gazette of Malta No. 18,3271 - 27.06.2008
The removal of the airport departure tax
Improve the quality of life of citizens through the introduction of a series of ICT measures which improve the quality of life of citizens. These measures include the promotion of digital libraries, the introduction of digital TV applications, a portal for Gozo, access to health information and a portable clinical record amongst others.
Embark on a series of measures with a view to develop Malta as a world leader in ICT. These measures include: the creation of ICT jobs, the establishment of a business park in Gozo, the creation of a new blue chip VSA. These measures will: 1) Enhance the technology collaborative approach between the Government of Malta and an ICT player; 2) Add value derived from major contracts pursued by Government; and 3) Enhance Malta's selling proposition through the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment to the country
Modernizing the research infrastructure within the University of Malta with a view to contribute towards R&D
The liberalisation of taxis, mini buses and coaches operating within the unscheduled market will render these sectors more efficient and competitive thus contributing towards increased demand and expansion. Budgetary impact refers to setting up of driver training.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.91
Significantly increase Government investment in Malta's national R&I funding programme. This is one of the measures aimed at achieving the target of 0.75% of GDP expenditure on R&D by 2010 as committed in Malta's National Reform Programme.
Reinvent Government transformation through: the utilisation of e-government to trusted third parties, improve road safety, security and traffic congestion, introduce ICT in the streets, the introduction of GIS and mapping services, transport and travel portalisation, energy conservation IT programmes, promotion of ICT applications in Gozo, the introduction of e-Courts systems, anti-fraud programme amongst others.
The University has launched an on-line student appraisal scheme on a pilot basis in order to receive feedback from students on the quality of delivery of the various study-units comprising their degree programme. It is intended that in the academic year 2008-09 this scheme will be extended to all programmes of the University to ensure that in three-year cycles, the University starts to get a comprehensive snapshot of its quality of delivery as seen through student eyes. These initiatives together with the existing appraisal of external examiners are intended to monitor and strengthen the teaching quality of the University.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.34
Invest in Malta's connectivity through the provision of: internet subsidy schemes, refurbished computer equipment for disadvantaged groups, fiscal measures to help buy computers, digital divide response team, the introduction of ICT related TV programmes, the setting up of the First Steps calls centre and Broadband/Wifi centres.
Three research projects are planned in relation to manufacturing research. These projects will involve industry-academia consortia working on common issues of relevance.
Government Gazette of Malta No. 18,318 - 07.10.2008
The approval of Legal Notice 249 of 2008 on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Market Regulations provides the legal framework for the liberalisation process of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010,p. 24.
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, National Reform Programme 2011 The Netherlands, April 2011, p. 17.
The grant scheme for programmes aimed at early school leavers is focused primarily on prevention: making sure that young people do not leave education without basic qualifications.
information from Economic Policy Committee member
The government intend to shorten the terms for payments by the government from 45 days to 30 days. Reducing terms of payments can contribute to the liquidity position of businesses.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 24.
The new prepare2start scheme was launched on 1 January 2009. The scheme aims to help 600 businesses in the SME sector to go international. In view of the credit crisis, it was decided to institute a scheme to subsidise feasibility studies for investments in emerging markets in 2009 and 2010, replacing the Programme for Economic Cooperation Projects (PESP) which had already ended.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 32.
The online Answers for Businesses (Antwoord voor Bedrijven) initiative (www.antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl) represents another step in the digitalisation of government. This website, which went live in the summer of 2008, serves as the portal for all questions that entrepreneurs want to ask the government, offering sector-specific information on laws and regulations, licensing requirements, subsidies, regulatory supervision and taxes. It will also be possible to apply for a licence or subsidy via this site, complementing the existing options for applying directly to the relevant government organisations.
Stimulation of the provision of credit for small and medium enterprises: In order to prevent the drying up of credit facilities to SMEs, the Cabinet has decided to expand the guarantee scheme for SMEs. This is done in three ways. First, through a broadening of the target group from businesses with a maximum of 100 employees to a ceiling of 250 employees. Second, by increasing the business guarantee credit from a maximum of 1 to 1.5 million euro. Third, by a raise of business guarantee credit for startups (applicable to SMEs running by a maximum of 5 years) from a maximum of 100.000 to 200.000 euro. In total, it is expected that an additional 80 million euro will be reserved for this guarantee scheme expansion.
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, National Reform Programme 2011 The Netherlands, April 2011, p. 16.
NRP for the Netherlands 2008-2010, p. 36.
The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) and the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (V&W) broadened the scope for businesses that fall under the general environmental regulations, reducing the number of licences required. To make that step possible, the Activities Decree entered into force on 1 January 2008. That means that 37,000 companies no longer require an environmental permit and 1,300 fewer Surface Waters Pollution Act (Wvo) permits are needed. Launched recently, the second stage of this project aims to include even more institutions that require a licence or permit in the Activities Decree.
The draft act on public-private partnership adopted by the Council of Ministers on the 17th of October 2008 is a response to the need of creating functional legal solutions which could encourage accomplishing undertakings with the use of Public-Private Partnership in Poland.
The new regulations introduce a new type of proceedings to write off the debt which is described as consumer bankruptcy. Owing to the new solutions, creditors will regain a part of amounts due and debtors, after settling at least a part of financial liabilities, will fulfil their liabilities and stabilize the situation. Bankruptcy proceedings assume that after liquidating available assets and satisfying creditors, the rest financial liabilities may be settled in instalments.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 4. Other source: International Labour Organisation (ILO), NATLEX.
The Act of 10 July 2008 to amend the Act on Freedom of Economic Activity (Text No 888) makes several amendments to the previous Act of 2004, regarding social security contributions, creation of a company by EU nationals, requirements to be met by foreign companies distributing their products in Poland and retirement and pensions schemes. This aims at shaping a business-friendly environment by addressing the major bariers to the development of entrepreneurship in Poland, to simplify economic law and to improve the climate surrounding economic activity.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 10.
In 2008-2009, there has been a simplification of the procedures by which support  within the Innovative Economy OP can be applied for. In this respect, the Measures  of particular importance in fighting the negative effects of the slowdown are " Support for high-risk capital funds" and " Technological credit"
The objective of the amendment is to streamline conducted proceedings to receive a commission (streamline the tendering procedures). Moreover, it is assumed that changing the principles of calculating bid bond as regards public procurements, in which supplementing commissions are envisaged, will increase competition in applying for public procurement, especially among SMEs which do not possess enough financial resources.
National Reform Programme for 2008-2013, p. 30
The full liberalization of postal services has been planned and in accordance with the Government's decision, on the 25th of August of this year the EC was informed on Poland's intention of exercising derogation as regards the date of opening the market, which means that it will take place no later than on the 1st of January 2013.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 40   Sub-measure 4.1.2 Human Capital Operational Programme (PO KL)
One of the most important changes is lowering the level of the minimum initial capital for limited liability companies and joint stock companies, which will have a positive effect on the opportunity for development. Currently binding minimum levels of share capital of limited liability companies (PLN 50 thousand or 13,214 Euro) and of joint stock companies (PLN 500 thousand or 132,145 Euro) are too high and they frequently appear to be a barrier which hinders initiating business activity in a form of a corporate enterprise. The Act envisages lowering the nominal level of initial capital of limited liability companies to PLN 5 thousand (1,321 Euro) and of joint stock companies to PLN 100 thousand (26,429 Euro).
At the end of 2008, measures were taken to bring innovation strategy provisions into effect, mainly by virtue of instruments under the Innovative Economy OP, as well as in the Act on certain Forms of Support for Innovative Activity.
The Amendment enforces the rights of the shareholders of listed companies (companies whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market - 'spolka publiczna'). Moreover, the new regulation reduces administrative and financial burdens during mergers and divisions of public limited liability companies ('spolka akcyjna') and limited liability companies ('spolka z o.o.').
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 10.   Other source: Erawatch- http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/pl/policydocument/policydoc_mig_0009?searchType=simple&sort=&action=search&matchesPerPage=5&query=&displayPages=10&reverse=false&tab=template&searchPage=166&index=Erawatch+Online+EN&orden=type
The 2005 Act was amended in 2008. The main changes concern tax deductions for purchase of innovative technologies.
1) NPR, 2008, p. 31 (PL) 2) Amendment to the Freedom of entrepreneurship act, Journal of Laws of 2009, No. 18, item 96 (Ustawa z dnia 19 grudnia 2008 r. o zmianie ustawy o swobodzie dzialalnosci gospodarczej oraz o zmianie niektorych innych ustaw, Dz. U. nr 18, poz. 97.) 3) National Reform Programme for 2008-2011, Implementing Document, p. 29 (PL) 4) Information on 'one stop shop' system on official web site of Ministry of Economy http://www.mg.gov.pl/Przedsiebiorcy/Jedno+okienko/(30.03.2010) 5) Regulatory Impact Assesment http://www.senat.gov.pl/k7/dok/sejm/024/1204.pdf (12.07.2010)  6) Interpellation No: 15540, http://orka2.sejm.gov.pl/IZ6.nsf/2df80fe4116b3f62c12573be003cb40d/388c545bd24b21b4c1257742004a2cd5?OpenDocument (12.07.2010)
The Amendment has implemented (since 31 March 2009) the 'one stop shops' system allowing the registration of business activity in municipal administration body (in person, via ordinary mail or via the web page) using the single registration form. However, the by the Amendment implemented solution does not abolish the additional compulsory visits during the registration process in: tax office (to register as VAT payer) and in social insurance institution (ZUS). Apart from above mentioned change, the Amendment foresees also: a) implementation of the electronic system of entrepreneurs (from 1 July 2011) b) limitation in the control procedures in enterprises.
"(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 5. Other source: Poland EEO Ad hoc request, January 2009. Information prepared by El bieta Krynska, SYSDEM Correspondent for Poland."
"This plan aims at strengthening the Polish economy in the face of the global crisis. One of the important elements of government policy is to accelerate the spending of EU funds in 2009. the Plan assumes certification to the Commission in 2009 of at least 16.8 bn zl, in relation to the expenditure already incurred by beneficiaries. The activities listed in the anti-crisis plan include: - Increasing the credit availability to companies due to higher credit limits and warranties; - Support for financial market institutions; - Strengthening the system of warranties for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); - Accelerating investments co-financed from EU funds; - Introduction of higher investment relief for newly set-up companies; - Reducing barriers for investments in telecommunication infrastructure; - Enabling the inclusion of R&D expenditures to the cost of obtaining revenue; - Support for investments into renewable energy resources; - Strengthening the position of energy buyers, strengthening the competitiveness, strengthening the power of the regulatory institution in order to protect the economy and households against an uncontrolled rise in energy prices; - Setting up the Social Solidarity Reserve."
International Labour Organisation (ILO), NATLEX.
"Amendments concern articles 3, 4, 6, 6b, 6c, 6d, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 15 (mostly of minor nature) and introduce new articles 15a, 15b, and 15c concerning economic activity liberty concerning supporting entrepreneurship.(Text No. 732) "
1. National Reform Programme for 2008-2011, p. 6 (ENG), pp. 6-7 (PL) 2. Implementing Document for National Reform Programme for 2008-2011, p. 30 (PL) 3. NRP Report 2008, p. 33 (PL) 4. http://www.mg.gov.pl/Wiadomosci/Archiwum/Rok+2008/Rada+Ministrow+wyznaczyla+cel+redukcji+biurokracji+w+priorytetowych+obszarach+prawa.htm (08.03.2010) 5. Report on Regulatory Reform Programme 2009, http://www.mg.gov.pl/files/upload/8668/publikacja_5.pdf (12.07.2010) 6. Information on contract: http://bip.mg.gov.pl/NR/rdonlyres/E69A7DA1-9D11-461D-AC5B-8D3C09C5DD40/50329/informacjaowyborze.pdf (12.07.2010)
In March 2008 the Council of Ministers set the objective to reduce administrative burden by 25% in priority fields of the Polish law. The reduction is to be implemented till end of 2010. The reduction will include the following fields of law: environment, spatial planning and development, social insurance, business operations law, hallmark law, tourist services, labour law.
The actions scheduled in the Programme for 2008-2012 assume the construction of approx. 632 km of motorways (apart from 473 km of motorways constructed within the system of  public-private partnership) as well as approx. 1,980 km of expressways. All the sections are being built in 115 kN axle load. National roads of the total length will be also reinforced or reconstructed. This is to ensure improving the roads condition in Poland so that in 2013 75% of national roads will be in a good condition.
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 18
The Decree-Law 247-B/2008, of 30 December, creates a company card, which is a single electronic document that includes the three relevant numbers for identification of corporate bodies: the collective persons's identification number (NIPC), the taxpayer identification number for companies and equivalent bodies, and the company's Social Security identification number (NISS). In this way, the legal body card and taxpayer card for companies, which were issued by two different Public Administration Bodies (the IRN and the DGCI) despite having exactly the same identification number, have been elimininated.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.92
Following the conclusion of the installation of the broadband network throughout the country, it was decided to promote the development of high speed broadband networks in disadvantaged regions of the country or where there were market shortcomings to guarantee that rural areas also have the most advanced communication networks. The Council of Ministers Resolution nr 120/2008 dated 30 July defined the investment in Next Generation Networks as a strategic priority for Portugal.
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 29
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 20
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 63
The Decree-Law no. 107/2008, of 25 June, promotes the simplification and debureaucratisation of procedures and making access to higher education more flexible. This includes: the possibility of any interested individual to enrol in isolated subjects, with the guarantee, in the case of approval, of certification and accreditation, if and when they enrol in a course which offers such subjects; the possibility for students attending a higher education course to enrol in subjects that are not part of the curriculum of their course in any higher education establishment, with the guarantee, in the case of approval, of certification and inclusion in the supplement to the diploma; and the possibility of enrolling in a higher education course as a part-time student.
National Plan of Reforms (PNR) Oct. 2008, p. 55
The launch of the Support Programme for the Extension of the Pre-School Education Network, especially targeting councils with coverage below the national average, aims to promote equal access to education opportunities. This programme is the joint responsibility of the Ministries of Education and of Labour and Social Solidarity and aims to guarantee 100% coverage for 5 year old children throughout the country. The objective of the measure is to assure the correct overall supply in the pre-school education network, where some constraints are still found particularly in the periphery of the large urban centres. This foresees the creation of 760 new classrooms in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 70
Set of training responses that are part of business strategies that aim to raise skills and create conditions for the professional valorisation of workers in companies and/or other entities.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 19
Promote modernisation, organisational innovation and management of micro, small and medium-size companies and other entities, via training programs.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Annex 1.
PNACE 2005-2008 Results of measures, p. 21
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 23
In 2008, the Foundation for Science and Technology launched two new programmes to boost scientific and technological research, aiming at: (i) supporting the integration in research (in recognised R&D centres) of more than 5,000 students of the early years of higher education, and (ii) supporting guest research chairs in Portuguese universities.
Government order nr. 57/2008, of 11 Janaury, which defines the rules applicable to the sale of electrical energy via virtual capacity auctions of electrical energy production.  Order nr. 2838/2008, of 5 February, regarding the electricity virtual capacity auctions by the sellers actuating within the Iberian Electricity Market.
The new regulations for licensing industrial activities approved in 2008 introduce a simplification in the procedures. Industries are classified into 3 groups according to their degree of environmental and other risks. For the first group, the riskier one, the licensing procedure entails an authorisation that must be issued before starting operations. Group 2 must submit a binding declaration of conformity with all applicable regulations. Group 3, which the smaller and less risky industries, are submitted to a simple registration procedure.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.19
The objective of this programme is to stimulate actions that raise business skills and consists of a training programme on how to approach international markets so as to overcome weaknesses of SMEs in trade and international business management.
In 2008, law professionals (lawyers and solicitors) were given incentives to undertake procedures online through the CITIUS platform. Since September 2008, there has been a reduction of 25% to 50% in the charges of the Court paid by parties whose professional representatives use the CITIUS system to send pleadings. Other applications were already implemented or will be shortly, notably: new electronic means of making seizures for enforcement procedure/judicial debt collection, new portals that facilitate consultation of information in courts and alternative means of dispute resolution, the extension of IT working instruments for magistrates of the Public Prosecution Service, new electronic searches and consultations through the CITIUS that will facilitate criminal investigation, new electronic connections to entities what collaborate in criminal investigation and new wireless connections in courts that facilitate access to and use of CITIUS applications.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 6
As part of the approval by the European Council in March 2007 for the Action Programme for the Reduction of Administrative Charges in the European Union, in 2008 the government approved a National Commitment to Reduce Administrative Charges for Companies, seeking to replicate, in the national plan, the objective defined by the EU. In 2009, the evaluation process will take place of the reduction of administrative charges for companies by the application of simplification measures already implemented.  The national commitment is a 25% reduction in administrative charges imposed by national legal rules and regulations covering company life-cycle events.
Outcome of PNACE Execution 2005-2008, p. 10
A new juridical regime was implemented, applicable to the concession of public subsidies (Decree-Law nr. 167/2008, of August 26th), which introduces general criteria to define financial counterparts attributed from the State Budget to finance entities providing services of general interest and to finance policies for promoting economic, cultural and social activities. This contributes to boosting discipline and transparency in allocating financial counterparts, particularly in the compensatory sums awarded to service providers of general interest. Thus, it is foreseen that the provision of a general interest service must be entrusted to the referred entity by means of a contract signed with the State which lays down the obligations of the parties, the duration of the contract, the manner of calculating compensation and the procedures and entities responsible for supervision, among other clauses.
National Plan of Reforms (PNR) Oct. 2008, p. 24
FINOVA works as an autonous fund and strengthens the financing instruments for companies, particularly SMEs and projects with a higher level of innovation. (FINOVA - Decree -Law nr 175/2008, dated 26 August)
National Plan of Reforms (PNR) Oct. 2008, p. 25
A new methodology was adopted in 2008 within the scope of the Government's computer network system. A warning system was created for deadlines regarding the adoption of the legal projects concerning directives. This online system, which is accessible to the ministerial cabinets, warns and informs of the fixed deadlines and intermediate phase up to the approval of the legislation by the Council of Ministers.
The implementation of a mechanism for monitoring the progress of putting the Bologna Process in practice, through Decree-Law n. 107/2008 of 25 June, aims to guarantee ways of supervising the transition from an educational system based on the transmission of knowledge to a system based on the development of the skills of the students, in which the components of experimental work or projects, among others, and the acquisition of transversal skills should play a decisive role.
Stimulating regional development through financing investments, as provided by GD no 753/2008. Beneficiaries of this scheme are companies which have projects that exceed 100 MEuro and create at least 500 jobs. Total eligible cost of these projects is about 50 MEuro.
Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 4, 26
The Better Regulation Strategy for the central public administration 2008-2013, has been finalised and adopted in the Government meeting on the 24th of September 2008.  In accordance with the 2008 European Spring Council conclusions, the Romanian Government decided on 24th September 2008 the reduction with 25 percent of the administration burdens by 2012. The Strategy stiputales the setting up of a permanent inter-ministerial working group which will coordinate the implementation of the strategy. The first mission of this working group consists in elaborating an action plan for reducing the administrative burdens with 25% by 2012.
As a result of promoting the Electricity Law no 13/2007 and considering the provisions regarding the connection of users to the public electricity networks as well as ANRE competencies, GD no 90/2008 on the approval of the Regulation regarding the connection of users to the public electricity networks was adopted. This normative act contributes to the reinforcement of business environment and ensures a favourable social impact by: - Simplifying and consequently shortening the process for establishment a netowrk connection; - Reducing connection costs, as the connection tariffs do not include the costs with modernising the network upstream the connection point in order to create the technical conditions needed for the connection of a user.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.37.
In order to make more efficient the application of competition law and State aid rules, the Competition Council continued to conduct a series of actions to increase its administrative capacity in terms of skills development of the experts in key areas of reform, such as: competition, State aid, sectoral market analysis, project management for Structural Funds, public procurement and ITC. Within the reporting period, 117 training sessions were organized, attended by 420 experts. Participation of CC experts in the European Competition Network (ECN) was another way to increase the national powers in administrating Community competition rules, which contributed to greater exchange of information with other competition authorities and the European Commission on how to solve the current cases and help the national authority in introducing national competition projects.
Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 61; Other.
A point of reference in ANRE's activity is the adoption of Decision no 1228/08 regarding the exemption given to the Romanian part of Nabucco pipeline from the provisions regarding the third-party access to the transmission networks and from the tariff methodologies issued in compliance with Art. 22 of Directive no 2003/55/EC on the common rules for the internal natural gas market. In July 2008, the decision of ANRE was notified to the European Commission. This Decision has been amended and completed by the Decision no 145/2009 published in the Official Journal of Romania no 58/30.01.2009.
Implementation Report Oct. 2008, p. 6, 33; Other
By GEO no 106/2008 on the reorganization of the National Regulatory Authority for Communications and Information Technology (ANRCTI), a new institution with extensive powers in the field of electronic communications and information technology has been established, by strengthening and harmonizing the tasks of ANRCTI and a part of the tasks of the National Institute of Research and Development in Informatics - ICI Bucharest, whose activity will be taken over, in part, by the National Authority for Communications (ANC). The independence of the national regulatory authority in communications was further strengthened by reorganizing ANC through GEO no 22/11.03.2009 on the establishment of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications.
Through ANRCTI's President Decision no 585/2008, 38 oeprators were identified as having significant power on this market and subsequently, those 38 operators were imposed specific obligations regarding transparency, non-discrimination, access to and use of specific elements of the network and of the associated facilities.
Starting with January 1st, 2008, the statements' submission system for small sized enterprises, associations and foundations was revised: the small sized eneterprises submit statements and pay on quarterly basis the income tax and the contributions related to it, while the associations and foundations submit it twice a year.
Progress was made in implementing the Bologna process, in  the sense of the adoption and enforcing of GD no 890/2008  on the qualifications and titles awarded to bachelor  graduates registered in the first university year in  2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008; this legislative act  regulates the titles awarded to graduates to ensure the  implementation requirements for the Diploma Supplement in  accordance with the requirements of the Bologna process.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.79
The essence of the reform of the tax and customs administration is to improve the efficiency of the system of management, where this lies in simplifying processes in the collection of taxes, customs and in future also insurance contributions, the creation of a new model of organisational structure, the creation of an SR Financial Administration by merging the tax and customs administration, as well as the optimisation of processes which will be achieved through the centralisation, concentration, specialisation of the management and performance of processes, electronisation, change management and quality of internal performances, through the management and development of human resources and through the preparation of new legal regulations. The phase of unifying the collection of taxes, customs and insurance contributions will ensure the preparation of the affected organisations for the transfer of competences and unification in the collection and harmonisation of procedural processes, whereby processes concerning the collection of tax, customs and insurance contributions will be simplified. The White Paper for Reform of the Tax and Customs Administration with a View to Unifying the Collection of Taxes , Customs and Insurance Contributions was approved by SR Government Resolution no. 285/2008 on 07.05.2008.
NRP for the Slovak republic 2008-2010, p. 6.
The financial scheme for the co-financing of research teams in international research projects defined in the Slovakia 21 Modernization Programme will allow for a transparent allocation of finance with a low administrative burden of up to additional 25% of the planned budget for the programmes that already acquired financial support from the European Union.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 10.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree 131/2008 from February 27, 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=10690
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.115
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.72
The Government has enabled students of secondary schools to acquire social scholarships for one year of study at selected secondary schools abroad. Starting in the academic year of 2008/2009, foreign secondary school scholarships will be provided as a priority to students from socially disadvantaged families and from the socially disadvantaged environment. In addition to the social disadvantages, the quality and preparedness of the interested students for study at foreign secondary schools will constitute the main criteria. The sum of the scholarship is established to sufficiently cover the costs connected with their stay.
NRP of the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 5.
The amendment to the Act that regulates the organization of state support for research and development. The amendment defines the types of specialized organizations focused on the transfer and support of the transfer of results of research and development into practice. These organizations of science and technology will constitute legal entities pursuant to the Commercial Code. It also establishes the research excellence centre, as a special category of research and development organization.  The amendment also regulates the existence of the central information portal for science, technology and innovations. The new comprehensive information system for the field of science, research and innovations and the central information portal (CIP) established in July 2008, is focused on supporting the mobility of Slovak employees in the field of research and development through the introduction of new information resources on mobility grants offered for research and development employees on the national level. It provides a comprehensive source of information on programmes, activities and interesting news in this field.  The resources are provided from the public resources to the applicants for project financing under the condition that the technical infrastructure acquired from the state budget or the European Union means will be published on the central information portal and thus will be available for every institution active in research and development sector. At the same time, the system will allow individuals to acquire, process and publish information relevant to the research and development. The analysis acquired from the information system will also help with the planning of the budget of allocation of public financial resources within the framework of the National Programme of Science and Technology Development. The popularization of science and technology is another mission of this portal.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 6.
The adoption of the new School Act significantly moved the reform of the elementary and secondary school forward. The emphasis of this Act is put on the contents of education in a way to ensure basic skills and quality for all students and to resolve content changes in the field of upbringing and education in the regional school system. The Act defines the state and a school education programme. Each school will determine a section of their teaching material alongside the common curriculum for all schools. This measure establishes greater independence of the schools. Educational standards defined by law consist of a set of requirements for learning knowledge, skills and competencies which children and students need to acquire in order to progress with education in the consecutive part of the education programme. The teaching content moves from memorizing information toward the objective to teach students how to acquire, evaluate and use information.  The Act established obligatory school attendance at ten years. The new Act strengthens the teaching of foreign languages, information and communication technologies and related training. This Act also harmonizes the achieved levels of education at our schools with the ISCED international classification.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.19
The State Education Programme has been operating since 1.9.2008, guaranteeing teaching in the subject information studies in the 2nd to 4th years of primary school and the subject informatics in the 5th to 9th years of primary and secondary schools. Raising the ability of teachers to use ICT is achieved primarily by means of national projects that teachers can join. This concerns the following national projects:  Modernisation of the education process at primary schools, Modernisation of the education process at secondary schools, Further education of primary school and secondary school teachers in the subject informatics, Further education of teachers of foreign languages. Participants in these projects receive a notebook and data projector for their school, thereby improving the equipment of schools with ICT aids. Schools can gain funding for the purchase of ICT aids, as well as for the creation of innovative study materials and aids, by entering various calls for financing development projects. This concerns the following calls: E-education for Pupils from a Socially Disadvantaged Environment and for Pupils with Health Disabilities 2009, Open School 2009, Language Laboratory 2009, Call for the Submission of Applications for Funding of a Development Project for Graphics Systems in Vocational Education and in Training for 2009, Electronisation and Revitalisation of Nurseries 2009, Electronisation and Revitalisation of School Libraries 2009. Informatisation of education in the field of secondary vocational schools is supported by an announcement of calls for the submission of development projects.  Development projects for the introduction of graphics systems in vocational education and training in regional education are targeted at raising the vocational competences of secondary vocational school pupils in the use of graphics systems, incorporating labour market requirements for competences of secondary vocational school leavers in the field of using graphics systems into school education programmes, the training of teaching staff, the creation of teaching aids, teaching texts and methodological sheets, ensuring the corresponding software and creating a computer-supported solution to professional problems in connection with requirements in practice.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 10.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree No. 109/2008 from February 20, 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=12600
The system of monitoring the legislative process was created, and in June 2008 was launched with the goal of unifying the legislative process in Slovakia. The system incorporates the portal of legal regulations designated for publicizing the draft of the legal regulations and monitoring of the legislative process. The portal constitutes the public part of the project. The general public expresses its opinion towards the drafts of the legal regulations by means of comments, mass comments, and at the same time they can read the other comments and their processing and evaluation. Thus, a simplified process of orientation and searching in legislative materials for citizens and other subjects was ensured by means of the introduction of this system, making it easier to comment on the legislative proposals.
The Slovak Republic transposed the Council Regulation on special methods of accepting the citizens of third countries (outside the territory of the EU) into scientific research. It establishes the terms and conditions under which research and development organizations can accept foreign citizens from third countries.  An important provision of this Act is the obligation to approve any proposal for financial support of the membership of the Slovak Republic in international research and development centres, initiatives and European Union communitarian programmes for research, technological development and demonstrations and the proposal for financial arrangements for participation in international programmes in the field of research and development on the government level. The motivation behind this obligation is to pay greater attention to the financial arrangements of activities in the field of science and technology.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 10.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree No. 329/2008 from May 21, 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=13829
In May 2008, the Government approved the unified methodology for the assessment of the effects of legislative measures on the general government budget, employment and the business environment, social effects (on the money-managing of the population, social exclusion, equality of opportunities, gender equality), effects on the environment and on the informatization of society. The unified methodology regulates the present process of the preparation of policies, legislation, and the inter-ministerial comment procedure. By the end of July 2008, the subjects in charge of the unified methodology designed generic e-mail addresses (dolozka@rezort.sk), to which the submitters of materials will send the material outline (tentative information). Presently, the implementation of the 6-month pilot project was launched and the regular application of the Unified Methodology for Assessment of the Selected Effects will be ensured by February 2010.
The School Act introduces free pre-school education for children in kindergarten one year in advance of the compulsory school attendance. Pre-school upbringing in kindergarten is free of charge for all years for children whose parents are in material need. Kindergartens were re-classified from the category of school facilities to the category of schools which provide pre-primary education. Thus, kindergartens will acquire higher prestige which ought to increase the interest of the society and the parents in placing their children in kindergarten will increase. A variable operation of kindergartens will allow municipalities to meet the needs of parents and ensure better cooperation with parents including their participation in the pedagogical process and the composition of the school education programme. Within the framework of the content reform, the State Education Programme was approved and financial means were allocated for the composition of model school education programmes and the training of the lecturers. These will in turn re-train the directors of the kindergartens.
NRP for the Slovak Republic 2008-2010, p. 10.  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Government Decree No. 331/2008 from May 21, 2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.rokovania.sk/Rokovanie.aspx/BodRokovaniaDetail?idMaterial=1749
The National Concept of General Government Informatization (NCGGI), which brings a new approach into the resolution of general government informatization issues, is the continuation of the Informatization Strategy of the General Government. The building of general government information systems will be carried out on the common basis and principles. Implementation of this concept in practice will create conditions for electronic communication between the general public and the public administration in official matters, decreasing non-productive time spent by managing official administrative tasks, create a precondition for the decrease of administrative fees and the elimination of duplication of acts. The National Concept was approved by the Government in May 2008. The NCGGI grew into the design of Feasibility Studies of the priority axes of the Operation Programme Informatization of Society. The Feasibility Studies identify the set of information system projects; define the architecture of the legal framework and the necessary scope of changes in the present laws. The Decree of the Ministry of Finance of the SR on standards for general government information systems and the National Strategy for Information Safety in the SR constitute the subject of the legislative process.
Implementation Report 2007, p. 52  Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 115/2006, No  2/2007, No 33/2007,No 45/2008
As concerns attorneys and notaries, the Act Amending the Notaries Act has already been adopted, and the number of notary positions has been increased.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008, p. 11  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Zakon o davku od dohodkov pravnih oseb (ZDDPO-2B); en.: Act Amending the Corporate Income Tax Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200876&stevilka=3350 	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Program reform za izvajanje Lizbonske strategije v Sloveniji 2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Government of Republic of Slovenia Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 2 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.svrez.gov.si/fileadmin/svez.gov.si/pageuploads/docs/katal_inf_javn_znac/SI-NRP2008-slo.pdf
Additional tax measures were adopted in 2008 for stimulating the development of entrepreneurship. Reliefs for investments in equipment (excluding non-production and environmentally obsolete equipment) and intangible fixed assets have been introduced, intended primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises. Investment  Investment tax relief is 20% of the invested amount, the amount of tax relief is limited to a maximum of EUR 20,000. A maximum tax relief is EUR 10,000 in the year of investment and EUR 10,000 one year after the investment. For tax relief considered can be investments in equipment (computer equipment, passenger cars with hybrid or electric-power, buses with hybrid or electric-power, and trucks with an engine that meets at least EURO VI emissions requirements), and investments in intangible assets.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 14; Part III, p. 20
In July 2008 the Slovenian Government also adopted the Strategy for the Development of a Broadband Network in Slovenia. Slovenia has set ambitious goals as part of this Strategy:  - to guarantee the option of broadband access to every individual by 2010; - to cover at least 90% of the population with at least one type of broadband access, enabling more advanced broadband services of a minimum of 2 Mbit/s by the end of 2010 (98% by 2012).
Report on the Implementation of the Reform Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 26
Increasing corporate liquidity by shortening the VAT refund deadline from 60 to 21 days, as of 31 december 2009.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008, p. 4; Part III p. 9
Slovenia's R&D strategy has been designed to be intersectoral and encompass a wide range of issues. In order to ensure more effective implementation, the Competitive Council was set up within the Government Office for Growth in 2008. Together with the Council of Science and Technology as the government advisory body, it will carefully monitor the strategy to ensure that it is being fully implemented. Making use of its development groups, the Competitiveness Council will monitor in particular the development of selected priority areas of research of technological development, seek out opportunities for synergies, investigate narrower areas which could provide promising market niches for Slovenia, and examine the possibilities for directing funds to the most promising projects. The Competitive Council is led by the development minister and is made up of representatives of the competent ministries, experts, and representatives of chambers and associations.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 26  Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 36/2008
The amendment to the Organisation and Financing of Education Act adopted in March of 2008 sets out the objective of providing education for sustainable development and active involvement in the democratic society. In July 2007, the Ministry of Education and Sport adopted the Guidelines for education for sustainable development from pre-school education to university education with a view to pointing out the importance of education for sustainable development and presenting the possibilities for implementing sustainable development in formal, non-formal and occasional learning.
Report on the Implementation of the Reform Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 25
Improving Educational Outcomes in Slovenia 2011, p.17
The Act amending the Pre-School Institutions Act provides that in cases where more than one child in a family atends kindergarten, the fee for the oldest child is one bracket lower than the fee assigned, and the fees for younger children are waived altogether.
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 11  Prevention of Restriction of Competition Act, Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 36/2008
Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategic Goals 2008 Part II, p. 6 Corporate Income Tax Act Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 90/2007, 56/2008, 76/2008, 92/2008, 5/2009  Personal Income Tac Act Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No 90/2007, 10/2008, 78/2008, 92/2008, 125/2008, 20/2009  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Zakon o davku od dohodkov pravnih oseb (ZDDPO-2), eng.: Act Amending the Corporate Income Tax Act Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Ljubljana Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2008 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200876&stevilka=3350
The law of corporate income tax (Corporate Income Tax Act (ZDDPO-2B) was amended in 2008. Certain alleged incompabilities were removed and the legislation was brought into compliance with Community and EEA law.
Law 4/2008 of 23 december. Spanish National Gazette www.boe.es (25/12/2008)   Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, pag 23  Minister Cabinet Meeting 14/08/2008  www.la-moncloa.es (Website visited in April 2010)
The elimination of the Wealth Tax was adopted in December 2008 and it has retroactive effects from 1 January 2008. It is expected that this measure will save taxpayers 1.8 billion Euros. Non-residents will also benefit, as savings resulting from this tax will be eliminated. The Wealth Tax was created in 1977, but given the transformations of the economic environment since then, it has lost its initial capacity and meaning. This measure is part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, approved by the Government in April 2008.
Spain National Reform Programme,2008 Progress Report, p. 23.  Minister Cabinet Meeting 13/06/2008  www.la-moncloa.es (Website visited in April 2010)
In December 2008, a Decree was approved by the Minister Cabinet meeting, based on the Law 4/2008 of 23rd December. According to this Decree, from 2009 onwards, all taxpayers will be able to request VAT refunds on a monthly basis. This will mean a significant liquidity stimulus for companies. A large number of employers and professionals (both natural and legal persons) are expected to apply for this measure, and it is expected that its financial effect will be around 5.6 billion Euros.  This measure is part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, approved by the Government in April 2008.
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 103.  Royal Decree 2/2008, of 21 April, on measures to boost economic activity. Spanish National Gazette www.boe.es (22/04/2008)
Thanks to this measure, more flexibility has been offered concerning the prepayments of the Company Tax Act. This flexibility offers more capacity to companies to submit anticipated payments and widens companies' leeway.  More precisely, this measure allows a widespread use of the method for calculating prepayments established in article 45.2 of the consolidated text of the Company Tax Act, approved Legislative Royal Decree 4/2004 (divided partial payments in April, October and December). If the method established in article 45.3 of the Company Tax Act is used, the tax effects of the accounting adjustments upon first application of the new General Accounting Plan do not have to be included. This measure is part of the Economic Stimulus Plan, approved by the Government in April 2008.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 7.5  Press Note from the Mityc (Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce) (www.mityc.es) 21/11/2008   Tourist Renewal Plan of 26 November. Spanish National Gazette 01/12//2008 (www.boe.es)  Minister Cabinet Meeting 16/01/2009  www.la-moncloa.es   Press Note from the ICO (Official Credit Institute) (www.ico.es) 24/06/2009  (Websites visited in May 2010)
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 185. SBA fact sheet
To support the consolidation of small companies with strong research and innovation capabilities from a scientific and technological standpoint the Support programme for Young Innovative Companies (JEI) aims to consolidate the research and innovation capacity of small, new research-oriented companies. It tries to overcome some main competitive disadvantages of the Spanish economy: low rate of company creation, limited growth of youth companies, lack of technological companies, low innovation level. Most aids are multiannual subventions aimed at promoting R&D activities (R&D personnel salaries, external services, purchase of research equipment). The annual maximum subvention limit per company is 150 000 Euros during 4 years. Beneficiaries are young companies (< 6 years), small (< 50 employees) and with high research intensity (> 35% personnel working on R&D; expenses on R&D at least 15% of total costs).
Stability programme updated Spain 2008-2011 Royal Decree Law 9/2008
Funded with a 3 billion euro extraordinary allocation to the contingency fund. This fund is earmarked for projects that are to be executed immediately over a broad geographical area to enhance the situation of certain strategic economic sectors and undertake projects with a major impact on job creation. Unused amounts may be carried forward. The extraordinary allocation will be financed with public debt. The Cabinet approved the following allocation on 5 December: 490 million euro for R&D&i projects in health, energy and international excellence; 800 million euro to maintain and enhance competition in the automobile industry; 575 million euro for environmental projects aimed at strengthening water programmes and coastal, rural and forest policy projects; 380 million euro for the construction, overhaul and refurbishment of police barracks and penitentiaries; 110 million euro for the refurbishment of homes and urban areas; 140 million euro for small transport infrastructure; 430 million for projects linked to the provision of social services, social tourism and long-term care assistance; and 75 million euro to improve military facilities.
Spain NRP, Progress Report 2007, p. 23. ORDER ECI 4 February 2008
To improve young people's knowledge of the English language by individual grants of 1,650 euro each for the beneficiaries to travel to English-speaking countries to study English (85 million EUR). The remainder (30 million EUR) will be used to reinforce teaching at the Official Language Schools.
Spain National Reform Programme, 2008 Progress Report,   Agreement by the Council of Ministries. Minister Cabinet Meeting 14/08/2008  www.la-moncloa.es  Press Note, Ministry of Public Administration 14/08/2008 (www.map.es) (Websites visited in April 2010)
This measure consists of the approval of an agreement to reduce administrative burdens, signed by the Council of Ministers. This agreement is a package which includes 70 measures, and it implies the application and development of the Plan to Reduce Red Tape approved on the 20th of June (2008). These measures are aimed at reducing burdens, streamlining procedures and saving time and costs, in order to increase business productivity and competitiveness. A large number of them replace obligations to submit documentation in person with the widespread use of on-line systems, whilst other measures eliminate costly requirements for companies. The implementation of the different measures has taken place on different dates.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 6.2.2
The Fund has a budget of 3 billion and finances actions for inmediate execution and wide geographical coverage to improve the economic situation of certain strategic sectors and undertake projects with high impact on job creation. In particular: research and development, automotive, environment, construction and rehabilitation of public buildings, housing rehabilitation, small transport infrastructure and social services.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 3.3 Act 2/2011, 4 March, on Sustainable Economy Royal Decree 1147/2011, 29 July, though which vocational training within the Education System is organized
1) Implementation of Education Organic Act (LOE): success for all students in compulsory secondary education. 2) Higher budget for PROA to provide students with individualised attention. 3) Annual diagnostic assessments of students in 4th year of primary and 2nd year of compulsory secondary. 4) Vocational Initiation Programmes  5) Programmes to reduce pockets of early school leaving.  6) Plan to Reduce the Early School Leaving Rate, agreed with Autonomous Communities.  7) Constitution of Standing Committee on Early School Leaving
SCP (Stability and Convergence Programme)
Corporate income tax: expansion of the R&D tax credit. From 2008, the credit may be applied to companies with more than 25% of their research activity in another EU or European Economic Area country.
Royal Decree 863/2008, of 23 May, approving the Regulation implementing the General Telecommunications Act 32/2003, of 3 November, concerning the use of the public radio spectrum, has come into force. As a result, Spain leads the field in Europe in the application of a new paradigm in spectrum management, characterised by the existence of a secondary market in spectrum which facilitates access to this resource, and by application of the principles of technological neutrality and service neutrality, which increase flexibility in the use of spectrum.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 4.7
Partly refundable aid for private sector experimental R&D projects Implemented by business clusters without needing participation from research bodies, their goal must be to develop novel technology, products or processes, fostering a culture of cooperation between clusters. Requires participation by at least one SME, and is aimed at small to mid-sized consortia.
The Government has presented the general lines of the University Strategy 2015, a national strategy for excellence which aims to position at least 5 Spanish universities among the best in Europe and ensure that the university system as a whole continues to progress towards excellence. As part of the University Strategy 2015, the Government will implement the Campus of International Excellence Programme with the aim of raising international awareness about a significant number of university campuses in the framework of knowledge-based innovation. The Programme will create a map of Spanish campuses of international excellence, indicating their area of specialisation. The map will be used to propose improvements which detail the planning of public and private contributions necessary for its implementation.
Spain NRP, 2008 Progress Report, p. 76. References from the Minister Cabinet Meeting (20th June 2008) Plan of Action to reduce Red Tape (2008)
The Plan of Action to Reduce Red Tape was launched. This Plan of Action was drafted with the help of the Higher Council of the Chambers of Commerce and the CEOE-CEPYME business organisation. It is aligned with the EU objective of reducing red tape deriving from EU legislation by 25% before 2012 (EU Council, Brussels, 8-9 March 2007). Spain has set itself an even more ambitious target: 30%. The Plan establishes six priority areas to reduce red tape: company law, tax law, statistics, government contracts, environment, and work and employment relations. Throughout the duration of the Plan of Action, in the last quarter of each year the Government will approve draft regulations for reducing red tape that will include the simplification measures identified in the period. The Plan envisages implementing a pilot project to assess the cost savings to be obtained with the programme to cut red tape, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs. Since the Plan was approved, the Government has passed two packages of measures to cut red tape which will speed up 83 procedures, saving citizens and companies both time and money. Many of these measures involve widespread use of electronic systems instead of paper documents, e.g. the application to sit for a driving test or to register vehicles. Other measures eliminate costly requirements imposed on companies and individuals, e.g. the guarantee required when receiving government funding for R&D and innovation activities can be replaced by a solvency report. This effort to improve regulations and reduce red tape is complementary to other initiatives.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 37
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010, p. 24
On 1 August 2008 the possibility of applying for patents to the Swedish Patent and Registration Office electronically was introduced.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008 to 2010, p. 85
The Swedish Schools Inspectorate was established on 1 October 2008 and has taken over the National Agency for Education's supervisory and quality assessment responsibilities and consideration of permit applications of independent schools. By creating a separate agency for the inspection of schools, both these two agencies will have better conditions for supporting goal achievement in schools.
From the 2008/09 academic year onwards, every pupil from grade 1 in compulsory school upward will be given a written assessment in each subject the pupil is taught. National goals for grade 3 in the subjects of Swedish, Swedish as a second language and mathematics are introduced beginning with the academic year 2008/09 and the introduction of national tests in the same subjects are planned beginning 2010.
Research and Innovation Bill " A Boost to Research and Innovation" in October 2008.
The Government presented a Research and Innovation Bill " A Boost to Research and Innovation" in October 2008. The Bill covers the period 2009-2012 and contains a successive increase in central government support to reach a permanent inccrease of SEK 5 billion in 2012. The Bill is based on two main principles; Swedish competitiveness is highly dependent on the high knowledge content of export products which is why research, development and innovation are key components of growth policy. Research and innovation are crucial tools to tackle major societal challenges such as climate change and an ageing population.
The Government presented a Research and Innovation Bill " A Boost to Research and Innovation" in October 2008.
Increased basic funding for universities of 1,5 billion SEK. Distribution of this basic funding as well as 10% av existing basic funding will be based on quality criteria, mainly amount of externa funding as well as citations.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 35
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010, p. 3, 21, 31
On 12 June 2008, the Riksdag adopted a new Competition Act (Govt. Bill 2007/08: 135). The new Competition Act (2008:579) will enter into force on 1 November 2008. The Act includes tougher sanctions against serious infringements which damage competition in the economy. The rules on financial penalties have been made clearer in order to make it possible to identify particularly serious infringements. It will now be possible to impose trading prohibitions on senior managers in cases of perticularly serious cartel infringements.
The Research and Innovation Bill " A Boost to Research and Innovation" in October 2008.
Competitive strategic basic funding to universities, 1,8 billion SEK annually,  is allocated to strategic research in the areas of medicine, technology, climate/energy and humanities and socia sciences. It is allocated as long term basic funding and distributed based on a cometitive process.
The Government presented a Research and Innovation Bill " A Boost to Research and Innovation" in October 2008. Information received from Member State
Funding of innovation offices at universities with technology of medicine profile. Offices should in particular assist researchers whose research is considered capable of commercialisation.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 14
In November 2008, the Government decided an initiative aimed at stimulating the commercialisation of innovations in health care. The initiative has a total funding of at least SEK 40 million over three years.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 84
In autumn 2008 a new state regulated job training for head teachers and other staff with a corresponding leadership function in schools, preschools and after-school recreation centres was started.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 26
On 1 May 2008, the Patents Act's provisions on translation of European patents, i.e., patents granted according to the European Patent Convention (EPC), were changed. The changes imply a significant relaxation of the translation requirements. The changes were based on the London Agreement. It is a voluntary agreement among countries which are parties to the EPC.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008 to 2010, p. 86
As part of the work to foster creativity and innovation and to help schools achieve their academic goals to a greater extent, the Government launched a long-term initiative at the beginning of 2008 Creative schools for students in grades 7 to 9 (Skapande skola for elever i arskurs 7-9). More than half of Sweden's municipalities have already been granted (Oct. 2008) these stimulation funds. The Government's ambition is to gradually extend 'Skapande skola' to cover compulsory school completely. With this initiative, the Government has given municipalities and schools a good new foundation for working with culture in schools.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs 2008-2010, p. 31
The new District Heating Act that came into force on 1 July 2008 will help increase accountability of heating markets and strengthen the position of customers. At the same time it provides a basis for harmonising energy market regulations.
UK National Reform Programme 2009 p.26: http://www.bytestart.co.uk/developing-and-training-your-staff.html
The new Flexible Support for Business service supports a number of programmes to facilitate innovation in Wales including a network of Technium Innovation Centres, the Academic Expertise for Business programme for technology transfer from Higher and Further Education institutions, and advice on R&D alongside finance from a Single Investment Fund.  Includes streamlining business advice and a Single Investment Fund for financial support. Will also include the Academic Expertise for Business programme that enable higher and further education to work with businesses and other partners in order to promote technological developments, to share ideas, and to develop these into new business opportunities, supporting investment in the higher level training necessary to allow industry to develop new and more competitive technologies.
UK NRP 2008, Lisref No. 14.  Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 2009, Annual Reports and Accounts 2008-2009, p. 189-190.
HM Treasury Budget 2008 'Stability and opportunity: building a strong, sustainable future', p. 51.  Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 2008 'Simple Support, Better Business: Business Support in 2010', p. 1-2.  Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 2008 'Business Support Simplification Programme-Business Support at the Local Level-An Information Note'.
Central government, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and local authorities (LAs) are working together to streamline publicly funded business support to make it more targeted, focussed and measurable, so increasing take-up, impact and value for money. The Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) will reduce the number of publicly funded schemes from about 3,000 to no more than 100 by 2010, simplifying and improving access to business information and support services. The existing Business Link service will become the primary access channel for all public sector business services. Work is also in progress to ensure that the Business Link services and the Enterprise Europe Network complement each other. Online presence will also be expanded, with content from business facing government websites being migrated to businesslink.gov.uk by 2011. The BSSP portfolio will also allow a number of products designed to give additional support to groups under-represented in enterprise and to promote better environmental protection.  The Annual Small Business Service Survey 2005 found that over 50% of small businesses want government help, but struggle to find their way through the maze of provision. This means the businesses that will benefit most from support are often those least likely to access it. In addition, such confusion means the system is neither cost-effective nor efficient to deliver. This is not good for business customers, for tax-payers who foot the bill, or for public funding providers, who do not get full return on their investment. That is why the Business Support Simplification Programme (BSSP) is streamlining the system. BSSP is a cross-Government agenda that is led by Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) as the representative voice for business across Government. The benefits in simplifying publicly funded business support are about better service for customers. A coordinated, quality system will increase take-up and outcomes for business, and will make provision targeted and cost-efficient for suppliers. The result will be benefits for all.
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 13
It is feared that investments may be postponed, and as a countermeasure, the degressive depreciation of tangible assets was anchored in the second economic stimulus package (estimated costs 700 m Euro). This measure, limited to two years, is intended to create incentives for additional investments and/or investments made earlier than planned, and thus to contribute to a stabilisation of the growth
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 15
Competition will be further stimulated in Austria by the implementation of the Services Directive to be enforced by end 2009. Moreover, the government programme provides for a backup of the federal competition authorities and the reform of the competition authorities organisation. Also, the reduction of competition restrictions, as with the access to free professions as well as the improvement of the regulations for the functional competition (e.g. interdisciplinary partnerships between free professions and trades) are anchored in the coalition agreement.
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 14
Within the framework of the budget process 2009/2010 the planning process of the measures was revised. The currently planned and quantified proposals for the measures will come, with approximately 650 m Euro, to a relief of 2/3 of the reduction of costs envisaged to be more than 1 bn Euro. A flagship measure was, in spring 2009, the initiation of the service portal for enterprises, a one-stop-shop portal with a very high relief potential for the industry. Entrepreneurs can request all the relevant information with this new service portal, they can centrally meet their information obligations, and also any relevant business with the authorities can be done online. The next step was taken in April 2009 designed to use the well-tested standard cost model (SKM) also to lower the administration costs and increase the service quality for the citizens.
In the course of the tax reform, the special focus was on improvements for the small and medium-sized enterprises. The new arrangement regulating the amount of tax exemption for profits leads to a marked easing of the tax load and consequently facilitates the accumulation of the proprietary capital. All entrepreneurs will directly gain from the increase of the amount exempt from tax imposed on profits from 10 % to 13%.
Austrian Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs, Implementation report 2009, page 20
The coming into force of the Young People Employment Package set new impulses for the training of apprentices. The key points of the package of measures are the creation of the training guarantee for young people that do not find an apprenticeship place (training in external apprenticeship centres) plus the option to change to another place during the apprenticeship period, and the reorganisation of the advancement of apprentices working in the industry. The corporate apprentice advancement was reformed and is to carry on the positive effects and also give additional impulses for the quality of apprentice training.
An SME fund was established with the austria wirtschaftsservice (aws, Austria Economic Service Agency) earmarked to facilitate, for the SMEs, the access to financing activities in the time of crisis. The fund is allocated at a total of 80 m Euro and makes proprietary capital available in the form of silent participations. Consequently the proprietary capital basis of a company is boosted and the financing of sustainable projects made possible.
To aid the badly shattered automobile industry and automobile dealers, a scrap premium/eco premium was introduced as of 1 April 2009. With a premium of 1,500 Euro for an at least 13-year old passenger car, Austria was in the middle ranking. The quota was limited to 30,000 applications, and was exhausted as early as in July.
In the summer of 2009, the federal government provided, with the funds of the banking sector package, to facilitate the SMEs and all enterprises up to large enterprises, the access to financial resources by assuming federal liabilities. The liability rate may range from 30% to 70% of the total amount of the respective credit the total amount for liabilities comes to 10 bn Euro. Any liability is assumed on condition of a sound economic basis of the beneficiary before the 1 July 2008, that is to say, before the current crisis.
As from the first half year of 2009, liability can be assumed for interim credits. The credit frame for ERP credits with reduced interest rates was enlarged by 200 m Euro each for the current year, and for the year 2010, respectively. With that, a total of 600 m Euro are available per year. Furthermore, the funds of the ERP have been made accessible for micro enterprises and one-person enterprises (OPE) for the first time. For the allocation of micro credits amounting to 10,000 Euro, and to 30,000 Euro, 50 m Euro have been reserved. All these measures terminate in 2010 to facilitate the access to financing for enterprises especially in the time of the crisis.
A new form of company for starters, formalised in a draft law that was approved by the Council of Ministers of 23 April 2009, intends to create in Belgian law a form of company that is more accessible to entrepreneurs who are starting out, without, however, abandoning every guarantee for creditors and consumers. The capital of the Starter company will be between 1 euro and the minimum statutory capital of a limited company (BVBA/SPRL), with the requirement to increase this capital within five years of the creation of the company to the minimum amount required for a limited company. A finance plan developed with the help of an accounting professional (accountant, auditor, etc.) will be required in order to avoid early bankruptcies caused by lack of experience.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 45
To support exports, the 9.25% tax on credit insurance contracts for commercial risks and country risks was abolished in April 2009. A complementary Government guarantee (Belgacap) was also set up in August 2009.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 125
Law of 8 March 2009 setting up a "Price Observatory".
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 70
The Flemish qualification classification framework identifies the competences that need to be acquired and facilitates the transition between education and employment.Besides educational qualifications, there are professional qualifications, which are designed by the sectors and the social partners. So the needs of the labour market are drafted and communicated to education and training providers.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 85
For the telecommunications sector, the powers of the BIPT are very widely reinforced by the law of 18 May 2009: in particular, the possibility to adopt decisions with retroactive effect in case of annulment of a previous decision, the power to impose more rapidly fines on which the threshold has been raised, or even the power to adopt exceptional measures. This law is designed to reassure investors and will allow better competitive pressure to work on prices.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 54
The budget for applied research of the Brussels-Capital Region for 2009 amounts to 38,814 million euro. The new ordinance for research was approved. Thereby support is now primarily given to smaller firms. Four types of support are distinguished: support to innovative start-ups; support for process and organisational innovation in the service sector; support for innovation advisory services and for services dealing with innovation support and assistance for the temporary employment of highly qualified personnel.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 54  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Lisbon strategy. National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Belgium. Progress Report 2009, p. 53-54 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	ouvrage collectif Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Brussels Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	www.be2010.eu
To support exports, the 9.25% tax on credit insurance contracts for commercial risks and country risks was abolished in April 2009.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 127
In Flanders, the project "Action for starters" aims to develop a provincial network of urban business centres and facilities for startups, with specific incubation facilities for new social economy companies and creative starters. These facilities will be connected by an effective ICT network, whereby the expert networks, the starter services and the SME One-Stop Business Shop in the province (intangible component of the integrated action) can be linked. A budget of 13 million euro was made available for this project, of which EFRD will provide 2.4 million euro. This project runs from 15 April 2009 to 14 April 2011.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 61. Other source: Stad Turnhout online.
The aim is to create new opportunities for apprenticeship and vocational training
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 59. Other source: Agentschap Ondernemen.
Specific measures have been adopted to limit liquidity problems for businesses, which can benefit from easing of payment terms during the first 3 quarters of 2009 (extended to 30 June 2010 at the end of 2009), by postponing tax payments (VAT and withholding tax on earned income) and having easier access to payment plans for social security contributions. The system for monthly repayments of positive VAT balances will also be extended to all the sectors concerned, This system was also made more flexible to ensure faster repayments. Furthermore, the authorities are committed to paying their invoices more quickly.
The construction sector is particularly sensitive to the economic cycle. To support this sector, the Government has reduced VAT rates for 2009 for the construction of new housing (up to a limited value of invoices) and public social housing, as well as for major reconstructive renovation of homes. In addition, the tax incentives for energy-saving investments have been increased (extending tax reductions, tax credit and credit for loan interest payments). These benefits also allow households to reduce energy bills and encourage sustainable development. Extension of reduced VAT rates until end 2010 (with building permits before april 2010)
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 62
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 64
Since 30 June 2009, all Belgian economic activities (including the liberal professions, intellectual professions and services providers) have been included in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE). The data on the practicing professions included in the CBE is checked and corrected in collaboration with the professional bodies and institutes concerned. In addition, a CBE bill was drawn up by the Parliament and intends to valorize the possible outcomes of simplifying the CBE. The qualitative and quantitative increase in the available data will allow a better mapping out of the Belgian economic operators and noticeably improve the on-line information for businesses as much as for the general public.
Simplification of Flemish innovation fund which provides start-ups with risk capital and other instruments to provide financing facilities for SMEs, start-ups and innovative companies
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 84
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 81
The 2009-2014 Flemish Government Agreement provides that energy meters should be modernised and energy networks optimised smart meters and smart grids. A large-scale pilot project came into operation during this legislature. These meters must not only make the network more intelligent but must also increase the comfort of users, reduce consumption and help improve the functioning of the energy market.
Walloon Plan Actions anti-crise 05-12-08  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	CIWAL Annual Report 2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	CIWAL Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	Liege Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2010 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.ciwal.be/upload/documents/Rapport-annuel-2009-C.I.W..pdf
Republic of Bulgaria - National Reform Programme (2008-2010) - 2009 Update, p.15
At its meeting on 12 March 2009, the Council of Ministers adopted a national target for reduction of the administrative burden for the businesses of 20% by the end of 2012. As a next step the Council of Ministers adopted an Action Plan for Administrative Burden Reduction, which elaborated the concrete proposals for reduction, deadlines and responsible ministries. The progress in implementation of the measures in the Action Plan is being reported on quarterly basis.
As of August 2009 the Public Electronic Register for the CPC decisions, including for appeals against public procurement and concessions, is operational and is maintained on the website of the CPC. It provides for constant electronic access to information on the stage of the proceedings at the CPC, as well as on the adopted decisions, definitions and instructions.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 54.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 67.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.46.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.54
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.131
In February 2009 the Council of Ministers approved a proposal prepared by the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and submitted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance for the establishment of a new semi-government Organisation for Vocational Training and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities and the re-organisation of the sector. Consultations with all interested parties have begun and a bill of law is going to be prepared for the establishment of the new organisation in 2010.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.75.
A regulation concerning the coordination of public procurement procedures for supplies, works and services (use of electronic means), ??? 249/2009, was enacted on 26 June 2009. A regulation concerning the coordination of public procurement procedures for supplies, works and services in the sectors of Water, Energy, Transport and Postal Services (use of electronic means), ??? 250/2009 was enacted on 26 June 2009.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.76.
The Law implementing the Directive 2007/64/EC on payment services in the internal market were approved by the Council of Ministers on 12 October 2009 and submitted to the House of Representatives for approval on 15 October 2009. It is expected to be enacted by the end of November.
Cyprus National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, April 2O11, Table 3, p.72.
Aims to address the individual needs of educators at all levels and through their entire career and to enhance the managerial and leadership skills of school leaders.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.72.
The National Action Plan (NAP) for Better Regulation was approved by the Council of Ministers in July 2007, it is under a joint implementation by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Public Administration and Personnel Department. The NAP was revised in April 2009.
The measures include i.a. the expansion of the Zones of Educational Priority (ZEP) . In the ZEP schools a series of extra support measures are implemented. In September 2009, the ZEPs were extended to 20 schools.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.67
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.121
The Learning Management Platform (LMS) was launched on a pilot basis in seven schools in April 2009 whilst its installation in all schools is expected to be completed in 2014.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.126.
Introduction of five co-financed by the ESF Schemes, consultancy services and training to micro-enterprises. The progress achieved with regard to the four co-financed by the ESF Schemes for selected target-groups (inactive women, unemployed, young secondary education school leavers), has been described under the first employment challenge. With regard to the consultancy services and training to micro-enterprises employing 1-4 persons, the HRDA has completed the tender procedure and the contractors have proceeded with the implementation of the Scheme. The participation target for the Scheme over the period 2006-2008 was 600 enterprises. The Scheme was fully implemented by June 2009 with a total of 622 micro-enterprises completing their participation in the Scheme.
Revised National Reform Programme of the Republic of Cyprus - Progress Report 2009, p.53.
Law 249/2009 entitled "The Coordination of Procedures for awarding public supply, works and services (using electronic means)"  The ordination of procedures for awarding public supply, works and services in the Water, Energy, Transport and Postal Services (using electronic means) Regulations 2009.
e-PS is a secure and interoperable web-based application of the Republic of Cyprus, which constitutes a total solution for the implementation of electronic procedures in conducting public procurement competitions.
The latest agreements signed by the Government of Cyprus for the promotion of cooperation in the field of research were with the UK (December 2008) and the US (February 2009).
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth 2011.
A blueprint for reform of tertiary education was published in 2009, calling for fees with income continget loans arrangements as well as changes to the governance of universities.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.27.; Ministry of Industry and Trade data
"Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.24  -2od source:  MaPEeR SME: Making Progress and Economic enhancement a Reality for SME: Comprehensive analysis of programmes and initiatives in Czech Republic that assist the Collaboration between science and SME, september 2011, p.19."
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.39
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.30.
The Data Boxes - eDelivery service, which changes the delivery system of documents sent from and to public authorities. No paper document are sent by public authorities to companies today and public administration bodies use electronic records management systems much more, than ever before. The Data Boxes have significantly increased the use of eGovernment by companies. Thanks to this system, 94% of all companies in the Czech Republic use eGovernment services! More than 445.000 entities have set up a data box and some 70.000.000 documents have already been sent through the system. Starting from the 1st of July 2009 subjects are enabled to send and receive official documents via data boxes. Entrepreneurs will administrate faster, more efficiently and at lower costs.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.28.; Data of Ministry of Industry and Trade
In May 2009, based on the Regulation 764/2008 on mutual recognition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade established a product contact point where entrepreneurs and administrative bodies from other EU Member States will be provided with information on technical rules on non-harmonized products as well as on rules related to free movement of goods and on general remedies in administrative procedures in case of a dispute (incl. information on the alternative dispute resolution system in case of an incorrect application of EC law).
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.29.; OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth 2010.
Setting up of system adjustments in the field of education of pupils.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.24. Other source: Ministry of Industry and trade of the Czech Republic
The Government has adopted an amendment on the Act on Investment incentives, which focuses on the support of technology centres, strategic services and hi-tech industry. The amendment to Act No 72/2000 Coll., concerning investment incentives, as subsequently amended, which the government approved on 26.1.2009, creates greater space for the support of technological centres and strategic service centres, which will lead to an increase in the international competitiveness of the Czech Republic in the field of industrial research, development and innovation, information technology and strategic services, to the creation of highly qualified jobs and the development of the knowledge economy.
Implementation Report on the National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2008-2010, October 2009, p.41. - White paper on tertiary education, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports,  Prague, January 2009.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.27.
The agreement, Aftale om flere unge i uddannelse og job, was signed on 5th November 2009. It aims at  helping more young people complete an education or become employed. In connection with the agreement extensive changes have been implemented in upper secondary education during 2009/2010.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.11. Other source: OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth 2011.
From and including the 2009 intake, adjustments have been made to the admissions system in order to promote earlier commencement of studies: From 2009, the grade point average is raised for students who apply to university within the two years after completion of upper secondary school, making their access to tertiary education easier.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.15
The researcher taxation scheme has been revised to allow the possibility of choosing between 25 per cent gross tax for three years and 33 per cent gross tax for five years. Foreign researchers now have the possibility of shorter stays in Denmark as guest teachers before appointment under the special tax scheme. The number of employees in the researcher taxation scheme has risen since the scheme was introduced in 1992, in particular in recent years, cf. chart 2.3b. As per 1 January 2009, 2867 researchers and key employees were attached to the scheme.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.22.
Provision of seed and pre-seed loan of 500 million DKK matched by private funding up to 1.5 billion DKK.
In May 2009, the Danish Parliament adopted a new water supply act, which will help to ensure greater transparency and increased competition in the water supply sector.
In 2009 the so-called N+1 scheme was introduced, which means that universities get a bonus for each bachelor who complete his studies within a prescribed period of study (N) plus one year, and a bonus for those with a who complete their master studies within the prescribed period of study.
The Government and the private trust fund Realdania are cooperating on a project that is intended to promote innovation in the building and construction sector. The objective is, among other things, to make concrete proposals about how buildings used by public institutions in the area of children, the elderly and primary and lower secondary school should be designed in the future.
Establishment of the Foundation for Entrepreneurship
In 2009, the Danish Council of Technology and Innovation formulated a strategy for Approved Technological Services in Denmark for the period 2010 to 2015. With this strategy the Council wishes to move approved technological service up in the knowledge chain by means of more research and development, international purchase of knowledge, and stronger strategic integration between the technology service institutes.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.7
Common Objectives 2009, which enters into force in the 2009-2010 academic year, contains new targets and content descriptions for the pre-school class and revised final objectives, attainment objectives and curricula.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2013. Page 23
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, Annex1 p.48
In February credit periods for VAT, income tax and labour market contributions paid by firms were extended. In total payments of approx. 65 billion DKK were deferred. In May it has been decided to extend credit periods for the rest of the year by introducing a slow transition to normal credit periods, such that deferred payments are paid off in the autumn.
The Danish Government was the first EU government to transpose the Services Directive into national law. The Services Directive requires Member States to simplify/update their legal frameworks and to make procedures more transparent and effective. This has been done while ensuring the attainment of public policy objectives such as consumer protection or the protection of the environment.
Denmark's National Reform Programme - First Progress Report, October 2009, p.24
With the implementation of the globalisation strategy, a Cleantech partnership, designed to facilitate the access of cleantech entrepreneurs to competent advice has been set up. Partnerships are formed between entrepreneurs and established enterprises that provide e.g. industry-specific competencies, knowledge and networks. The established enterprises help develop the most promising cleantech entrepreneurs, while at the same time helping them to attract venture capital.
The amendment of the Act on Universities in June 2009 has made scholarships more flexible. In the future, the universities can allocate both full as well as partial scholarships to highly qualified international students from countries outside the EU/EEA area who are admitted to a full programme of study.
Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia.  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201207/20120710ATT48608/20120710ATT48608EN.pdf
E-procurement becomes mandatory in 2013, including the submission of documents online; procurements above 10 000 Euro must be announced in the public procurement register; companies have to draw up a procurement plan every year.
Increase and reorganise start-up assistance aimed at starting business operators. In programme launched since 2008, start-up business operators are able to apply for a loan guarantee from KredEX in addition to start-up assistance from Enterprise Estonia with the same application. Launch and implement a national programme of start-up loans and micro-loans aimed at business operators who are either just starting their operations or have a credit history and the value of whose collateral it is difficult to assess or it is not sufficient to issue a bank loan. In 2009, the support measure was changed, partly due to the economic situation of the country. Requirements were simplified in order to improve business operators' access to further capital. The maximum amount of the start-up grant was raised from 3196EUR to 6392EUR and development grant from 12782EUR to 31955EUR. At the same time, the self-financing extent was decreased.  The long-standing geographical constraint was lifted, for the first time, companies registered in Tallinn, too, were able to apply for start-up and development grants. Also, processing time for submitted applications was decreased significantly.  In addition, a number of other changes were made.
Providing an additional resource-scheme for banks that makes it possible to combine EU support and EIB loan funds at good interest rates in order to provide these loans to export companies.
Allocating 25 m EUR as success-based loans subordinate to a bank loan, which provide additional equity capital and improve accountability;
The national development plan for the energy sector was approved in 2009.  This plan defines the Government's strategy in fields of energy policy-power engineering which main objective is to ensure continous, sustainable power supply at a justified price in Estonia.
Estonian Strategy for Competitiveness 2009-2011 - Overview and update to the estonian Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008-2011, 5 November 2009, p. 20
Allocation of 25 m EUR as long-term resources to companies in order to finance projects that meet specific criteria  (financed by the State in cooperation with banks)
Supporting technology investments for manufacturing companies with 35 m EUR by the end of July 2009, instead of the end of 2010.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p. 68
Finland's National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p. 62
To promote serial entrepreneurship and to encourage the participation of experience business professionals in boosting the growth of innovative companies, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy has prepared a proposal on a tax incentive for business angels. The proposal is based on capital gains tax relief when certain conditions are fulfilled for the investor and the investment object. The law on the matter was approved in the Autumn of 2012 and came into force 1st of January 2013.  This measure is part of a policy package for entrepreneurship growth.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p. 62
To develop an early-stage capital investment market, hurdles have begun to be removed for fund investments in Finland from abroad. Particular attention has been paid to the possibility of removing the problem of permanent place of business in respect of foreign capital investment funds through Tax Administration guidelines.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.69
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.73
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p. 66
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.79
In March 2009, the Government submitted a bill to Parliament on strong electronic identification and digital signatures. The Act was approved in June 2009. The objective of the Act is to create basic rules for the provision of strong electronic identification services and at the same time create a framework for an efficient market in strong electronic identification services. The Act contains provisions on the preconditions that an identification method must fulfil in order to be strong. The Act also contains provisions on requirements directed at providers of strong electronic identification services and the services they offer. The part relating to strong electronic identification is a completely new regulation, which has no parallel, at least in Europe. Provision of strong electronic identification services is supervised by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority.
Parliament approved a Government proposal by which the Income Tax Act has been amended from the beginning of 2009 such that installation, maintenance and guidance work involving information and communications technology equipment, software, information security and telecommunications links will be entitled to the domestic work deduction. The maximum amount of the domestic work deduction was raised to EUR 3,000
The Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs 2008-2010 FI, p. 23
Regulations governing retail opening hours will be reviewed in accordance with the Government Programme. The aim is to complete the preparation of this by the end of 2008, at which time policy decisions will be made.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p. 64
The state council of Finland decided on the principles of structural development of the public research and innovation system in 2005 and the first step was the renewal of university sector. A new Universities Act was approved in June 2009 and it came into force in August 2009. The act has been reformed to increase the autonomy of universities and to change universities into independent legal entities. The Aalto University will start operating at the beginning of 2010. In addition Tampere University of Technology will operate from the beginning of 2010 as a foundation-based university under the new Universities Act. As part of the reform of the higher education system, an internationalisation strategy for higher education establishments has been prepared. The goal is to develop in Finland an internationally strong and attractive higher-education and scientific community. The Ministry of Education has prepared the strategy in collaboration with higher education establishments, students, business, funding organisations, sector authorities and other parties. The strategy was completed at the beginning of 2009.
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.70
Finland National Reform Programme -  Implementation Report 2009, p.78
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010, Rapport de suivi pour 2009, pag. 23
The Act of May 12, 2009 to simplify and clarify the law and streamline procedures represents an important advance in this field. Much of its provisions was inspired by the results of a public consultation on the Internet at the initiative of the Law Committee of the National Assembly. Its 140 articles focus on both improving the rules of everyday life for individuals, the simplification for businesses and professionals (provide electronic pay with the employee's consent, for example) and clarifying the rules of organization and functioning of local authorities. Text 127 also repeals laws become irrelevant, outdated, or contrary to a higher standard
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p.19.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010. p, 41
To promote the development of secure services (RFID: radio frequency identification), the government has established a national reference center for RFID. With funding from the state up to 2million euros over three years, the National Reference Centre since early 2009 leads RFID missions outreach of economic actors to facilitate the development and ownership of this technology and its use by businesses, particularly SMEs.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010, p.20
The government seeks to establish an environment conducive to the development of Medium Sized Enterprises, which represent 21% of employment and 33% in the industrial sector. Many measures have been taken in this direction, such as giving priority to MSE regarding the public funding of innovation, the opening of the guarantee credit of OSEO for MSE, provide liquidity to banks arrow to SMEs and MSEs through devolution of regulated savings surpluses.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010. P.21
The modalities of application of Article 26 of the LME for the procurement of high technology with innovative SMEs have been defined by Decree 18 February 2009. As an experiment for five years, public purchasers can reserve part of their public procurement for innovative SMEs (15%). This device can be applied to high-technology markets, R & D and technological studies for works, supplies or services which meet certain conditions of innovation.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p.17.
The introduction of an uniform doctoral contract allows young researchers to leverage their doctoral thesis as a first professional experience. This contractual framework was created by decree 2009-464. On the long run it should replace all other types of contracts for doctoranda.
Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010.
According to the law to modernize the economy, the Competition Authority is now responsible not only for anticompetitive practices, but also for the control of concentrations. The minister responsible for the economy maintains remains responsible for cases of general interest, as in Germany. The Competition Authority also has its own investigators, and a greater power over members of the department in charge of competition that can be placed at its disposal to improve the conduct of investigations. The Authority may also issue its own opinion on any question of competition. The minister of economy retains its power to seize the Competition Authority of any anti-competitive practice, and a proper power control of anticompetitive practices strictly local in scope.
The business tax is characterized by its negative impact on investment: the more a company invests in France, the more it is taxed, even when its investments are not profitable. This tax penalizes especially capital-intensive sectors, which are often among the most exposed to international competition and is a handicap for companies operating in France. The draft budget law for 2010 provides thus remove the business tax. To ensure the reduction of the burden on business imposed the most, the territorial economic contribution would be capped at 3% of the value added.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 39.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p.18.
Text of decree http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000021494476&fastPos=1&fastReqId=1469517268&categorieLien=id&oldAction=rechTexte (10.06.2010)  Programme National de Reforme 2008-2010  Rapport de suivi pour 2009, pag. 12  Public service website http://www.service-public.fr/actualites/001093.html (10.06.2010)
A scrappage of 1 000 Euros has been put in place for 2009 and is awarded to any scrapping of a vehicle more than 10 years and buying a new car emitting less than 160g of CO2 (or a new small commercial car for professionals). This helps to support the car industry while accelerating the replacement of older vehicles and, in synergy with the device-claims bonus car introduced in December 2007, contribute to reducing CO2 emissions
The budgetary aspects of the recovery plan dedicated to sectors of higher education and research is 731 million euros. The recovery plan helps to establish the structure in major centers of research and higher education and supports the structuring and pooling forces training and research. In total, well over 4.5 billion euros that the state shall, in addition to the Finance Act in 2009 in higher education and research sectors with projects and needs, on the real estate in particular, will have a major impact for building professionals, craftsmen, services and innovative SMEs.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 51.
The Government presented the plan "Digital France 2012" in order to make France one of the great digital nation by 2012: the goal is to make broadband fixed and mobile, and Digital Terrestrial TV available to all French people by 2012. This plan will involve local authorities in its implementation and is based on four priorities: (i) enable all French access to networks and digital services, (ii) expand production and supply of digital content, (iii) increase and diversify the uses and digital services businesses, educational institutions, governments, and private individuals, and (iv) modernize the governance of the digital economy.
For simplification, transparency and more competition the text was changed. Basis of the fees are now costs of construction, calculated according to the draft planning. The public fee parameters are limited to planning services. The "Tafelwerte" (fees) increase by 10%.
The Act on Implementing the Qualifying Holdings Directive transposes the European directive 2007/44/EC in order to harmonise and to improve the process of acquisition of equity holdings within the European Community. The standardisation of regulations governing holdings of financial enterprises in the areas of banking, insurance and securities investment services should decrease barriers of cross-border mergers and acquisitions.  In particular the act regulates the following aspects of equity holdings: - Regulations concerning disclosure obligations; - Regulations concerning the reliability of the purchaser; - Information to be provided by the purchaser to the supervisory authority; - Deadline for completion of the review process by the supervisory authorities; - Collaboration between supervisory authorities in the European Economic Area. In order to standardise regulations, the following laws were changed by the Act on Implementing the Qualifying Holdings Directive: German Banking Law, German Insurance Supervision Act, Financial Investment Law and the Stock Exchange Act.
Promotion of investment, innovation and demand in the economy. Part of "Pact for Employment and Stability in Germany to Safeguard Jobs, Strengthen the Forces for Growth and Modernise the Country" (2nd stimulus package).
NRP Implementation and progress report 2009, p. 24, grid no. 2
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2009, p. 25, grid no. 2.
Scaling up and expanding the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM). This is a nation-wide funding programme for SMEs and business-related research establishments co-operating with them. It is open to all technologies and sectors.
NRP Germany, Implementation and Progress Report 2009, pp. 26. Grid no. 6 ; Federal Ministry of Education and Research http://www.bmbf.de/en/6142.php
The Higher Education Pact is designed to run until 2020. This act aims at investing additional funds in the expansion of study opporunities, thereby providing a suitable solution to the increasing demand for higher education. Continuing the programme until 2015 aims to tap the potential of 275,420 additional university entrants. Part of package "The Qualification Initiative for Germany"
After the Simplification of contracting rules for services the rules became a clear structure according to the EU-thresholds for procurement. Furthermore, national procurements have to be identifiable also via the internet platform www.bund.de, if they are published somewhere in the internet. Also, the request for references going beyond a self-statement of the enterprises has to be justified. With the Simplification of contracting rules for services (VOL) its structure and vocabulary were harmonized with the contracting rules for construction services and professional services. The simplification of all three relevant contracting regulations (VOL, VOF, VOB) is a consequence of the Act to Modernise Procurement Law (Gesetz zur Modernisierung des Vergaberechts) of 20/04/2009. The aim of the simplification is to: - improve transparency  - 1:1 transposition of EU procurement law - reduce public procurement regulations to the necessary minimum - eliminate dispensable bureaucratic specifications
Implementation and progress report 2009, page 30, grid no 8
Financial planning security for academic and scientific organisations to develop an energised science system; to create a dynamic and performance-enhancing science system network; to develop and implement new strategies for international collaboration; to establish sustainable partnerships between science and business; and to attract topnotch talent to the field of science in Germany on the long term.
The simplification of contracting rules for professional services (VOF) entails are more detailed description of the negotiated procedures applicable for the procurement of professional services. With the Simplification of contracting rules for professional services (VOF) its structure and vocabulary were harmonized with the contracting rules for services and construction services. The simplification of all three relevant contracting regulations (VOL, VOF, VOB) is a consequence of the Act to Modernise Procurement Law (Gesetz zur Modernisierung des Vergaberechts) of 20/04/2009. The aim of the simplification is to: - improve transparency  - 1:1 transposition of EU procurement law - reduce public procurement regulations to the necessary minimum - eliminate dispensable bureaucratic specifications
With the Simplification of contracting rules for construction services (VOB) the thresholds for limited invitations to tender and negotiated procedures were harmonised and simplified. Furthermore, a late submission of documents does not automatically lead to exclusion from the procurement process. Thus, competition should be enhanced. Also structure and vocabulary were harmonised with the contracting rules for services and professional services. The simplification of all three relevant contracting regulations (VOL, VOF, VOB) is a consequence of the Act to Modernise Procurement Law (Gesetz zur Modernisierung des Vergaberechts) of 20/04/2009. The aim of the simplification is to: - improve transparency  - 1:1 transposition of EU procurement law - reduce public procurement regulations to the necessary minimum - eliminate dispensable bureaucratic specifications
The Federal Government's Broadband Strategy.p.10, February 2009  http://www.bmwi.de/English/Redaktion/Pdf/broadband-strategy,property=pdf,bereich=bmwi,sprache=en,rwb=true.pdf
The Federal Government is proposing an incentive- oriented approach that will - capitalise on synergies in the construction of infrastructure - guarantee supportive frequency policies - commit to growth and innovation-geared regulation - provide appropriate financial support
Implementation and progress report 2009, page 32 grid no. 13
Important development step of program "innovation and new energy technologies" which entered into force on 1.1.2006. A secure, economic and climate-compatible supply of energy is not conceivable without the aid of modern energy technology. New technologies must be made ready for the market through research and development. For this reason, the government is investing 1.15 billion euros in 2009-2010 in the Energy Research Programme and will also focus on new areas for support and funding (e.g. power grids of the future, the integration of renewable energy, power storage units etc).
Adapt the German merger control system to bring it into line with international recommendations; cut bureaucracy for companies; reduce the number of mergers that have to be registered and controlled, particularly foreign mergers and smaller mergers that do not pose a problem in terms of competition restraints; this is conducive to efficient merger control by officials concentrating solely on mergers which could pose a problem from a competition perspective.
Implementation and progress report 2009, page 29, grid no 7
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 20
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 12  ?S?F 207 - 2013
Measures include provision of tax incentives, support to the use of IT, and support to active employment policies, such as the conversion of the unemployment benefit to an employment subsidy to tourist enterprises employing unemployed workers.
The sector employs a total of more than 400,000 workers and accounts for around 7% of GDP. Measures include: i.) provision of guarantees for 25% of the loans taken up for construction purposes to end-2010; ii.) tax incentives; and iii.) a programme to improve the energy efficiency of buildings built prior to 1980.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 12  ?S?F 2007 - 2013
The industry employs 70,000 workers and concerns more than 4,000 SMEs. The measures included tax incentives and incentives for purchasing new and environmentally friendly cars.
Published in the official gazette of the Hellenic Republic
Presidential Decree 149/2009 defines the terms and conditions for the entering of private firms into the railways business.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 27
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 10
In May 2009 The National Governmental Portal HERMIS commenced operations, a portal linked to the provision of e-services to citizens and businesses through the Citizens Service Centres. Currently the portal provides around 120 electronic services, including 11 integrated transaction services (of the fourth level), while new integrated services are under development (on a number of areas including the Social Security Fund (IKA), the police, the Technical Chamber, the Ministry of Tourism and others).
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, Implementation Report 2009, page 8
Progress was registered in the area of better regulation and the reduction of the administrative burden on businesses. Through presidential decree 17/2009 an autonomous office was set up under the General Secretariat of the Government to strengthen the legislative and regulatory process.
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.44
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.39
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 73
In line with the aim of the life-long learning the aim of the measure is to improve competitiveness of farmers, agricultural enterprises and sylviculturists and to help them carry on sustainable and environment conscious activity through improving their professional knowledge. Farmers and sylviculturist successfully passing the professional training programme may claim back the cost of the training in the form of support.
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.74
The scholarship scheme for the vocational training launched in 2009 is an incentive for those who enrol the vocational raining, therefore it reinforces the relation between the training and the labour market. The scholarships are awarded to those students who participate in training courses for which a real demand exists within the economy. The detailed regulations are created subject to the equilibrium of the state budget
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.34
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.41
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.39. Other source: Erawatch, 2010.
Government Resolution No. 1036/2009 (III. 28.) on social and professional involvement in scientific, technology and innovation (STI) policy activities as well as pertaining governmental coordination was adopted after taking into consideration the recommendations of the country review (performed byOECD (with the coordination of NKTH)). (One of the recommendations was to develop a consistent STI management system operating more efficiently than the previous one and promoting the competitiveness of the country.)
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.42.  Other source: Erawatch, National profiles, Hungary
Government Resolution No. 1019/2009 (II.19.) on STI (social and professional involvement in scientific, technology and innovation) action plans for 2009-2010 was adopted after taking into consideration the recommendations of the country review (performed by OECD (with the coordination of NKTH)). (One of the recommendations was to develop a consistent STI management system operating more efficiently than the previous one and promoting the competitiveness of the country.)
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.49
The feasibility study on the setting up of the PSC showing the possible solutions was completed in 2008. For ensuring the financial resources required for the implementation of the system the Government adopted a key project financed from European Union funds in March 2009. Preparation for public procurement procedures started in the frame of the approved key project of the Electronic Public Administration Operational Program
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.50
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.54
Report on the Implementation of the National Action Programme 2008-2010 Hungary, Oct-09, p.56
It is aimed at improving the capital position of those companies in the Hungarian SME sector which are in their early (seed and start-up) and growing stage. In the framework of the Programme MV Zrt. intermediates funds for the venture capital funds, thereby extending the capital involvement potentials of the SMEs. The credit line available was HUF 41 billion.  The measure was accelerated or modified in 2011, the details see in year 2011.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 40
A key initiative in February 2009 was the launch by IDA Ireland and Invest NI of the NorthWestNow promotional programme aimed at enhancing the promotion of the North West Business Technology Zone (NWBTZ) and the wider North West Region. The promotional programme includes a new website www.northwestnow.eu and brochure which will be distributed worldwide through the IDA Ireland and Invest NI networks.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 81
As part of the recapitalisation package announced on 11 February, Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland reconfirmed their December 2008 commitment to increase lending capacity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 10% and to provide an additional 30% capacity for lending to first time buyers in 2009.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 41
With the Internal Market Services Directive due to be transposed before 28 December, 2009, work on the screening of all legislation containing provisions relating to access to service activities, has accelerated. On 30 June, the Government agreed that Departments would ensure that amendments to legislation, including primary legislation, and other rules, which are identified as necessary in order to comply with the provisions of the Services Directive, would be made before the deadline.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 31
Enterprise Stabilisation Fund, with assistance from the EU?s Temporary Framework on State Aid, to assist companies to grow internationally
The re-capitalised Banks have given a commitment to increasing their lending capacity to SMEs by 10%
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 42
As part of the October 2009 Budget the Government announced the merger of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority as part of a wider rationalisation of state agencies. It is the intention to bring forward legislation to provide for the implementation of the merger during the course of 2009.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 36
Establishment of the Credit Supply Clearing Group to identify appropriate solutions where flows of credit to viable businesses appear to be blocked
A Code of Conduct on Business Lending for SMEs to promote fairness and transparency
This paper, which was published on 22 June, sets out the Irish Government?s policy framework for Next Generation Broadband development. This framework provides clarity to telecom investors so that Ireland can achieve high speed NGN Broadband, which is a key enabler of the Smart Economy. Some of the key Government actions set out in the paper, which aim to accelerate the provision of next generation broadband include: 1. Universal access to broadband  2. Broadband to schools  3. International connectivity  4. One-stop-shop  5. Fibre connections in new premises   6. Optimal regulation and innovative licensing  7. Spectrum
2nd Annual Progress Report Oct. 2007, p. 27 ;
The National Development Plan contains a provision of EUR 252 million for ICT in Schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in schools. A strategy Group has been appointed to advise on the prioritisation of measures, with the intention of publishing a new ICT strategy covering the period of the National Development Plan. As part of the development of this new strategy, it will be necessary to consider and address a wide range of issues including teacher education, teacher professional development, curriculum developments, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware and the provision of software and digital content for learning. The planned investment will also address maintenance and support requirements.
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 48
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 25
National Reform Programme, Progress Report 2009, page 73
From September 2009, a single co-ordinated School Support Programme involving the Home School Community Liaison Scheme, the School Completion Programme and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers will be integrated under the National Educational Welfare Board. This development will put in place structures to facilitate closer integration of the services at local, regional and national levels, thereby increasing effectiveness and helping bring about real and meaningful improvements in services to confront in a cohesive way the underlying causes that impact negatively on the school life of children, particularly as they relate to school attendance, retention and attainment.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 33 Regional law 94/2009 Official Report n.94, 04/12/2009
With regard to the issues of e-government and broadband technology, the Basilicata Region has activated a project entitled "Regional General Records Circularity and Applications Cooperation" with the objective of improving data exchange and the development and more widespread use of an e-government system at local entities situated in marginal areas and areas at risk of isolation.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 36
With regard to youth-oriented policies, the Apulia Region has promoted and adopted several innovative measures to get the most value out of the project capacities of the region's young people and, through these measures, to increase the young people's entrepreneurial skills and to improve their chances of employment. Accordingly, the strategic decisions at a regional level have been concentrated on supporting the creation of businesses.
Measure No. 80 of the grid annexed to the NRP 2011
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 75
Consistent with the European policies of the Lisbon Strategy, the National Operating Programmes funded with the European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund, and aimed at Italy's four Target Convergence regions (Calabria, Campania, Apulia, and Sicily), are committed to guaranteeing minimum school service quality standards through two strategic objectives: the first objective is to enhance the students' knowledge and the public's capacity to learn; the second objective, which is highly correlated to the first, is to reduce the number of school dropouts.
With reference to natural gas, Law n. 99/2009 containing "Provisions for the development and international expansion of businesses, and the subject of energy" has turned over the economic management of the natural gas market to the manager of the electricity market which is organising the gas market on the basis of criteria of neutrality, transparency, objectivity, and competition (Article 30, Paragraph 1).
Measure No. 33 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Quality of collective bargaining, improving civil servant; more efficient general government bodies, more merit and more openness of Public Administration.
Measure No. 32 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Simplification of regulations in order to install new plants.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 35
Measure No. 78 of the grid annexd to the 2011 NRP
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 26
With a view toward accelerating and making effective the benefits arising from the prohibition against overdraft limit fees, Law n. 102/2009 establishes that the amount of the all-inclusive fee cannot exceed 0.5 per cent per quarter of the amount of the credit facility, otherwise the agreement for compensation is to be considered null and void. The Minister of the Economy and Finance is charged with the oversight of the regulation.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 37
Created by the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Counterfeiting-Prevention Department of the Italian Patents and Trademarks Office, the databank is a tool to facilitate the transfer of the results of public research to the market and to increase demand for innovation on the part of businesses, particularly SMEs. The databank provides for online access (www.patiris.unibo.it) to patented production of Italian universities and public research centres, supplying updated information that can easily be consulted. On 30 June 2009, an executive accord was signed covering the digitalisation and automatic translation into English of the Italian description included in any application for a patent filed in Italy.
Measure No. 54 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Rationalisation of activities, recognition of statutory independence, enhancement of the European research workers card
Law n. 133/2008 has amended previous regulations on the subject of local public services in order to favour the competition, establishing that the award of contracts for the management of local public services is to occur through competitive procedures transparent to the public. Several critical aspects of Law n. 133/2008 were eliminated through Article 15 of Decree-Law n. 135/2009, which added the so-called "dual tender" among the ordinary procedures for awarding contracts. Within the framework of the new transitory system provided by these rules, publicly traded companies must progressively reduce the public investment to no more than 30 per cent, or they risk the expiration as of 31 December 2012 of the direct contract awards in effect.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 33
The "e-Government 2012" plan embraces a series of digital-innovation projects (with the priorities assigned to the justice system, the healthcare system, schools and universities, as well as the "dematerialisation" of the public administration). The projects are designed to make the public administration more modern, more efficient and more transparent, thereby improving the quality of the services supplied to citizens and businesses.
The "e-Economy/e-Society" plan has the objectives of: facilitating the adoption and expanded use of innovations; improving the public-private cross-fertilisation processes; eliminating the obstacles to technology transfer; intensifying technological scouting; and identifying areas of excellence and talent and enhancing their value. The priority areas for the plan implementation will be energy efficiency, ICT, the media and digital contents, information mobility, design and the biomedical field.
The proper and effective transposition of the directive will provide a fundamental contribution to deregulation and market transparency, considering all services rendered against economic consideration must be open to competition. The ratification of the directive can serve to open up a new, important phase for deregulation and the streamlining of relationships between businesses and government entities, with the elimination of additional constraints for accessing services. It can also be an occasion for reinforcing the system of single service centres provided by municipalities. It will undoubtedly also be a chance for improving government administration.
Law n. 99/2009 provides for the adoption of an annual law for the market and competition. The annual law is aimed at removing regulatory or administrative obstacles to the opening of the markets, promoting the development of competition, and guaranteeing consumer protection, while also taking into account the indications of antitrust authority. Such a stable and periodic legislative tool will bring important benefits in terms of further deregulation.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 38
Industria 2015 programme was inaugurated with the 2007 Budget Law and further expanded upon with Law n. 99/2009. The programme covers Industrial Innovation Projects that represent tools for complex and detailed projects to be planned and developed in technological areas deemed strategic for reviving the competitiveness of the economic system. The implementation in 2008 regarding the adoption of the Industrial Innovation Projects related to the technological areas of energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and technologies for Made-in-Italy products, and the implementation of the related strategic actions through which tenders could be organised for the granting of subsidies in favour of research, development and innovation programmes; during 2009, the tender procedures were carried out and the ranking of the projects eligible for the benefits was approved.
Measure No. 48 of the grid annexed ti NRP 2011
Increase in investment and hence in innovation and other advantages.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 31 Official Report n. 176, 31/07/2009 - Ordinary Supplement n. 136
Article 6 of Law 99/2009 contemplates the possibility of businesses to have "self certification" instead of official certifications for the purpose of securing authorisations or concessions and participating in publicly disclosed proceedings, and to authorise the public administration to procure any data needed directly from other administrations. The identification of the certifications that may be substituted by self certification is left to a special decree of the President of the Council of Ministers.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 73 Measure 43 of the grid annexed to the 2010 NRP
With the revision of the educational, organisational and regulatory framework for upper secondary school, roughly 400 test courses were whittled down to six upper secondary curricula (classical studies, scientific studies, artistic studies, musical and choral studies, linguistic studies, and human sciences studies). As a result, it has been possible to provide the schools with more autonomy, make a stronger bond between upper secondary schools and the business/university world, and to streamline study plans. The new framework is to go into effect gradually, with the first and second classes involved as from the 2010-2011 academic year. The changeover is to be completed in 2013.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 35 Official Report n.150 01/07/2009
The provisions of Decree-Law n. 78/2009 (converted into Law n. 102/2009 of 3 August 2009) have an even greater impact with reference to relationships between businesses and the public administration, inasmuch they call for making sizeable amounts of resources available during the next budgeting session for the purpose of covering past-due payments on the part of the central government.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 59; measure No. 67 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
During 2009, the Italian Government continued to pursue its commitment to broadband with decision and resolve. The digital divide in Italy is a problem that must be urgently resolved because it affects some 13 per cent of the population, namely, 7.8 million Italians who do not have an Internet connection or whose Internet connection is insufficient (below 640 kb/s). For this reason, the Government has detailed a project for planning and developing a broadband electronic communications network to run at 20mb/s nationwide.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 67.
Law No. 69/2009 provides a broadband plan to complete the infrastructure plan for electronic communications networks in the areas of market failure, thereby allowing all citizens to have a fast Internet connection (from 2 up to 20 mbps).
Measure No. 79 of the grid annexd to NRP 2011
Debt suspension for SMEs (suspension of mortgage payments, lease payments and extension of short-term credit. An agreement has been signed by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, the Italian Banking Association and the most relevant business associations.
The most substantial change to date in the regulations governing class action was made with Law n. 99/2009, which modifies the provisions of Article 140-bis of the Consumer Code, providing that the uniform individual rights of consumers and service users can also be safeguarded through class action. For this purpose, each party, including through associations, may take legal action for ascertaining liability and obtaining judgment for the payment of damages and restitution. In addition, Law 102/99 extends the term for taking legal action from 18 months to 24 months.
During 2009, scholarships were awarded to young people for enrolment in university master degree programmes specialising in agriculture. Advanced training was provided to 20 university graduates and 40 upper secondary school graduates at the Centre for Training in Economics and Rural Development Policy. Another 14 awards were given out in relation to a public tender for farming businesses run by young people for excellence in innovation. As part of incentives for research and development activity within businesses owned and operated by young people, a public tender was conducted for selecting research projects proposed by small- and medium-sized agricultural firms run by young entrepreneurs
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 34 Regional Decree n. 640, 03/04/2009
The Campania Region put out the call for bids to large and medium-sized municipalities for the presentation of e-government projects to be planned and developed according to interoperability logic and aimed at improving both the internal organisation of the entities as well as the supply of services to the public and other areas of government.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 48.
Decree law No. 78/2009 (Law No. 133/2009) promote tax incentives for the increase in investment and hence in innovations.
Measure No. 82 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011;see also measure No. 150 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP.
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.29.
The Cabinet of Ministers (CoM) regulations No 200 "Support to high value added investment projects" was approved on February 24, 2009 (1st round). The aim is to support innovative enterprises in developing new products and technologies and introducing in production, as well as to increase the number of innovative enterprises.The ERAB funding of the programme  is 57,5 million LVL. The CoM regulations No 817 "Support to high value added investment projects" was approved on October 19, 2011 (2nd round). The ERAB funding of the programme  is 13,08 million LVL. Additional activities eligible for funding virssaistibu (attributable funds of the state budget) 13,08 million LVL.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.56.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.42.
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.40.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (April 2012). Page 38.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 42
On September 1, 2009, the Cabinet of Ministers regulation has been approved on the national general secondary education standard and standards of the general education subjects. This includes improving and developing business education.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.39.
Report on Progress in Implementation of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia, october 2009, Annex 1 p.19.
On the basis of monitoring of the pilot project for measurements of administrative burden on enterprises carried out by the Ministry of Economics and Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, measures are being implemented to reduce the administrative burden in the framework of the Action Plan for Improvement of Business Environment for 2008 and 2009. In 2008 and 2009, studies were carried out on the assessment of the administrative burden in food safety normative regulation and implementation of support measures related to the forestry sector. Proposals on amendments of the Law on Forests and respective Cabinet of Ministers regulations have been developed.
The new amendments of the Insolvency Law have been adopted by the Saeima in June 2009. On July 1, 2009, amendments to the Insolvency Law came into force, according to which, in the field of insolvency rights, the legal protection process (hereinafter- LPP) and the insolvency process of legal persons have been improved, thus simplifying the solutions between a viable economic activity performer and its creditors, as well as the insolvency process of the natural persons has been improved, thus making the process more accessible to natural persons having difficulties.    "
811.6 thousand Litas financial support to the legal entities was approved on 17 March 2009 by the order of the Minister of Economy No. 4-49, aimed at protecting the intellectual property rights of the ones receiving the European license or license under the License co-operation agreement.
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.71
New regulations of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education were prepared
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.36
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.10 and Annex 2, p.32. Complemented by Small Business Act Survey.
This strategy is aimed at developing a system of public procurement in Lithuania so that contracting authorities can acquire, at the lowest possible cost, the goods, services or works best satisfying their needs, guaranteeing the promotion of the development of a competitive and innovation-based economy and the creation of a favourable environment for constructive cooperation between public procurement participants. Planned measures include: Reduction in administrative burden in the sphere of public procurement; encouraging SME participation in public procurement; intensifying the development of e-procurement; reduction of corruption in public procurement; upgrading the qualifications of participants in public procurement.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 55-56
On 30 December 2009, a tripartite agreement was signed by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Ministry of Finance and INVEGA, whereby the Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund was established. The aim of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund is to enable micro and small companies as well as natural persons to start their own business, also, for social enterprises to develop their business through the use of financial engineering instruments thus promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment as well as the creation of new work places. The implementation of the measure (provision of loans of up to LTL 86.000 is combined with training and counselling of those starting their business as well as the assistance for preparation and implementation of business plans. The programme is funded by the European Social Fund (based on Human Resources Development Action Programme for 2007-2013). Currently, the value of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund is LTL 50 million.
Approval of description of the procedure of allocation of state budget funds of the Republic of Lithuania for scientific research, experimental (social, cultural) development and development of artistic activities to state higher education and research institutions.
The Plan of Measures for Implementation of Better Regulation Programme for 2009, consisting of 21 measures, was approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p. 69
Order of the director of Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation approving provisions of scholarship granting to students (orderNo. V1-29 dated 24.08.2009) and other legal statements.
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.29
An important step in implementation of the program for development of higher education which influenced changes in reform on higher education, set new priorities for reform on higher education and provides systemic restructure of education and training systems, is the Law on Higher Education and Science passed(Law No. XI-242 dated 30.04.2009(Official Gazette, 2009, No. 54-2140))and legal statements important for its implementation approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The main goal of the Law is to secure matching higher education and science system and economic and societal needs of the country, to create conditions for higher schools to improve quality of the training, to secure quality of development of scientific research and experimental (social) development as well as competitiveness on the global market
Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Program of Lithuania, 2009, p.32
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.40
The Digital Trust Service in ILNAS provides support to companies that are active in the ITC area. It is a clearinghouse for information and exchange of knowledge of norms for the ITC domain, a mission that simultaneously permits a targeting of excellence in ITC. In February 2009, Luxembourg became a participating member of the ISO/IEC/JTC1 committee relating to information technologies.
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.28.
Covers nine specific State aid scheme that emphasize national priorities: (i) Incentives for new and sustainable processes for SME that have not yet exploited their potential for innovation. Aid schemes exclusively reserved for these are those that cover using external expertise, protection of intellectual property consecutive to an R&D project and temporary hosting of highly qualified personnel seconded from large corporations or public research organizations. The establishment of an Institute of Intellectual Property will help to increase the effectiveness of these aid schemes and to promote the results of research by inciting public and private actors to take advantage of the protection offered by intellectual property rights.(ii) Setting up new innovative companies with fewer than six years of operations and whose R&D expenditures are at least 15% of operating expenses, or that are developing products, processes, services, methodologies or organizations well in advance of current European technology.(iii) The development of collaborative research among companies of all sizes and public research organizations, both domestically and internationally. To help achieve this objective, R&D and feasibility study aid schemes include extensions of aid for projects and programs meeting these criteria. (iv)Taking into account process and organization innovation and bypassing the purely technological context of innovation.(v)Investing in new and sustainable innovation centers, such as interaction, sharing of research equipment, exchange of knowledge, technology transfers and dissemination of scientific and technological information.
Reduction of corporate tax rate from 22 to 21%. Approved by the LU governement on 30 January 2009.
Directive 2004/48/EC was transposed into national law with a group of measures enabling its implementation in Luxembourg. This Directive requires all Member States to apply effective, dissuasive and proportionate remedies and penalties against those engaged in counterfeiting and piracy and so creates a level playing field for right holders in the EU. It means that all Member States will have a similar set of measures, procedures and remedies available for rightholders to defend their intellectual property rights (be they copyright or related rights, trademarks, patents, designs, etc) if they are infringed.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.43
The Federation of Young CEOs of Luxembourg published a guide on transferring companies in Luxembourg as seen from the point of view of the person relinquishing it. The distribution of 32,000 copies of this guide, mainly in the monthly Merkur and Handwierk publications was underwritten by the Government.
In 2009 April, a law on the future creation of a school for second chances (E2C) was approved. The E2C started functioning in March, 2011 with three pilot classes. This school accepts students between the ages of 16 and 24 who having interrupted their academic studies, want to return to school, enroll in a professional training course or find a job. The program's philosophy is based on individualized training and reinforced tutoring and mentoring actions. The skill levels to acquire are those required for admission to a specific training program of secondary education or secondary technical education. The duration varies according to the person involved, and can extend for one to four semesters. Furthermore, beginning in September 2011, an evening review class has been available to prepare students for admission into the 3rd class of secondary education. Over time, the school should be able to accommodate 150 students on the Luxembourg-Hollerich site.
Le Guichet provides a comprehensive and integrated system for the information between authorities, businesses and citizens. Services and information for businesses are in French and English.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.19
The national R&D effort will concentrate on a limited number of priority areas stipulated in the multi-annual CORE program of the National Research Fund (NRF).
In June, 2009, under the common impetus of the seven founding members, the Cluster for Logistics (a.s.b.l.- non-profit) was established. The seven institutional partners are the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Confederation of Commerce, the Business Federation Luxembourg, the National Agency for Innovation and Research, the Public Research Centre Henri Tudor and the University of Luxembourg and the Maritime Cluster.   The objectives of the Cluster for Logistics aim to strengthen Luxembourg as a centre for logistics and include:      The creation of an information exchange platform in order to intensify synergies and collaborations between the different industry players.     Supporting research development and innovation initiatives in the Logistic sector drives the development of new products and services.     Assisting the Government by creating proposals to improve the regulatory, administrative and legislative framework in Luxembourg     Enhance offer and ease access to education, professional and continuous training in the fields of logistics
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.35
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.37
The public procurement procedure was completely modified and simplified by legislative vote, and various modifications dealing with thresholds for awarding contracts were brought in. These administrative simplification measures included in new provisions will be evaluated in three years so as to be able to judge whether they have had a positive impact on competitiveness of companies. Another priority is the level of importance assigned to electronic technology. Changes in information technologies have revolutionized the expectations of users and practices over recent years. The Public Procurement Portal79, which enables public procurement processes to be done entirely by electronic means, will be in service very soon. To rapidly adapt to the changes in this area it has been recommended that via Grand Duchy regulations, in the future the Minister responsible for public works should be able to require special standardized specifications for procurement, and that these standardized documents be subsequently be published electronically.
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.38.
In 2009 April, a law on the future creation of a school for second chances was approved. The second chance school accepts students between the ages of 16 and 24 who cannot progress in secondary or technical instruction in the standard school system, who have interrupted their academic studies, who cannot find an apprenticeship or who are newly arrived in the country. The second chance school was launched in March, 2011 on a temporary site with some forty students. The school will operate from its ultimate location at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year with 200 participants.
The massive European intellectual property project entitled "IPeuropAware", whose purpose is awareness programs for SME, was used to implement an evaluation method within SME. this methodology is currently provided free of charge in volunteer SME and companies wishing to use it will subsequently receive specialized tools intended to improve or perfect their use.
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.39.
The training curriculum offered for higher education in Luxembourg will be widened in the area of training leading to obtaining an associate's degree, known as the BTS. The law dated June, 2009 on the organization of higher education constitutes the first phase.
The Innovation Club for the Trades Sector is a Chamber of Trades initiative that provides a forum for participants to hold regular exchanges relating to their experiences and good practices on innovation in the areas of management and marketing and in the technical domain. This initiative was selected by the Commission as a good practice and was the subject of a presentation in a workshop set up as part of the 2009 Conference of the European Charter for Small Businesses.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 45. National Reform Program 2013
In February 2009, the cluster EcoDev was established to cover the domains of eco-technologies and sustainable development.
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.21
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.27.
The Informal Coaching for Future Women Enterprisers? program was initiated by the Federation of Women Business Chiefs of Luxembourg with the object of providing assistance to future women business creators, by learning from the experiences of duly qualified women business creators. This initiative was presented as a good practice prior to the 2009 Conference of the European Charter for Small Businesses.
The Business Re-launch/Takeover loan is a new SNCI financial instrument made available to commercial and trades companies that have been newly established or taken over, regardless of their legal form. The loans are intended to co-finance tangible and intangible costs required to achieve the requirements of the business plan presented by the newly established or taken over SME. This new pro-SME instrument was selected by the European Commission to appear in the 2009 edition of its good practices binder produced under the aegis of the European Charter for Small Businesses
National Plan for Innovation and Full Employment - National Reform Programme of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg as part of the Lisbon Strategy - 2009, p.48
In the area of telecommunications infrastructure, the Government intends to carry out specific actions to ensure connectivity of electronic communications to worldwide networks. In 2009, continued investments were made in fiber optics to improve broadband internet services and simultaneously Luxembourg continues to extend its hosting centers, both in quantity and in surface coverage. These centers are necessary complements to the information highway. Heightened competition is also underway through the multiplication of fixed and radio infrastructures, including a European broadband connectivity offer put out by the incumbent operator (Teralink) and frequencies were placed on the market allowing WiMAX mobile applications.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.62
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.96
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.63
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.102
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.30
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.31
The ERDF e-Business Development Grant Scheme supports SMEs that will invest in ICT projects that integrate business functions, streamline workflows and enhance interactions with clients and suppliers. This scheme is open to all SMEs excluding enterprises operating in the tourism, retail, financial services, agriculture and fisheries sectors.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.94
The core competencies policy was launched in early 2009 (Flexicurity Measure 2.1) supplemented by training of primary school teachers on literacy and numeric and digital literacy.
Malta'sNational Reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy, April 2011, p.39.
In 2009, the Government launched an incentive package to support Industrial Research and Experimental Development. The incentive package incorporates a total of eight incentives that provide assistance to increase the amount of research and development activities in Malta. The incentives are industrial research tax credits, experimental development tax credits, tax credits for patent registration by SMEs, R&D grants (funded through ERDF as part of a wider incentive scheme for industry), support for participation in EUREKA projects, secondment of highly qualified personnel, support for undertaking technical feasibility studies and support for the setting up of innovative clusters. The measure aims to help enterprises invest in R&D activities by supporting pre-R&D activities necessary to develop and test the concepts of the envisaged research project; supporting industrial research and experimental development activities; supporting interactions between large companies and SMEs and also between industry and the research institutions; and supporting SMEs in the patent registration of successful research projects.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.107
Procurement of a rapid deployment tool for eServices (myForms) is currently underway. A tender was issued in May 2009 with relevant bids received by August 2009. E-Services will start being rolled out using myForms during Q4 of 2009. The first services to use myForms will be those linked with the authorisation schemes that need to be enabled electronically for the purpose of the Services Directive.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.55
On 1 June 2009, a Research and Development Incentives Scheme Package for industry was launched whose aim is to encourage enterprises to get more involved in research, in order to create new products and make Malta more competitive.This package is administered by Malta Enterprise and consists of five cash grant schemes and three schemes based on tax credits, namely: investment R&D Tax credits, ERDF R&D Scheme, EUREKA Projects Scheme, Preparatory Technical Feasibility Studies Scheme, Loan for Highly Qualified Experts Scheme and Innovative Clusters and Collaborations Scheme.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.38
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.53
Malta is committed to increase its number of PhD graduates, with a special emphasis on science and technology graduates. To this end, a European Social Fund (ESF) project called Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarships (STEPS) has been launched in January 2009 to complement the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme (MGSS), with an increased focus on supporting PhDs in science and technology subjects.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 - Annual Progress Report 2009 - Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, p.36-37
The CCS is an innovative tool that ensures that both citizens and businesses have a one-stop shop trough which they can access any public service.
The government has renewed its commitment to intensifying the successful innovation voucher scheme. The aim of the innovation voucher scheme is to increase the innovative capacity of the SME sector and to stimulate interaction between SMEs and knowledge institutions. The scheme has also been made available in a digital format, reducing the administrative burden even further and making it even simpler to apply for a voucher (the application process can take as little as 8 minutes). A pilot project has also been carried out with 1000 innovation vouchers that can be cashed in with private knowledge suppliers.
The scheme for education-enterprise networking (ONO) was launched on 20 April 2009. The scheme aims to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and businesses in the area of education and enterprise. The intended result is to create a stronger basis for enterprise in education, make it more attractive and open new perspectives for pupils and students. The scheme targets education from primary school up to and including secondary vocational school and training programmes for primary and secondary school teachers.
Spending from the Fund for Economic Structure Enhancement (FES) in 2009 and 2010 in the Knowledge and Innovation domain.
For investments made in 2009, a max. of 50% may be depreciated in 2009 and a maximum of 50% in 2010. For investments made in 2010, a max. of 50% may be depreciated in 2010 and a maximum of 50% in 2011.
Temporary increase in WBSO innovation subsidy for wage costs from R&D personnel (reduction in social security contributions).
To reduce the burden for both recipients and providers of national subsidies, the government has decided to introduce a uniform binding framework for simpler implementation and financial management of national subsidies. This subsidy framework is intended to reduce the burden of implementation and administration for all national subsidies provided by ministries to citizens, businesses, institutions and other government authorities by simplication and uniformisation the terms and procedures for the application, implementation and accounting criteria.
Extra reduction in the administrative burden for entrepreneurs by 1 billion euros.
Temporary supplementary state insurance that businesses can use to double the insurance limit on their payment risks.
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA)
1. Tax forms for the loss year (2008 taxes) do not have to be filed yet and 2. The tax return for the year against which settlement will be made does not have to be determined yet.
Insurance for payment risks associated with export and investments in foreign countries. Expansion of coverage to a number of countries and expansion to include government guarantees on payments.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p.12.
"The process implementing the Third Postal Directive is underway. The draft  assumptions underpinning the Act to regulate operations on the Polish postal market are now  being finalised. In addition, efforts have been made to raise the level of competitiveness of Poczta Polska, whose commercialisation completed on September 1st 2009 leaves it  operating as a Commercial-Law company."
1. http://polska.trade.gov.pl/pl/aktualnosci/article/a,6538,.html (06.05.2010) 2. http://ratujemypolskieszpitale.org/english/s.php?doc=1941(06.05.2010) 3. Impact assesment http://www.mf.gov.pl/_files_/informatory/wspieranie_eksportu/program_rzncdowy-bgk-kredyty_eksprotowe.pdf?PortalMF=) (12.07.2010) 4. Interpellation no 9645 http://orka2.sejm.gov.pl/IZ6.nsf/2df80fe4116b3f62c12573be003cb40d/2825b8b475a20fdfc12575ee00429128?OpenDocument (12.07.2010) 5. Supreme Chamber of Control Report: http://bip.nik.gov.pl/pl/bip/wyniki_kontroli_wstep/inform2009/p_09_022_201003021234221267529662/kbf/px_remote_kbf_p_09_022_201003021234221267529662_01 (12.07.2010)
Development of governmental programme "Supporting Polish export by granting export loans by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego". The program was accepted by the Council of Ministers on July 28 2009 based on Act from April 2 2009 concerning amendment to the Act on bails and guarantees granted by the National Treasury and other legal entities, also based on Act of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and other acts related to extension of financial support for exporters.
Support for medium-sized and large enterprises in the defence industry and others in relation to the situation on the local labour markets, by way of increased opportunities to take advantage of such forms of financing activity as loans, bond purchases, guarantees and extra capitalisation.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p.6.
Access to funding for investment intermediated by EU means is being extended, through the wider application of pre-financing. In particular, this entails:  - an extension of the system of pre-financing for projects (la. for entrepreneurs and local or regional authorities) that will limit the need for the external funding of investments in the first period of project implementation, to the level resulting from the need to ensure an own contribution;  - a liberalisation of regulations involving a change (from the amount co-financed to the amount pre-financed) in the nature of the threshold below which it is possible to establish a guarantee in the form of an in bianco bill of exchange together with a promissory note, as well as a raising of the said threshold from 4 to 10 million zl;  - a possibility for undertakings operating public services or services of general economic interest (in the meaning of Articles 73 and 86 para. 2 TEC) to secure the due discharge of obligations arising out of a contract on co-financing by means of an in bianco bill of exchange plus promissory note, irrespective of the value of the co-financing in the form of pre-financing that the said contract grants;  - an introduction of provisions allowing state budgetary units concluding preliminary contracts for project implementation to transfer part of the payment to contractors by means of pre-financing.
Reduction of corporate income tax for new enterprises(created in period 2008-2010) and enterprises with the annual gross income up to 1,200,000 EUR, through a significant increase (by 100% - from 50,000 EUR to 100,000 EUR) of the investment expenditure threshold deductible from taxable income.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 4. Other source: http://www.abc.com.pl/serwis/du/2009/0545.htm
A short-term instrument aims at increasing access for micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs to external financing, thanks to a reinforced guarantee and loan system, as well as the creation of an additional and safe credit activity (i.a. through greater capital in loan funds for SMEs, and guarantee funds).
July 2009 brought the entry into force of amendments to the Telecommunications Law Act and certain other Acts that made pro-consumer changes serving customers, i.a. as regards the transfer of numbers, information to subscribers regarding each tariff change and restrictions  on compensation concerning suppliers of services. The independence of the domestic  regulator was also enhanced through restoration of terms of office for the President of the  Office of Electronic Communications, as well as a change in the identity of the body responsible for his/her appointment.
On June 15 2009 the Minister of Regional Development signed a decree concerning aid given by loan and guarantee funds within limits of regional operational programmes. The decree has been in force since July 2 2009. The decree regulates aid programmes (aid for start-up businesses, aid for advisory consulting, aid for participation in fairs, regional investment aid) that concern public help offered to micro enterprises and SMEs from the resources of loan and guarantee funds. These loan and guarantee funds were granted directly from the Regional Operational Programme that is based on agreement of recapitalisation or from trust funds set up according to EU regulations.
Clarification and reduction of the requirements for the prodecers of packaged goods.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms - Going for Growth 2011. p. 128
A law promoting attendance in public pre-schools for five-year old children was passed in 2009
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.60
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1,p.68
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, p.69
Create and implement the National Qualifications System in articulation with the European Qualifications Framework, thus assuming the objectives already affirmed in the New Opportunities Initiative and promoting the instruments necessary for its effective execution and organisation, in articulation with financial instruments,namely the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF).
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.69
Aimed at improving the quality of training and the results obtained by promoting an accreditation and quality system, an effective network of active professionals and the technical and pedagogical capacity of training entities and the persons trained by them.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 21
"This programme aims to provide solutions to optimise the financing conditions for companies pursuing innovative growth strategies, through Venture Capital and Mutual Guarantee Solutions targeted at innovation and/or international growth of SMEs. Gives the best SMEs a good reputation and assures communication with the market through awarding the SME Leader and SME Excellence status.  In 2009, over 2000 companies have already been awarded the SME Leader status and 370 were distinguished as SME Excellence on 9 July; this latter subgroup is made up of SME Leader companies with exceptional performances."
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.29. Completed by UMIC, Ministry of Education and Science.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p. 74
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.58
Marine Science and Technology Projects funded under the 6th Framework Programme of the European Community, an independent statistical overview by EurOcean, 2009.
Portugal participates in several programmes of the European Centre for Information on Marine Science and Technology (EurOcean).
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, Implementation Report 2009 Annex 1, p.21
This programme aims to promote the Business Transfer Market through rapid growth processes based on Mergers and Acquisitions, succession processes and re-evaluation of assets in new value chains. The programme is developed in partnership with the AEP and involves other Business Associations; it encompasses three areas of interventions:a) Inducing culture; b) Strengthening the market and c) Providing financing: Venture Capital and Credit solutions aimed at supporting business concentration operations, mergers and acquisitions and Management Buy Out (MBO) and Management Buy In (MBI). Launch: May 2009; Operacionalisation: July 2009
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p. 33 Completed by Portugal - Portal da Empresa, 2009.
Support given to external promotion, to innovation and to increasing qualifications of qualified staff. Created by Resolution of the Council of Ministers  115/2009
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms - Going for Growth 2011, p.130
The authorities revised the compulsory education age from 15 to 18 in 2009.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, P. 13.
Creative Capital Fund was set up in October 2009, with an initial capital of 22.5 million euros and is for the support of business initiatives in the cultural and creative sector. The setting up of this Fund has provided creative and cultural agents with a shared risk and specialised financing instrument that is able to support the strengthening of their organisations not just by means of financial resources but alsowith support in business organisation and management thus giving rise to a virtuous dialogue between the financial market and creative and cultural agents.
National Reform Plan 2008-2010- Portugal, p. 60
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.43.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.32
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.45.
A change on the area of applicability of the State aid scheme was made by GD no. 776/08.07.2009 on the amendment of GD no. 1680/2008 for establishing a State aid scheme in order to ensure the sustainable economic development. It was determined by the interest shown by the economic operators from other activity areas with significant impact on the economy than those laid down by now in the GD no. 1680/2008.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.68.
GEO no. 19/2009 on some measures in the field of public procurement legislation was published. Further, GEO no. 72/2009 on modifying and completing the GEO no. 34/2006 on the award of public procurement contracts, public works concession contracts and services concession contracts was adopted.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.66.
The allocation, by the state budget, of at least the same volume of funds allocated for promoting the exports as in 2008, was achieved by enactment of the Law 18/2009 of the state budget for 2009 and of the GEO no 34/2009 regarding the budget rectification for 2009 and the regulation of certain financial measures.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.42.
In order to simplify the procedure for granting environmental permits, at the initiative of the Ministry of Environment (MM), GD no. 445/2009 on the assessment of the impact of certain public and private projects concerning the environment was adopted.
GD no. 813/2009 amended the Annex no. 2 to the GD no. 1165/2007 on stimulating the economic growth through supporting investments, having as main result the application of similar provisions related to the investment plan both for the economic operators who received Financing In-Principle Agreement based on GD no. 1165/2007 and for the economic operators who will receive Financing Agreement based on GD no. 1680/2008.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.14
On 16 June 2009, the e-Romania project was launched. It includes an operational dimension (on-line, real time services for citizens and companies, payment of taxes, obtaining documents of civil status, criminal records and authorizations).
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.37.
In order to make more efficient the application of competition law and State aid rules, the Competition Council continued to conduct a series of actions to increase its administrative capacity in terms of skills development of the experts in key areas of reform, such as: competition, State aid, sectoral market analysis, project management for Structural Funds, public procurement and ITC. Within the reporting period, 117 training sessions were organised, attended by 420 experts. Participation of CC experts in the European Competition Network (ECN) was another way to increase the national powers in administrating Community competition rules, which contributed to greater exchange of information with other competition authorities and the European Commission on how to solve the current cases and help the national authority in introducing national competition projects.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.65.
Following the registration of some deficiencies in the guarantee system for SMEs and to ensure risk assumption in case of bad loans for the guarantees issued, the guarantee activity of the National Credit Guarantee Fund for SMEs (FNGCIMM) was rendered operational in accordance with GD no. 101/2009 for amending and completing the GD no. 1211/2001 for establishing the FNGCIMM and the Romanian Counter-Guarantee Credit Fund (FRCG) was set up according to the GEO no. 23/2009. The FRGC capitalization, of Lei 105 million, was ensured by GEO no. 23/2009.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.41.
The identification process of bureaucratic procedures has continued in 2009 by identifying a total number of 21 additional authorization procedures, out of which 6 were eliminated (in construction, agriculture and public finance fields).
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.55.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.39
In order to receive immunity/reduction of fines, companies should initiate on their own initiative, the cooperation with the Romanian competition authority and provide all the information required by the authority.  The Guidelines on the conditions and criteria for applying the leniency policy, approved by Order of the CC President no. 300/21.08.2009, entered into force on the day of its publication. In addition, by these new guidelines, the field of application of the leniency policy was extended over certain vertical agreements.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.13
In 2009, SGG initiated a G2G (Government to Government) project, funded by the Dutch government, which aims at developing a SCM manual adapted to the specific needs of Romania. The project has been approved and will start in early October 2009, with some delay due to administrative procedures in the Dutch government. Once developed, the manual will provide the methodological basis for the process of measuring the administrative costs related to the national legislation.
Government of Romania, National Reform Programme, Annual Implementation Report, October 2009, Bucharest, p.34
In April 2009, the National Authority for Communications (ANCOM) along with the Ministry of Communication and Information Society (MCSI) established the principles of the strategy review and completed the new National strategy on the implementation of the universal service in the electronic communications sector. The document was adopted by MCSI Order no. 461/27.05.2009.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.25
Introduction of a career system in the professional development of teaching staff in the regional education system. The aim of the act is in particular to: Create a legislative and economic framework in which teachers and professional staff fulfil to the greatest possible degree the professional and moral prerequisites for performing their occupation; ensure the professional growth of teaching staff who are already in practice by means of carrying out accredited education programmes for teaching and professional staff at all school levels; create a motivating career system for the career growth of teaching and professional staff in regional education and in the framework of it, by means of continual education, bring about an increase in the professional competencies of teaching and professional staff; create a career system for teaching and professional staff that ensures a salary progression in salary grades, the possibility of credit bonuses, specialisation bonuses, as well as the provision of leave to attend education or undertake attestation tests if connected with the performance of their current teaching or professional work.  The Act was approved by the SR Parliament on 24 June 2009 with the number 317 and enters into effect on 1 November 2009.
Other  Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Title	Act No. 60/2009 Coll. that changes and amends the Act No. 595/2003 Coll. about income tax Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Author	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Organisation	National Council of the Slovak Republic Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: City	 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Year published	2009 Information source number 1 used to fill the catalogue: Website	http://www.zbierka.sk/
Changes in depreciation rules (increase in input price for investment property depreciation, accelerated depreciation and depreciation of components) as of 1.3.2009. This is covered by the Act No. 60/2009 Coll. that changes and amends the Act No. 595/2003 Coll. about income tax. In addition to depreciation changes the most important modification is possibility for entrepreneurs without employees to do tax evidencing (recording financial transfers) instead of accounting.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.68
On 24.04.2009 the Act on Financial Intermediation and Financial Advice and on the amendment of certain acts was passed by the SR Parliament and published in the Collection of Laws under no. 186/2009 Coll. The act entered into effect on the date of its proclamation.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2008-2010 - Implementation Report 2009, Appendix 2 - Action Plans, p.40 and p.61
Change of performance incentives at schools in the regional and higher education system; improve employability by better interlinking education content with labour market requirements. The SR Ministry of Education with the aim of improving the employment rate of secondary vocational school leavers through better interconnecting the content of education with labour market requirements, pursuant to the SR Government's Plan of Legislative Tasks for 2008, and in connection to Act no. 245/2008 Coll. on education (the Education Act) and on the amendment of certain acts, drew up in 2008 in cooperation with social partners the Act on Vocational Education and Training and on the amendment of certain acts, which was passed by the SR Parliament on 23 April and will enter into effect on 1 September 2009. The Act on Vocational Education and Training and on the amendment of certain acts provides comprehensive legislative arrangement of the conditions for ensuring vocational education and training at secondary vocational schools and school facilities in the Slovak Republic, with the aim of preparing school leavers for life and work in the conditions of a knowledge-based society and the labour market. The Act creates the conditions for the creation of a functional system of coordinating vocational education and training for the labour market by means of establishing an SR Government Council for Vocational Education and Training, County Councils for Vocational Education and Training and a system of Sectoral Councils for Vocational Education and Training; the act sets out the rights and obligations of all parties in the system of vocational education and training and creates a motivating space for the entry of employers and employer associations into vocational education and training and for the entry of private capital into vocational education and training.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth, 2011. p. 134
The government finalised the second phase of an action plan for assessing administrative burdens on businessess and barriers to entry in 2009.
OECD, Economic Policy Reforms, Going for Growth, 2011. p.134
In order to improve the funding and effectiveness of the education system, since 2009 the public funding of universities relies more on output indicators. This is believed to reduce the stratification of the education system and foster integration of Roma children in the education mainstream.Make tertiary education more attractive by offering occupationally-oriented programmes. Introduce tuition fees combined with income-contingent repayment loans for all tertiary students.
Additional Act amending the Scholarship Act has been adopted in May 2009 and it take force in September 2009. The Act amending the Scholarships Act (Z{tip-A, OJ RS, No 40/2009) provides that state scholarships shall be granted to candidates who fulfil the general conditions from this Act and in whose case the average monthly income per family member in the past calendar year before submitting the application does not exceed 65% (before the amendment this threshold was 60%) of the minimum wage per family member in the same period for those candidates studying in their place of  permanent residence, and from 66% to 68% (before the amendment the threshold was from 60% to 65%) of the minimum wage per family member for those candidates studying in a place other than their place of permanent residence.
Report on the Implementation of the Refor Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 25
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 23. Completed by Government of the Republic of Slovenia (press release).
In pursuing the goal to strengthen competition and monitor possible restrictions of competition on the market, it has become evident that an independent Competition Protection Office (CPO) should be established. This will be made possible with an amendment to the existing law, i.e. the provisions of the Prevention of Restriction of Competition Act. The competences of other bodies responsible for competition in EU Member States are also being studied carefully, in the light of the need for extension of the current competences of the CPO.
OECD: Improving Education Outcomes in Slovenia. p.17
In 2009, guidelines for education of immigrant children in kindergartens and schools, which were based on the 2007 Strategy, were further improved.  Just as a remind,the 2007 Strategy on the inclusion of children with an immigrant background notably encouraged developing materials and techniques to teach Slovenian as a second language more efficiently and better informing parents about the school system, their rights and their duties. In view of the increasing net flow of immigrants and a relatively large population of immigrants that were currently residing in Slovenia, all the measures introduced by the Strategy had to be maintained and adequately funded.
Report on the Implementation of the Reform Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 28
Promoting HR mobility and linking different scientific fields.
Report on the Implementation of the Reform Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 26.
Tenders for corporate funding for the purchase of new technological equipment and for start-up innovative companies at technological parks; incentive for SMEs to invest in production and to yield new or fundamentally improved products, services or processes.
Report on the Implementation of the Refor Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 30
Increased co-financing for research equipment, research infrastructure, foreign literature and databases in the most prospective research fields, and technological development with high-quality research.
Report on the Implementation of the Refor Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 25.
Reduction in the tax burden of labour costs for employers
Aid to companies, aimed at (i) financing of development projects and investments already underway at companies as a supplementary resource for bridging liquidity problems and preventing the suspension of development projects and investments, (ii) additional employee training and preparation of development projects for gaining new knowledge and skills to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of companies and employees, and (iii) self-employment and re-employment of workers or groups of workers. EUR 15 million will be earmarked by the MoE, and EUR 40 million by the MoLFSA. Valid until the end of 2010.
Report on the Implementation of the Refor Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 39
The new Slovenian government programme to eliminate administrative barriers and reduce administrative burdens by 25% by 2012 was adopted in 2009. It represents part of the efforts to make the functioning of the state administration sleek, cost-effective and efficient, by identifying, assessing and adapting the regulations that cause users the most costs. The following criteria are taken into account: the number of procedures, the target groups affected by the laws and the frequency of administrative activity. The programme has no direct impact on the budget, but funding of EUR 1.5 million will be disbursed from the ESF for the measurement of administrative costs.
Report on the Implementation of the Reform Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 29
Co-financing of strategic R&D and technological development projects.
Financial support for strategic corporate projects in the priority areas of clean and technologically advanced industries (such as the car industry), by providing favourable corporate loans for further investment in research and development.
Report on the Implementation of the Refor Programme for achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals in Slovenia 2009, October 2009, Annex 1, p. 26
The measure is aimed at sole traders, other private individuals pursuing business activities who are obliged to pay income tax, and companies paying corporate income tax. Taxpayers are allowed to reduce the taxable base by 30% of the amount invested in plant and equipment and in intangible assets, and, in exceptional cases, in motor vehicles that meet the prescribed conditions (environmental standards).
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.1.11  Minister Cabinet Meeting 27/03/2009  www.la-moncloa.es (Website visited in April 2010)  Royal Decree 3/2009, of 27 March. Spanish National Gazette www.boe.es (31/03/2009)
The Royal Decree 3/2009, which regulates urgent tax, financial and bankruptcy measures, was approved by the Minister Cabinet Meeting on 27/03/2009, in response to the evolution of the economic context. As regards the reform of the Bankruptcy Law, it aims to simplify processes, reduce costs and reorganise powers. Its main lines of action are as follows:  - Expedite the application/declaration stages of bankruptcy and notification of debt claims.   - New regulation for early proposal of agreement with creditors to facilitate the signing of agreements in the common phase of insolvency proceedings.   - Insertion of a simplified bankruptcy procedure.   - Critical review of the legal configuration of the technical body in bankruptcy.  - Reassessment of the semi-open structure of bankruptcy administration, encouraging the use of a single person as administrator in small bankruptcies
Mini Country Report/Spain. December 2011. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=innovation%20strategy%20spain&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CHkQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.proinno-europe.eu%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fpage%2F12%2F01%2FSpain_TC_final.pdf&ei=X9ArT7ekE4uj-gbbhYiTDg&usg=AFQjCNFsivR-XYZTblryZVZe48iDkq-7wA
Spanish Innovation Strategy 2010-2015 (E2i-Straetgy) approved jointly by the regional and national governments in June 2009 as part of the ERA 2020 Vision.This strategy is an amplification of the Spanish National R&D&i Plan, reinforcing some existing measures like the financial support for R&D&i in general and especially the finds for risk capital and the support for cooperation between enterprises and the scientific sector. Moreever, this strategy introduced for the first time in Spain a demand-oriented R&D&i policy in the form of public procurement in specific fields. Additionally, the strategy includes some specific measures to foster the interregional integration of the Spanish innovation system.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.7.6
Participatory diagnosis as to the sustainability of mobility in Spain and establishment of guidelines for improvement. This framework should be considered mainly in planning of the transport sector but it will also influence other areas such as energy and land use, which have direct effects on mobility and its impacts.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.3.2
Rebates of 100% on passenger fees for airlines which increase the number of passengers in the second half of 2009 with respect to the same period 2008. The rebate applies to each additional passenger. Freeze on airport and air traffic fees for 2010. Increase to 30% the offshore resident reduction on landing, passenger and safety fees for flights between the mainland and the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Melilla
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 7.2  "El Exportador Digital" Magazine (published by the ICEX- Institute of Foreign Trade). Num 131 (June 2009)  http://www.el-exportador.com   Minister Cabinet Meeting 23/01/2009  www.la-moncloa.es (Websites visited in May 2010)
It is a package of reform measures affecting the following areas:  Financial measures: - Reform of the Agreement for Reciprocal Adjustment of Interest to encourage the banks to grant long-term export credit at fixed rates. - The government will make export credit insurance more flexible to enable buyers and sellers to sign export contracts. - Two new lines of credit: the DAF-SME line to provide finance in advantageous conditions for exports by Spanish SMEs to countries that are recipients of DAF aid; and the CESCE-SME line, which will be arranged with industry associations and the Chambers of Commerce to enable SMEs to obtain export credit insurance at a low cost. - New line in the Plan to Support Internationalisation to provide financial support for investment projects by companies for further internationalisation and improve competitiveness.   Information measures: - Create the Unified Foreign Trade Information Centre to provide personalised advice to companies, and set up the Investor/Exporter Support Centre to support companies that are experiencing difficulties with bidding or investments in third countries. - LICITA Plan to enable companies to take better advantage of the business opportunities generated by multilateral financial institutions. - Web site with information on barriers to trade, so as to improve access to markets where there are trade barriers, - Organisation of seminars with sovereign wealth funds to attract foreign capital.   Training measures: In the coming months, a training plan for SME Internationalisation will be implemented, comprising a set of training courses and seminars where companies that are already internationalised can share their exporting experience with companies that have not yet ventured abroad.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.3.1
"Separate airport management from air traffic control. Increase efficiency in airport management by bringing private initiative and the Autonomous Communities into the management of certain airports"
A notable development was the introduction in 2009 of maintenance grants for low-income students pursuing a PCPI course (Vocational Initiation Programmes).
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.6.2
Establish measures to enable strategic industries (capital goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, metallurgy and steel, manufacture of metallic products and other non-metallic mineral products, and rail) to withstand the effects of the general decline in economic activity and favour their strategic position to face the recovery from the crisis by focusing on investments and leading-edge actions to ensure these industries' continuity in Spain, since it is anticipated that they will be the most competitive market segments in the future, while significantly improving production processes in order to favour flexibility, efficiency throughout the value chain, sustainability and energy efficiency.
A salary grant system was introduced in 2010 for students in advanced vocational training.
Boletin Oficial del Estado, Martes 24 de noviembre de 2009, Ley 17/2009, de 23 de noviembre, sobre el libre acceso a las actividades de servicios y su ejercicio.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 3.13
Financial aid for post-graduate training of Spanish graduates aged 25-40 who are unemployed and entitled to unemployment benefit.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 4.12
The goal is to give Spain's academic and research community its own communications network using proprietary dark fibre technology so as not to depend on commercial operators (as is currently the case with RedIRIS).
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.4.3
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 6.3.8
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.4.2
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.6.1
Set of actions aimed at industrial companies in the automobile sector and their employees: 1) Industrial and demand-side measures: Automobile Industry Competitiveness Plan, Support for hybrid-electric vehicles, VIVE and 2000E plans, and Support for internationalisation and diversification. 2) Labour measures: Deferral of Social Security payments, "recharge" of unemployment benefits, training for employment, reduction of Social Security contribution of professional contingencies, and control of sick leave expenses and benefits. 3) Promote logistics: Plan to enhance rail freight transport, Road transport sector plan, and maritime transportation (highways of the sea) 4) Financial measures: Funding for SMEs via the ICO-SME and ICO-Liquidity lines, and funding from the European Investment Bank
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.9.1
Approval of a Telecommunications Users' Charter containing a list of users' rights and effective mechanisms for protecting them. Among other measures, consumer protection when changing supplier will be enhanced. Part of a set of policies to face the current economic situation, under the Spanish Economy and Employment Stimulus Plan (Plan E).
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 3.14
1) Digital classrooms. Provide students and schools with ICT resources: laptop computers for students and teachers and digital classrooms with standardised effective equipment. 2) Guarantee connection to the internet and in-classroom interconnection between all items of equipment. Facilitate internet access in students' homes at special times of day. 3) Ensure training of teachers not just in technology but also in the methodological and social aspects of integrating ICT into daily teaching practice. 4) Generate digital educational materials that conform to the curriculum design, and provide teachers, students and families with access to them. 5) Involve students and their families in the acquisition, custody and use of these resources.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 4.1
1) Hiring of researchers and technologists by companies, technology centres, business associations and science & technology parks.2) Investment in public works to modernise and adapt university infrastructure. 3) Construction and expansion of planned Unique Scientific and Technical Installations and other emblematic projects of international importance, 4) Funding of innovative projects by companies, focusing particularly on SMEs and the strategic sectors designated by the Plan, and 5) Financing excellent projects and research groups.
Spain National Reform Programme 2009, annexe 5.4.1
1. Implement a Social Tariff for electricity from 1 July 2009, when the social (lastresort) supply commenced. From that date, supply at the bundled tariff ceased and only consumers of low-tension power with a contracted power of under 10 kW qualify for the social tariff. Measure implemented by Royal Decree Law 6/2009 from 1st July 2009. 2. Development of the method for calculating the social tariff for gas and electricity. Measure implemented by Royal Decree Law 6/2009 from 1st July 2009. 3. Elimination of the G4 very-high tension tariff from January 2009. Eliminated since 01.01.2010. 4. Creation of the supplier change office (OCSUM) to supervise changes of natural gas and electricity supplier in accordance with the principles of transparency, objectivity and independence. Office created by Law 12/2007 (natural gas) and Law 17/2007 (electricity) in accordance with European Directives. 5. Elimination of the bundled natural gas tariff for large household consumers and SMEs. Eliminated since 01.07.2009.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 77
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 31. Completed by: Sweden's 2011 Report on the Implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training (ET 2020).
The system of higher vocational education was set up on 1 July 2009 to ensure the establishment of high-quality post-secondary vocational education programmes that meet the needs of working life. Students taking higher vocational education programmes are entitled to study support.
Sweden's 2011 Report on the Implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Coperation in Education and Training (ET 2020).
A new scholarship programme was established in 2009, committing funds over a two-year period in 2010 and 2011 to enable more Swedish students to study abroad. During this period, SEK 10 million was set aside for students with a view to increasing the number of outgoing students to countries outside the EU/EEA.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 20.
To facilitate the financing of solvent institutions and strengthen stability in the financial markets, the Government introduced a guarantee programme for medium-term borrowing. It aims at making it easier for banks to get financing with various maturities and thus makes households and enterprises better able to borrow on reasonable terms. The amount of the programme is SEK 1 500 billion and it will be in effect until 30 April 2010. By 15 June 2009, eight credit institutions had joined the programme. At that time, the total amount guaranteed was SEK 353 billion. The programme is deemed to have had a stabilising impact on the financial markets and thus has been beneficial for all actors. For example, the volume of bond issues increased in the spring, even for institutions outside the programme.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 36.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 78
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 19
Work on implementing the EU Services Directive resulted in the Government's presentation of a bill in May 2009 (2008/09:187) to the Riksdag with proposals for a new law on services in the internal market and other arrangements for implementing the Services Directive. In autumn 2009, a large number of training courses for those public authorities that will apply the new rules and adapt to the electronic procedures by way of the contact point for services and the electronic information system IMI are planned. The development of the Swedish contact point for services is progressing and Sweden has consulted a large number of other Member States in the technically complicated development work
In the autumn of 2011, a fundamental reform of upper secondary school was conducted with the aim of getting more students to finish upper secondary school with passing grades, increase the throughput and enhance the prior knowledge students need for professional life and continued studies. An important part of the reform is that the vocational education and training to a large extent is adapted to the needs of the labour market. That is why all content has been analysed together with different trades and parties. The Swedish National Agency for Education has also been assigned the task of suggesting a systematic plan to follow-up on how former students get established in the labour market. Requirements for admission to a national programme have increased so that students are better prepared for their studies, and thus have a better chance of completing their education in the normal time. The content of the courses have been redistributed with a bigger focus on those subjects that are most central to the education. For students in a vocational programme this means deepening their knowledge in a vocational area and that less time is spent on general subjects. To create more room for vocational subjects, vocational programmes in the new upper secondary school will not automatically provide eligibility for higher education. However, all students have the right to study for basic eligibility for higher education, either while they are studying in the vocational programme or later through adult education. Under the new Education Act, students have the right to support in meeting the stricter education targets. This also helps give more students the skills required to meet education targets.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 15
In connection with the implementation of the EC Directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (ToR. 2004/48/EC), the possibility for the courts to decide whether an Internet provider is to supply copyright holders with information on which subscribers have a particular IP number used to commit copyright violations was introduced on 1 April 2009. The aim of the provisions is to improve the conditions for the legal sale of copyright protected material over the Internet and reduce copyright violations.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 40
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 23
On 16 June 2009, SJ AB's exclusive right to operate railway passenger traffic was cancelled for commercial reasons. This is the beginning of a process to open the railway passenger market to competition. Beginning 1 July 2009, this market was opened for travel on weekends and on 1 October 2009, the entire Swedish railway network for international passenger traffic with the right to cabotage was opened. This means that a company that principally provides international traffic is allowed to take on and let off passengers not crossing a national border. On 1 October 2010, the market for passenger traffic on railways will be completely liberalised.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 39
To promote entrepreneurship among young people, the Government in May 2009 presented a strategy for entrepreneurship in the field of education. The strategy emphasises the key role education plays in encouraging entrepreneurship. School lays the groundwork for an entrepreneurial approach and the Government has used the strategy to put measures into practice to encourage entrepreneurship at all levels of the education system. The strategy describes the importance of entrepreneurship in providing training for those who want to start and run a business as well as stimulating young people's creativity. Entrepreneurship involves developing new ideas and putting them into practice. The strategy contains eleven measures for encouraging entrepreneurship throughout the education system. Some examples of measures are: entrepreneurship is being emphasised in the policy document for compulsory and upper secondary schools, a survey of the work under way in compulsory and upper secondary schools on entrepreneurship is being conducted and two higher education programmes in entrepreneurship and innovation at an advanced level are being developed to meet the highest international standard.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 49
The corporate tax rate and the expansion fund tax were cut from 28 to 26.3 per cent from 1 January 2009. The tax reduction is expected to make companies more apt to locate, invest and report income in Sweden. Increased investment can be expected to contribute to more rapid productivity growth.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 13
The Higher Education Act (1992:1434) has been changed so that since 1 July 2009 one of universities and colleges tasks is to work to see that research results belonging to the university or college will be used.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 22.
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 39.
The Swedish Reform Programme for Growth and Jobs - Annual Progress Report 2009, p. 81
To ensure the quality of post-secondary vocational education and training that is not part of the higher education system, the Government established the National Agency for Higher Vocational Education on 1 July 2009. All post-secondary education that is not part of the higher education system will now fall under the framework of the vocational college and university.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.46.
"A key priority for the Department of Education, Northern Ireland is to raise standards overall and address underachievement. The Department's policy framework seeks to address a range of barriers to learning and help young people to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that young people need to do well in life and at work. The Department has a range of inter-connected policies aimed at raising educational standards in schools, particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy and ICT. Every School a Good School is the Department's over-arching school improvement strategy."
In January 2009 the Government committed to delivering 35,000 additional apprenticeships this year, with at least 21,000 to be in the public sector. There were 196,000 Apprenticeship starts in the first 9 months of the 2008/09 academic year, an increase of 15 per cent on the same period in 2007-08.
Professional and Career Development Loans became available on 1 July 2009, building on the successful Career Development Loan programme, targeted at post-graduates, professionals, and those wanting to re-skill and up-skill in light of the current downturn. The number of loans available will increase to 45,000 by 2011.
A strategic research framework was launched in June 2009 which aims, inter alia, to promote innovation in the agri-food and rural sectors.
HM Treasury (2009) The Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth: UK National Reform Programme, p.14.  Department for Business Innovation and Skills (2009) Solutions for Business-Simplified Business Support (http://www.berr.gov.uk/policies/enterprise-and-business-support/solutions-for-business-simplified-business-support) (Website last visited 14th June 2010)
The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) is a loan guarantee scheme to facilitate lending to viable businesses that have been turned down for a normal commercial loan due to a lack of security or a proven track record. In instances such as this, EFG may be an option, but will only be considered when the lender is satisfied your business can afford the loan repayments. This will have been determined by the lender during the original loan application.   The delivery of EFG, including all lending decisions is fully delegated to the lender. They will decide whether EFG is appropriate and confirm whether your business is eligible, but businesses are encouraged to ask about EFG.  While the government provides a guarantee to the lender, they have no role in the decision making process.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 27  or: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/skillsandtraining/apprenticeships/youngrecruitsprogramme/?lang=en
The Young Recruits Programme is an all Wales programme that provides financial support to employers offering high quality apprenticeship programmes to recruit and train additional young apprentices (16-24 year olds).
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 27  or: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/skillsandtraining/apprenticeships/pathway/?lang=en
Working in partnership with Sector Skills Councils and Further Education colleges, the Welsh Government, part financed by the European Social Fund, introduced the Pathways to Apprenticeship programme in 2009.  The Welsh Government is supporting young learners aged between 16 and 24 years of age through intensive training to put them on the pathway to becoming an apprentice.
HM Treasury (2009) The Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth: UK National Reform Programme, p.14  UK Trade and Investment (2009)'Support to succeed', p. 1.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.58.
To help drive forward the commercialisation of innovation and R&D particularly in public private sector collaborations, Invest Northern Ireland launched in March 2009 a Competence Centre Programme as a new innovative concept, designed to provide collaborating businesses with the opportunity to establish and 'contract out' higher-risk, longer term research programmes focusing on emerging market opportunities.
A national contact point was created for the coordination of the national knowledge transfers and harmonisation with institutions of other member states.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.22.
Wirtschaftsbericht 2011, S. 85,  https://www.usp.gv.at/Portal.Node/usp/public
Online portal designed to streamline, facilitate and speed up numerous procedures for starting up and running a business.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.21.
The federal government had resolved, already in the budget 2011, for the national period of activity 2011-2014, on additional offensive funds (totalling 720 million euro), which will mainly support FTI as they boost the research bonus from 8% to 10%, enhance the universities, and additional R&D measures for enterprises (especially SMEs.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.30. Other source: Federal ministry for education, arts and culture (BMUKK).
This includes:  The creation of all-day school models (starting academic year 2010/2011; 196 schools in 2010/11 and 2011/12; 80 million euros are made available until 2014 for that purpose); and investment in child care.
DG ENTR report on Member States competitiveness performance and policies 2011, p. 156
The new accounting act increases the threshold for mandatory accounting to EUR 700 000, thereby reducing administrative burdens for SMEs.
The Law on Insolvency has been reformed with a view to facilitate and speed up insolvency procedures; key measures are to change terminology (Sanierungsverfahren instead of Ausgleich), lowering minimum required quotas and increasing the incentives to enter proceedings earlier.
Reinforcing the federal competition authority; more efficient drafting of the competition law (more in line with the EU requirements) ( BGBl. I Nr. 111/2010 )
The USP, still in pilot phase until 2012, offers both official information and e-government services for starting and running a business (e.g. tax declarations, social security contributions, public procurement transactions, registering a business), based on a single sign-on, and streamlines many administrative procedures.
This promotion programme aims at bridging the broadband gap and at improving the economic conditions in rural areas. It is funded by the federal and provincial governments and by the EU. Implementation is to be completed by 2013; 15 million euro are available from EAFRD.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 61.
As regards the modernisation and reform of higher education, the Flemish Government has drawn up a plan in July 2010 for the next twelve years (effective as from academic year 2013-2014) including the following actions: integration of all master education programmes at universities (except for art education programmes); additional resources (to enhance the education-research nexus in all university education programmes; to create additional teacher and professor positions at universities; for professional bachelor training programmes at colleges of higher education; and for practical research at colleges of higher education); the enhancement of student and teacher mobility; and the formation of an integrated higher education area in Flanders.
Subsidy for companies that plan to make investments focused on environmental protection and energy reduction which will be realized in the Flemish region. SMEs get a higher subsidy.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011,p.27.
The first strategic platforms ( 3 projects) were launched in 2010 (in ICT). Brussels companies and universities were consulted in order to match the future technological needs of enterprises and the potential and expertise of research units. The selected topics were then concretized through collaborative universities research programs with an aim of technology transfer, industrial applications and commercialization through the Brussels companies.
Policy framework approved by Flemish Governement on 17/12/2010 http://www.bestuurszaken.be/strategisch-beleidskader
Strategic policy framework for qualitative regulation and administrative simplification 2009-2014. Effective implementation of this renewed strategy started in 2011 and is continued in 2012
The Administrative Simplification Plan 2010-2014 specifies how to operationalize the Single Point of Contact, as part of implementing the Services Directive and the positioning of one-stop shops as single points, i.e. the point of contact for companies in their relations with government. It appeared that the provision by public administrations of centralized information, accurate and timely for enterprises, became an issue in future relations between companies, one-stop shops and the administration.  This project proposes to determine,  the role of a "business information officer" /helpdesk who would  serve as a reference person for businesses for very specific information requests and also respond to requests from public administrations and one- stop shops.
A thorough reform of the law on commercial practices of 14 July 1991 was enacted on 6 April 2010. This law aims to respond to the requirements of the economic and social situation of retail trade businesses and to put Belgian law in conformity with the existing European provisions. Among the regulations in the current law that improve the efficiency of the legal system are the allowance of tied selling and the replacement of the ban on 'sales at a very small margin' by a simple ban on 'sales at a loss'.
"Royal decree establishing the basic criteria of financial plan of the privately owned company with limited liability "Starter" and modifying the royal decree of 30 January 2011 in relation to the performance of the Company Code and Royal decree of 22 June 2009 in relation to the modalities of the inscription of the non-commercial companies of private law in Banque-Carrefour des Entreprises"  Law of 12 January 2010 amending the Company Code and establishing forms of the privately owned companies with limited liability "Starter" (MB 26.01.2010) Introduction of the SPRL Starter (a new type of private limited liability company) on 1 June 2010.
Approval of the inclusion of foreign investments in the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region. Moreover, Brussels Welcome Pack is developing a unique formula for the quick establishment of foreign investors.
Companies, and not least SMEs, are being guaranteed access to funding thanks to measures taken at the different levels of governance. In the case of the Federal Authority, this refers to items such as the Belgacap which is a complement to the insurance credit(or Initio).
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 58.
At the end of 2010, the Flemish Government established the Flemish Europe Platform in which the government, knowledge institutes and companies come together to exchange information on European R&D opportunities.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 89.
This plan is an al-encompassing strategy for research and innovation. It includes, among others, improvements in education and in the innovation of SMEs. The plan was adopted and the 12 first measures were launched in October 2010. Further measures were launched in 2011.
National Reform Programme 2008-2010, p. 82
In December 2008, an agreement was reached for the transposition of the directive along broad lines. An important element is the respect of certain conditions by the new competitors. These are notably required to cover 80% of the territory in each of the three Regions and to ensure two deliveries per week, both after 5 years of activity. The decision on offers will be made in 2009 and 2010.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 58. Other source: Daar zit beweging in! Een Vlaams actieplan voor onderzoekers, March 2010.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 57.
CMI (the Center of Medical Innovation) is an initiative of the Flemish Government to boost translational and personal medicine and has been in place since 2010. Other source: Flanders Bio.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011,p.9.
The Law of 6 April 2010 on market practices and consumer protection brings the Belgium regulatory environment into line with European provisions for unfair trade practices.
A thorough reform of the law on commercial practices of 14 July 1991 was enacted on 6 April 2010. This law aims to respond to the requirements of the economic and social situation of retail trade businesses and to put Belgian law in conformity with the existing European provisions. Among the regulations in the current law that have been fundamentally modified are those for joint offers to the consumer, the pre-sales period and distance selling.
Projects between consortia of companies and one or more organisations or knowledge institutes aiming at concrete and demand-driven challenges of an aggregate of companies that can be solved through innovation.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 64.
With a view to increasing the efficiency of scientific activity and to ensuring opportunity for participation in high-class scientific research, a system for regular internal assessment of high schools and scientific organisations as well as of an independent system for international assessment of scientific organisations, programmes and projects, will be introduced. The system will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the scientific activities, introducing a differentiated approach for state subsidies to high schools, and consolidation of the scientific fields. The measure will be introduced on tha basis of the amendments to the Law on Scientific Research Promotion of October 2010 which are also the grounds for the development of the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific Research.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p.75. Completed by Eurydice, National System Overview on Education Systems in Europe, 2011 Edition.
From school year 2010/11 onwards, all children are subject to two school year compulsory pre-primary education, either at kindergartens or in preparatory groups at primary schools. The measure was introduced in 2010 with a two year prolonged deadline of implementation (up to the school year 2012/2013) for some municipalities which needed more time to adapt their infrastructure and capacity to the new requirements. The state provides free-of-charge education aids for children enrolled in the compulsory pre-primary group. The compulsory pre-primary education can take place on a half-day basis. The measure was introduced through amendments to the Law on National Education as of 5 October 2010. The amendments also make provision for full-day organisation of education for pupils in I class of elementary education. The scope of mandatory pre-school education will be widened by one additional year with the adoption of the new Law on pre-school and school education.
Operating Programme "regional development" http://www.bgregio.eu/en/jessica.aspx
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 65.
The National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure (adopted with Council of Minister's Decision N692 of 21.09.2012)is synchronised with Council Regulation (EC) No. 723/2009 as of 25 June 2009 on the Community legal framework for a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). It covers scientific complexes and/or facilities of national importance, situated at the territory of Bulgaria, which have potential for development at national, regional or European scale. It also promotes internationalisation of research.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 44.
The Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the Internal Market was transposed in the national legislation in the Law on the Activities Related to the Provision of Services (promulgated in SG Issue No. 15 of 23.02.2010, effective as of 23.02.2010). Amendments were made to the Law on Tourism, Law on the Spatial Development, the Law on the Bulgarian Construction Chamber, the Law on the Chamber of Architects and Chamber of Engineers in Investment Design, the Law on Energy Efficiency, the Law on Crafts, and the Law on Consumer Protection. These amendments were directed towards simplification of the administrative procedures and eliminating the obstacles to the activities related to the provision of services. They are aimed at ensuring the recognition of certifying documents issued by other Member States on part of the Bulgarian competent authorities, which are considered as equivalents of the Bulgarian documents, as well as the recognition of commercial registration under other Member States legislation, imposing the principle of tacit consent, etc.
Bulgarian University Ranking System Web Portal http://rsvu.mon.bg/rsvu2/?locale=en
Unesco, World Data on Education, 7th Edition, 2010/11.
The measure is introduced through amendments to the Law on Higher Education (promulgated in SG Issue N63 of 13.08.2010), which are part of the reform for the modernisation of higher education. By giving the possibility for paid training the legislator intends to provide more independence in finance management of public tertiary education institutions. This will ensure additional funding to universitites and improve the quality of education. Paid training in bachelor, master and PhD degree is allowed only for universitites that received "good" and "very good" evaluation during their formal accreditation. The measure starts to be implemented in university year 2010/2011. Students involved in paid training should represent about 5% of the capacity for the respective professional orientation/field. However, the determination of tuition fees for paid training remain bound by the administratively determined fees for public higher education. Tertiary education institutions offering paid training are obliged to use collected funds from tuitions fees to cover expenses related to the educational process.  In 2010 the Law on Higher Education is amended 5 times. In addition to the introduction of paid training, the amendments are also directed to transposing amendments to the Law for the development of the accademic staff, legislation of the post "assistant" in universities and the possibility for high-level sportsmen to enter university under special conditions.
Amendments promulgated in SG Issue N38 of 21.05.2010, SG Issue N50 of 02.07.2010, SG Issue N56 of 23.07.2010 (In force for the 2010/2011 school year), SG Issue N63 of 13.08.2010 (in force as of 13.08.2010), SG Issue N101 of 28.12.2010.
Five amendments to the Law on Higher Education were adopted throughout 2010. They define more stringent requirements for becomming member of the academic staff; shorten the period for announcing competitions for members of the academic staff; define the duration of contracts for the different members of academic staff - introduces fixed-term labour contract for the assistants; limit the participation of member of the academic staff in the institutional accreditation of a higher school; prohibit simultaneously holding position of chairperson, deputy chairperson and member of the Accreditation Council with the position of rector, deputy rector, dean, deputy dean of a higher school; allow the higher school to train additional bachelors, master and PhD students in case that the higher school and the respective bachelor, master and PhD programmes have a high accreditation - the collected funds are used for the  higher school itself; strengthen the provisions for sanctions in case of proved corruption among the members of the academic staff.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 48.
The implementation of the Students Loan Programme will create conditions for increasing the inflow of public and private resources to higher education and will improve the effciciency of public spending through promotion of competition among universities. The programme is also aimed at ensuring equal access to higher education. The legal basis for the implementation of the programme is the Law on funding undergraduates, graduates and post-graduates, adopted in 2008. The Ministry of education, youth and science signed contracts with to banks which will provide guaranteed student loans at 7% rate to students aged under 35 years. The programme covers students in public and private universities. The loans are granted to cover tuition fees of students or to provide funding for students with a child.
Cyprus National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, April 2O11, p.53.
The new curriculum focuses on the development of new skills and key competences to improve openness and relevance of education and training systems.
Implementation of  the Services Directive by way of a Horizontal Law. Establishment of the Point of Single Contact
In December 2010 Government  approved the proposal for measuring and verifying the administrative burden on entrepreneurs   - as the  continuation of the administrative burden on entrepreneurs reduction programme in subsequent phase. The measurement has been effected in 12 branches according to the SCM model. Moreover, in 2012  will be launched a website where stakeholders can suggest, which legislation should be simplified (www.zjednodusujeme.cz)
Government issued a decree adopting a strategy for online public procurement tendering in 2011-2012. Aim to widen access to relevant information and to ensourge firms to take part in the tendering procedure.
CZ Business web portal (Businessinfo.cz) & Ministry of Industry and Trade
There are 15 PSCs (at selected trade licence offices) that offer information about starting up a business in CZ and EN and they are connected to the online form (on the portal Businessinfo.cz). PSCs are part of European network and so they provide necessary information about cross-border provision of services or establishment of a company in other EU member states. The basic role of PSC is to simplify the process of starting a business.
SBA Fact Sheet 2010/11.p.4   http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/facts-figures-analysis/performance-review/files/countries-sheets/2010-2011/czechrepublic_en.pdf
New Act on Financial Collaterals (Act No 408/2010 Coll, on Financial Collaterals) was adopted, together with related Act No 409/2010 Coll.
National Referencing Report of the Czech Republic, June 2011.
All educational programmes in primary, secondary and vocational tertiary education for which the Ministry of Education has issued core curricula, or approval of programmes of study in the case of vocational tertiary programmes, are listed in the government directive on the Register of Educational Programme Types in Primary, Secondary and Vocational Tertiary Education, 211/2010 Sb. It is based on the system of codes in the Classification of Educational Programme Types (KKOV), an earlier classification of programme types by field of study and level. The new register uses the same alphanumeric codes as the old classification. Levels of education are indicated by capital letters from B (primary) to N (vocational tertiary).
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 17
Establishment of the Business Innovation Fund of DKK 760 million in the period 2010-2012 with the aim of supporting innovation and market maturity within the green and welfare areas.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.20.
DKK 8 billion for research and innovation in the period 2010-2012 from the Globalisation Fund. Funds have been allocated for talent development programme for elite researchers, a thorough modernisation of university laboratories, an increase in the payment per student , a raise in base funding for universities, a match fund to encourage universities to attract external funds, increased focus on strategic research within fields where Denmark has an international position of strength, a green stimulus package and the improvement of a number of innovation and knowledge transfer initiatives among others.
The fund (DKK 760 million in the period 2010-2012) aims at supporting innovation and market maturity within the green and welfare areas to create growth, employment and export for Danish businesses.
The 13 VEU centres were established on 1st January 2010 with a view to fulfilling in a more targeted and efficient way the needs of users in the area of basic vocationally oriented and general and continuing education.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.47.
The Enforcement Act of 2010 i.a. enables the Complaints Board for Public Procurement to issue an enforcement notice to the effect that contracts entered into are to be terminated; moreover, financial sanctions may be imposed on orders in case of gross violation of the procurement rules.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.52.
With The Fiscal Consolidation Agreement from May 2010, it is stated that the universities are to have more efficient administration and support functions. By the end of June 2012 the universities are to report to the Danish Agency for Universities and Internationalization a status on the administrative savings and efficiencies.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.38.
This amendment improves the powers of the competition authorities to intervene against mergers. It is assessed that the new merger rules will generate an annual economic benefit to the Danish consumers of about DKK 400 million, while the expected additional expenses for the competition authorities and the enterprises are estimated at DKK 55 million.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 16
DKK 8 billion for research and innovation in the period 2010-2012 from the Globalisation Fund. Funds have been allocated for a talent development programme for elite researchers, a comprehensive modernisation of university laboratories, an increase in the payment per student, an increase in base funding for universities, a Match Fund to encourage universities to attract external funding, increased focus on strategic research within fields where Denmark has an international position of strength, a green research stimulus package and the improvement of a number of innovation and knowledge transfer initiatives among others.
The Danish Shop Closing Act was liberalised in 2010. This act relaxes the opening hours that shops will be allowed to open.
Support for entrepreneurs with an ethnic background.
Danmarks National Reform Programme 2011. p.20
A political agreement was reached in November 2010 to increase the number of training places with an overall economic framework of DKK 2.4 billion, which for example will ensure 8,900 extra in-service training places in 2011 within the vocational education and training system.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.29.
The Campus Law which came into force on 1 July 2010 gives universities the opportunity to manage resources in order to build colleges, parks and to rent out facilities. The aim is to provide universities with tools to create even better study and research environments on campus.
Establishment of four Strategic Platforms for Research and Innovation (SPIR) in the period 2010-2012 with a budget of DKK 50-80 million per SPIR.
In 2011, the number of state-funded student places at public universities or institutions of professional higher education for 2012-2014 was increased, thereby ensuring tuition-free studies for up to 12,500 university students who meet the admission requirements in curricula with Estonian as the language of instruction, for acquiring a diploma in one field during the standard period of study. The Ministry of Education and Research's draft legal act approved on February 10 by the government provides for a new baseline cost used to calculate what the state pays for state-funded tuition.
Structural development of higher education establishments and research institutes by building extensive, high quality research and learning environments.
Stability programme update for Finland 2011 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/nrp/sp_finland_en.pdf  Decision http://www.vm.fi/vm/en/04_publications_and_documents/03_documents/Valtiontalouden_kehykset_vuosille_2011-2014_e.pdf
The change of status of La Poste from Public Sector Corporation to that of a publicly owned limited company, since March 1, 2010, has positioned it to cope with the complete opening of the European market for letters of under 50 grams to competition, which took effect on January 1, 2011.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 24.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 54.
Decree 2010-595 of 3 June 2010  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jopdf/common/jo_pdf.jsp?numJO=0&dateJO=20100604&numTexte=85&pageDebut=10285&pageFin=10286
The National Conference of Industry can be asked to analyse any draft law in order to assess its impacts on businesses.
Appointing letter of 2 November 2010 (Ref 1395/10/SG) and press release published on  http://www.gouvernement.fr/presse/francois-fillon-nomme-remi-bouchez-commissaire-a-la-simplification
The Commissionner is in charge of ensuring that proper impact assessments accompany any draft law.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 25.
Law 2010-858 of 23 July 2010  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000022511227
This law simplifies the organisational structure of the network of chambers of commerce and industry, in order to deliver more efficient services to enterprises.
From the start of the 2010 school year, teachers are now recruited at Masters level (5 years of higher education). This reform represents a major step forward in the recruitment and training of teachers.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research  http://www.bmbf.de/en/15375.php
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 57.
"Complements the programme to increase the number of university places by launching an initiative to improve the quality of study conditions; improves teaching quality, support and advice for students over the entire third-level landscape; guarantees the success of academic reform, contributes to higher university graduation rates."
The Gas Network Access Ordinance has improved conditions for across-the-board competition in the gas market.
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, p.27.
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, p.19. Other source: Beck-aktuell-Gesetzgebung.
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 62.
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 63.
The Federal Government will increase mobility funding through 2015. In particular support will be provided in the following areas: Double degree courses; four-year bachelor programmes with time spent in a foreign country; language courses.
Germany, National Rreform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 52.
Better utilisation of the training potential; greater involvement of migrants, repeat applicants, disadvantaged young people and young people with disabilities in in-company vocational training programmes; reduction in the number of individuals who drop out of school and training programmes.
Germany, National Reform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 60.
National Reform Programme Germany 2010-2011 p 34;  Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2010 Teil I Nr. 68, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 31. Dezember 2010, S. 2309, www.bgbl.de
The measure contributes to further decoupling labour costs from health care costs by fixing the employer contribution and by ensuring that increases in expenditure are financed by additional premiums that are not pegged to income. In this way, funding of the statutory health insurance system should become less sensitive to cyclical fluctuations.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2010 Teil I Nr. 26, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 2. Juni 2010, S. 662, www.bgbl.de
Published in the official Gazette of the Hellenic Repuplic
New Commercial Electronic General Registry (GEMI) which facilitates starting up new businesses and one stop shop which further facilitates starting up and registration of new firms.This particular service replaces the so far multiple and costly steps to establish an enterprise with one single procedure, which lasts approximately one hour and ensures the establishment of an enterprise and the immediate start-up of financial activity in one day or, on the next working day at the latest. The cost of said procedure is reduced by approximately 33%.
Published in the Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic
The Law 3879/2010, passed in September  2010, aims to address the shortcomings of the Greek education and training system and brings all further training and adult education under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The law discusses all types of education and training, including informal and non-formal learning. The Law introduces a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for Lifelong Learning, in the framework of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), which is intended to create an integrates system of validation of informal and non-formal learning in Greece.
Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Directorate for European Union Affairs, 2011 National Report on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, June 2011, p. 9.
Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Directorate for European Union Affairs, 2011 National Report on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, June 2011, p. 16.
The development of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (law 3879/2010), in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework, will enhance learning mobility in the higher education area, by ensuring transparent academic recognition of the mobility experience.
Ministerial Decree published in the official gazette of the Hellenic Republic
This lower tariff applies for the protection of the vulnerable social groups of consumers and particularly for persons with low income, families with 3 children, long-term unemployed and for disabled people. The maximum 4 months period consumption limits were increased per vulnerable group and the income criterion was changed for the disabled persons.
Hellenic National Reform Programme 2011-2014, Athens, April 2011, p. 32.
In September 2010, the road freight transport sector was fully liberalised with a short transition period.
Government Gazette of the Hellenic Republic
Zones of Educational Priorities (ZEP), introduced by Law 3879/2010 of 21st September 2010, "Development of Lifelong Learning and other Regulations'', are  targeted plans per geographical region, which deal with school failure and consequently early school leaving and promote social inclusion
Facilitate the implementation of new fast track investments in infrastructure and networks in critical sectors of the economy provided that these investments meet certain conditions and criteria. Law 3894/2010
Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Directorate for European Union Affairs, 2011 National Report on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training, June 2011, p. 18.
The Ministry of Education has launched the in-service training of all teachers and trainers since September 2010. The in-service training focuses on a) discipline b) teaching methods c) new information technologies and d) the guidance and administrative staff of education. Thus, the teachers will have acquired more skills and enhanced qualifications for the implementation of mobility activities.
Ministerial Decision published in the Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic (FEK B 379/2010)
Access of third parties to the grid has been granted. Non incumbent companies are able to use the NLG facilities and the transmission system so that to exploit opportunities in the global markets and purchase gas at competitive prices.
Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic
Schools will be provided (starting from secondary schools in 2010 and a pilot project for primary schools) with high-speed internet connection as well as with interactive boards, single digital environment, computer networks, digital school textbooks, a portal and a digital library for the on-line dissemination of information and distribution of educational/pedagogical/teaching material to all involved parties (teachers, pupils and parents).
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 66.
Special care must be ensured within early childhood development and care, as well as special education at school and kindergarten and development- preparatory courses.
The Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency (HITA) was set up to support the foreign trading activities of Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises and to encourage and help foreign enterprises invest in Hungary. The agency is a central office operating under the management of the Minister for National Economy, a separate budgetary institution with its own budget.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 53.
This measure is aimed at: decreasing the percentage of drop-outs in grades 9 and 10, assisting disadvantaged students in achieving academic success, successful professional studies and entry into the labour market through the introduction of early vocational training.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 77.
Based on Act CLXIX./2010 on the 2011 budget of the Republic of Hungary. The objective of the programme is to supplement the regionally harmonized infrastructure and contextual development of public education institutions and assist the implementation of educational and pedagogical programmes that are centred on sports or other physical activities and routine physical education by modernizing and upgrading sports centres and even creating new centres and premises if justified.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 56.
The encouragement of the unexploited RDI opportunities of the SME sector is prioritized by objectives in order to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. Additionally, the regional unevenness of the RDI support system requires special attention and a balanced growth will be ensured by encouraging regional RDI activity, cooperation and networking activities.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 65.
This measure includes preventing early school dropout by providing equitable access to quality services in kindergarten; improving the school success rate of disadvanteged children and students, using integrated education and training methods for their further integration; and special vocational training courses for those who did not finish elementary school.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 68.
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.21.
The introduction in Ireland in 2010 of the free pre-school year is a major development in the area of early childhood care and education. This is a change of direction from that of targeted pre-school provision to one of universal provision. 63,000 children, or 95% of the eligible child cohort, are taking part in the universal pre-school scheme in 2010-2011. International experience points to the importance of providing high-quality early childhood education services, and these are particularly important for children from low-income homes.
Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010. http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad,25759,en.pdf
Supporting economic renewal and promoting sustainable development by ensuring that the planning system supports targeted investment on infrastructure by the State and further modernising land zoning.
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.14.
Project Maths, the introduction and application of revised syllabuses for both Junior and Leaving Certificate Mathematics, was introduced nationwide in September 2010 for second-level schools at 1st and 5th years. Project Maths places much greater emphasis on student understanding of mathematical concepts, with increased use of contexts and applications to relate mathematics to everyday experience.
Strengthening the law on corruption, and ensuring compliance with the Convention on the Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
Measure No. 72 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Closed-end mutual investment fund for qualified investors that will pursue the objective of designing and building new infrastructure primarily in Italy and with long-term impact. The State is authorised to invest in the company that will manage the fund.
Measure No. 75 of the grid annexed to 2011 NRP
The law provides for the establishment of a system of loans to be disbursed at a low interest rate by the Fund operator with repayment plans of at least 20 years based on port-graduate income. For the worthiest students loans may be turned into grants.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 53.
Law No. 220/2010 provides tax incentives for university research.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grids 45 and 47.
Decree Law No. 78/2010 (provision already introduced by Decree law No. 185/2008) and Law No. 238/2010 foresee reductions in taxable income of researchers.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, p.13 and p. 91. Mesasure No. 18 og the grid annexed to NRP 2011.
Italy has carried out all the necessary measures for the full implementation of the Services Directive in the Italian judicial system, it was applied with Lgs. D. n. 59/2010.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 43.
Adoption of Decrees implementing Financial Law No. 244/2007 and Law No. 133/2008: P.D. 87/2010 (reorganisation of professional schools); P.D. 88/2010 (reorganisation of technical schools).
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, p.67. Measure No. 52 of the grid annexed to the NRP 2011.
Law No. 240/2010 aims at raising the quality of tertiary education by contributing to the achievement of the EU objective of increasing the number of university graduates. It covers the elimination of the fragmentation of degree programmes.
Measure No. 65 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Measure No. 42 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Reform of the regulatory framework for the digitization of General Government bodies with a view to improving efficiency and quality of services.
Minister for Public Administration's Plan for Administrative Simplification for Enterprises and Families 2010-2012 Measure No. 41 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011 http://www.funzionepubblica.gov.it/media/593552/piano_semplificazione_2010_2012.pdf
General description of the measure: The Plan establishes a systematic measurement of administrative burden at national level (based on the Commission's Standard Cost Model), on the basis of which each central administration should establish a plan allowing a 25% reduction of such burden (equivalent to EUR 17 billions). This approach was applied inter alia, in July 2011, with the simplification of several measures concerning the areas of fire prevention, environment, public procurement and privacy regulations.
Adoption of Decree implementing Financial Law No. 244/2007 and Law No. 133/2008: P.D. 89/2010 (reorganisation of secondary schools-licei).
National Reform Programme 2008-2010 Implementation Report 28/10/2009 p. 40
On 24 July 2009, the Council of Ministers approved the first draft of the rules for the structuring and running of the Agency for Assessment of the University and Research System (ANVUR). The new agency will evaluate the quality of universities and research entities. The findings produced will be determinant for distribution of a part of the funds for the ordinary financing of universities and research entities that achieve the best results. Compared with the framework set out by the preceding legislature, ANVUR is now given greater autonomy, with the chairman and selection committee who appoint the members of the executive council now nominated by the President of the Republic of Italy and no longer by the Government. The new agency substitutes and combines two assessment committees: the CNVSU (which assesses universities) and the CIVR (which assesses research).
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 51.
Decree Law No. 40/2010 (Law No. 73/2010) provides tax incentives aiming at increasing spending on research and development.
General description of the measure: Simplification and revision of the governance of the single contact point. The new regulation reforming the Italian one-stop-shops for productive activities (Sportello unico) identify them as the only public bodies at territorial level responsible for interacting with operators on all procedures related with access and exercise of productive activities and provision of services. Furthermore, communications from operators to one-stop-shops should be transmitted only through the Internet. The portal "impresainungiorno.gov.it" should ensure the interoperability of existing infrastructure and networks and has also been designated as the national point of single contact as required by the Services Directive.
Measure No. 114 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Reduction in administrative charges;  application of foreign taxation system for businesses from other EU countries operating in Italy. Extension of the foreign taxation system to foreign businesses that undertake the activity of direction and coordination in Italy.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 44.
Law No. 220 (Stability Law) and Law No. 221 (budget forecast for 2011-2013) on university funding increase the Ordinary Fund for University (FO); they foresee tax credits to firms commissioning R&D activities to universities or public research institutions. Increase in the supplementary Programme Fund for 'Prestito d'Onore' and grants.
Measures No. 143 and 144 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Measures for the establishment tax breaks and other donations for the cultural heritage sector.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 36
Aim of the Competence Centre programme is to foster cooperation between scientists and entrepreneurs for implementation of joint industrial research and new product and technology development projects.  6 Competence centres was established within the programme: 1) ICT Competence Centre; 2) Forest Sector Competence Centre; 3) Pharma and Chemistry Centre; 4) Electrical and Optical Manufacturing Industry Competence Centre; 5) Transport and Machinery Competence Centre; 6) Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence Centre. (Project implementation until 2015)
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (April 2012). Page 31.
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.15.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 37
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 49-50
The aim is to improve the quality of vocational education, thus ensuring its conformity to the labour market needs, as well as to foster efficient use of available resources:  - By optimising and differentiating the number and regional location of vocational education institutions (from 56 institutions in 2010 to 29 institutions in 2015). Moreover, 13 vocational education competence centres, 14 vocational specialized education institutions and 2 vocational schools for the acquisition of basic skills are expected to be established. Currently, there are 6 vocational education competence centres. In 2012, the work on improving the criteria has been started by defining the status of vocational education competence centre for a vocational education institution.  - By modernising material base and improving infrastructure of vocational education institutions
Insolvency Law has been adopted by Saeima on 26 July 2010 which came into force on 1 November 2010, replacing the previous Insolvency Law, which was in force from 1 January 2008 to 1 November 2010. This Insolvency Law has been designed to respect the experience of European and other developed countries, the European Union legal framework, as well as experience gained in applying the previous law. The law recognizes numerous innovations, the aim of which is to make the insolvency proceedings faster and more efficient. Different time-consuming procedures are simplified or abandoned at all. Thereby merchants ability to function is encouraged and stimulated as well as business environment all together. Changes in Legal protection proceedings legal framework were made to make the process more accessible and also to grant more rights to secured creditors and to reduce the possibility to use these proceedings to maliciously avoid insolvency. Insolvency Law was also made to ease solutions between viable performers of commercial activity and its creditors.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 46
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.11.
On August 10, 2010 the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted the Action Plan to Reduce Grey Economy and Promote Fair Competition for 2010-2013, where each measure has a specified term of implementation, which will be carried out gradually in the upcoming years. Several measures have been implemented so far, including cash control, improvement of the Electronic Declaration System, Zero (Wealth) declaration.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2012. Page 14
Ministry of Economy  Resolution No 511 of May 4, 2010 on the optimization of functions of business control institutions" (O.J. 2010, No. 53-2613)
Ministry of Economy  Law on Restructuring of Enterprices (O. J. 2010, No. 86-4529)
A new law on restructuring of enterprises was introduced on 1 October 2010. More favourable conditions have been established for enterprises experiency temporary financial difficulties, offering the possibility to restructure an enterprise and hence avoid bankruptcy.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.16 and Annex 2, p.33.
Programme aimed at improving public knowledge in the field of intellectual property rights with an emphasis on the aspects of regulation, implementation and protection of copyright and related rights that are relevant in the context of an information society. Planned measures include: Informing creative production users and the general public about the damage of pirating; informing the holders and users of copyright and related rights and the general public about the need to reconcile their interests in the information society and promote discussions on this subject; drawing the attention of the younger generation (pupils and students) to the relevance of intellectual property, engaging in discussions about problems in this area; upgrading the  qualifications  of culture  institutions  employees  in the  area  of intellectual property right protection.
Ministry of Economy  Order No 4-917 of December 16, 2010 approved by the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania ,,On exemplary Public Limited Company's form establishment treaty, Exemplary Public Limited Company statute and exemplary Public limited Company's form establishment treaty and exemplary Public Limited Company's statutes filling recommendations approval" amendment (O.J. 2010, No. 151-7735)
The associated costs have been reduced from 778 LTL to 278 LTL - a reduction of approximately 65%. From August 2, 2011 online registration of Public Limited Company takes 1 day and do not require notarization (500 LTL) of the application for the registration. The number of procedures was reduced from 6 to 5. From August 2, 2011 after the implementation of online registration of Public Limited Company, notarization of the application for the registration company is not required.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, Annex 2, p.32. Complemented by "National Programme on Development of Research, Technologies and Innovation in the Space Sector for 2010-2015", Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania, 2010.
Development of Research, Technologies and Innovation in the Space Sector.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.8 and Annex 2, p.31. Complemented by Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania.
Strategy aimed at developing a creative society, facilitating the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovations so that the Lithuanian Summary Innovation Index would reach the European average in 2020.
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.26.
The second founding contract for 2010-2013 with the University of Luxembourg is one of the basis of government action in national public research.
Ministere D'Etat. Departement de la Simplification Administrative: http://www.simplification.public.lu/a-votre-ecoute/index.php
Issues on administrative burden can be signalled through a dedicated website of Simplification Department of State Ministry.
The second founding contract for 2010-2013 with the University of Luxembourg and the 2011-2013 performance contracts with the public research centers for Health, Gabriel Lippmann, Henri Tudor, the CEPS, the National Research Fund (FNR) and Luxinnovation
At the end of 2010, a reform plan appeared for the lower classes of secondary and trade school, whose objective was to increase academic success among students aged 12-15 years and to promote appropriate guidance toward training in upper forms of secondary school. This element is a central part of preventing youth from leaving school, as it is often in the lower cycle that they leave or are guided toward a training program that does not suit their capabilities or desires that they subsequently abandon.
L.N. 495 of 2010, Government Gazette of Malta No. 18,678
Designation of Various Entities Regulations for the implementation of the services directive transposition (made 29 Dec. 2009).
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012. Page 123-124
LN 429, 2010,Government Gazette of Malta No. 18,645 - 14.09.2010
This part of the income tax act offers eligible applicants tax credits for patents granted in Malta or overseas.
Two other scholarship schemes: Malta Arts Scholarship (MAS) Scheme and the Malta Sports Scholarships Scheme.  The Malta Arts Scholarship Scheme was introduced in 2010.  It aims at providing more opportunities to support individuals who are exceptionally talented in the promotion of professional performance specialisation in the arts. Theatre, music, dance, design, creative writing, film, the visual arts or any combination thereof shall be given priority.  The Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme was launched in February 2012. The promulgation of sports at a professional level will promote the development of high performance athletes who will eventually represent Malta in international competitions. The elevation of the status of sport in Malta will not only bring about a wider international recognition with positive economic benefits for the tourism industry but will also encourage the uptake of sport and physical activity across the country resulting in overall improvements in health and well-being of the population as a whole.
Malta'sNational Reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy, April 2011, p.56.
The Life Sciences Centre will encompass the whole Innovation life cycle and Supply Chain process for companies specialising in areas related to Life Sciences, from the development of the Innovation process and the start-up of new businesses and entrepreneurial activity through to ongoing growth within the Centre. Throughout the various stages of their life cycle, these companies would be backed by the technical support and R&D facilities, by providing the right balance between infrastructure and soft support for business development phases. The Life Sciences Centre will be situated in the site currently occupied by the Malta Enterprise premises in San Gwann Industrial Estate. This Centre is being financed through the ERDF programme and is expected to be fully operational by end 2013.
Belastingsplan 2011, Section 3.2. (Verlaging tarief vennootschapsbelasting), http://belastingplan.prinsjesdag2010.nl/belastingplan-2011/cDU34_Belastingplan-2011.aspx
Corporate taxes are permanently decreased for SMEs from 25,5% to 20% for SMEs.
All Dutch legislation was screened in the light of the Service Directive to identify and remove blockages to delivering services across national borders.
National Reform Programme 2013. The Netherlands. Page 17  Previously mentioned: Annual Progress Report 2009, page 24
Replacement of the Patent Box. Under the Innovation Box regime, a tax rate of 5% applies to the income generated by a qualifying intangible to the extent the income from the intangible exceeds the related R&D expenses, other charges and amortization of the intangible. This represents a tax rate reduction, considering the normal Dutch corporate income tax rate is 25% and the incentive tax rate under the Patent Box regime was 10%. Furthermore, any expenses or losses related to the intangible are deductible at the ordinary rate.
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, National Reform Programme 2011 The Netherlands, April 2011, p. 12.
Reform of the functioning of higher education and the science system. This reform aims at improving the effectiveness as well as creating stronger links between the education system and the industry.
Introduction of rules that strengthen security of business transactions, prevent payments' congestions, improve the system of information exchange and functioning of the economic information bureaus.
Facilitatation of provision of services in Poland for foreign companies.
(Polish) National Reform Programme -2009 Report on progress with the National Reform Programme for 2008-2011 to implement the Lisbon Strategy, p 5. Other source:  New Legislative Paradigms fostering Development of Broadband Infrastructure, 2010-2011 Joint project of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau and Ministry of Infrastructure, Republic of Poland.
Reform of the functioning of higher education and the science system aimed at higher effectiveness and stronger links with industry.
Republic of Poland, National Reform Programme, Europe 2020, Warsaw, April 2011.p. 19
It is necessary to ensure general access to telecommunications, with particular focus on broadband access to the Internet, in particular with the use of valid legislative measures, including the Act of 7 May, 2010 on supporting the development of telecommunications services and networks.
Republic of Poland, National Reform Programme, Europe 2020, Warsaw, April 2011, p.37.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. Update 2012/2013. Page 34- 35
"Budujemy na wiedzy" is a package of reform, which was adopted with a view to stremlinig the management and organisation structure of  the science system in Poland.It also hepls to improve the allocation of resources for R&D and strenghten the links beetwen the science and industry.    After a set of 6 acts for the reform of the science sector has entered into force:  - the National Science Centre, responsible for allocating research grants in all scientific areas in line with rules on competitions, has been established,    - the remit of the National Center for Research and Development, established in order to implement the state policy in the field of applied research financing,  has been extended,  - the Council of Ministers adopted the National Research Programme as a basis for developing strategic programmes by the National Center for Research and Development,  - the Committee for the Evaluation of Educational Units has been established as an advisory body to the Minister of Science,  - qualitative changes in the functioning of the Polish Academy of Sciences andresearch institutes have been introduced,  - the Ministry of Science and Higher Education became an institution responsible for the implementation of strategic measures in the field of science, such as: the science policy, cooperation with the EU, financing the statutory activities of scientific bodies, investments. On the other hand, the responsibility for financing the research projects has been transferred to the National Science Centre (basic research) and to the National Center for Research and Development (applied and developmental research).
Credit line PME Investe VI for SMES (3 bn euros)
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.38.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.43.
Resolution Council Ministers 8/06/2010  The SME Credit Line INVESTS VI, filed on June 16, 2010 with the Credit Institutions.
Credit line PME Investe VI for SMES (1,25 bn euros), including a portion 450 million to export companies and another 350 million for micro and small enterprises.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.31. Council of Ministers Resolution nr. 91/2010, 19/11/2010
The Digital Agenda 2015 (approved by the Council of Ministers Resolution nr. 91/2010, dated 19th November), in line with the Emblematic Initiative at European level, aims at investing in improving the services provided to people and economic agents using the New Generation Networks and supporting companies and business consortia to internationalise and export the goods and services developed.
Legal framework for microcredit financial firms.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.42.
The Government and the higher education institutions have assumed a Contract of Confidence aimed at increasing the higher qualification levels in the Portuguese society and the quality of training, as well as of the international relevance of the higher education institutions.
Law 2/2010, 15/03/2010, Effective:30 days after publication.
In the Development Programmes signed in 2010, Universities and Polytechnic Institutes took collective responsibility for continuing the rapid restructuring of the network and training supply at national and regional level so as to foster quality and the efficient use of public resources.
Mandatory payment of interest (as from 1st september 2010) by the state and public entities (including municipalities) in case of late payments
Training program for managers of micro firms and SMES aimed at improving their management skills. This initiative is aimed at entrepreneurs whose companies employ a number of employees not exceeding 100.
Regional Legislative Decree n.25/2010/A, of 22/07/2010
The new "Empreende Young" aims to promote youth entrepreneurship; enlargement of the areas of activity covered; reformulates the concept of promoter for access to this system of incentives covering a wider range of young people qualified; offers a bonus to the incentive fee when projects focusing on activities in the field of marine sciences, biotechnology and agro-food technologies, health technologies, information technologies and renewables; stands out, changing the nature of the incentive, which only takes the form of non-repayable, and the increment given to the reimbursement rate of investment, and the introduction of mechanisms to advance and advance payment of incentives, which allow less effort of young entrepreneurs in financing their projects.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.32. Law no. 55-A/2010, 31/12 and Decree-Law no. 29-A/2011, 1/03
With a view to making the financial and fiscal framework more appealing to innovation and encourage the introduction of own capital in companies, SIFIDE II, continues and reinforces the Tax Incentive System for R&D for 2011-2015, starting also to benefit SMEs operating for less than two years, and continuing to support companies contracting doctorates. SIFIDE II was approved in the 2011 State Budget.
Annex to the letter from Portuguese Adjunt Secretary of State of the Prime Minister of Portugal to the Secretary General of the European Commission. http://dre.pt/pdf1s/2010/07/14300/0282502842.pdf
Establishes the principles and rules to simplify the free access and exercise of service activities performed in Portugal
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.78.
The Action plan for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending on R&D was adopted (in May 2010). The plan provides the strengthening of the national R&D activities and the improvement of the assessment procedures and evaluation criteria used in national R&D competitions (increasing the weight of the scientific quality of the project, of the scientific performances of the director and of the project team is included). The implementation of the action plan has been carefully monitored on a regular basis (monthly). The progress reports were submitted to the government and communicated to the European Commission.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, Annex 10, p.184-185.
The programmes will be continued on the basis of framework-document: Basic guidelines on education and care of children aged 0-7 endorsed by Minister of Education Order no. 3851/ 2010. The activities carried-out within the two projects with external financial support will be completed by the elaboration of the following documents:i) design of curriculum for mentorship and training programmes for this level of education; ii) standards for educational textbooks and supplies.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.35.
Through GD No. 98/2010, the Inter-ministerial Council on the State aid Policy has been established. This body - where the Competition Council is represented - is coordinated by a State counsellor of the Prime Minister. The objective of this body is to integrate, correlate and provide the constant application of the Community principles in State aid granted by all the institutions involved, as well as to monitor the impact of the State aid policy on competition.
Government Decision no. 1397/2010 regarding the model, the content, the way of handing in and the management of the statement concerning the payment liabilities of social contributions, income tax, and nominal record of insured persons (Single statement 112)
The Single Statement 112 refers to social contributions, income tax and the nominal record of insured persons.
Official site www.ghiseul.ro Government Decision no. 1235/ 2010 regarding the approval of achievement of the national electronic system for on line payment of taxes and duties using the banking card.
With Government Decision 1235/2010 of 6 December 2010, the Government, in co-operation with the National Centre for the Management of Information Society (CNMSI), established an ePayment platform to be used with credit cards. Its main purpose is the elimination of queues of taxation offices, thus enabling citizens, businesses and the Public administration to save both time and costs.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.35. Law no. 149/2011 for approving Government Emergency Ordinance no. 75/2010 amending the Competition Law no. 21/1996, published in Official Gazette no. 490/2011.
The amendment of the Competition Law by GEO No 75/2010, has inter alia given the Competition Council (CC) new tools for solving competition cases, similar to the ones of the other competition authorities of the EU Member States. Thus, the competition authority is able to accept commitments from the undertakings involved in competition cases so as to eliminate any concerns about environment competition damaging, when CC does not aim at imposing fines. In addition, CC has the possibility to reduce the quantum of fines by 10-25%, when the undertakings are expressly recognising that they have been involved in anticompetitive acts which are object of the current investigations (the settlement procedure). In the field of economic concentrations, the Dominance Test has been replaced by the Significant Impediment to Effective Competition Test (SIEC) which provides an in-depth and rigorous analysis, similar to the one used in the Community specific practice. GEO no 75/2010 on Amendment of the Competition Law no 21/1996 has been approved by Law no 149/2011, published in Official Gazette no 490/2011.
Starting from 1st May 2009 and until 30th September 2010, taxpayers were liable to pay a minimum tax based on the level of the total income obtained as at 31 December of the previous year. The minimum tax was eliminated starting from 1st October 2010.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p 81-82.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.53. GD no. 831/2010 on the approval of the privatization strategy through public offer of SN Romgaz SA and the mandate of the public institution involved in this process. GD No. 827/2010 regarding the approval of strategy sale of shares of SN Transgaz SA by capital market specific methods. GD No. 832/2010 regarding the approval of strategy sales of shares of OMV- Petrom SA Bucuresti by capital market specific methods.
In 2010 privatization strategies were adopted for state owned companies in order to attract new investors in the energy field by capitalization of some percentages of shares held by the state in these companies. The following Government decisions concern gas (and oil) companies: GD no. 831/2010 on the approval of the privatization strategy through public offer of SN Romgaz SA and the mandate of the public institution involved in this process; GD No. 827/2010 regarding the approval of strategy sale of shares of SN Transgaz SA by capital market specific methods; GD No. 832/2010 regarding the approval of strategy sales of shares of OMV- Petrom SA Bucuresti by capital market specific methods.
National Reform Programme 2011-2013. GD nr. 113/2010  approving fees and charges for operations conducted by the National Trade Register and the trade centers near courts.
In 2010, in the context of efforts in order to simplify the tax and tariff regime there was a 3rd stage of reduction, the tax and tariff cuts being made (in number and amount) of fees and charges for the services provided by the Trade Register.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.79-81. National Reform Programme (2007-2010), Bucharest, July 2007, p. 61 and Annex no.2 p.18
The financial resources, estimated for 2011-2013, for strengthening the capacity and increasing the performance of the RDI system in order to adress the socio-economic needs are: RON 2,378 million (state budget), EUR 246 million (structural funds), RON 230 million (private sector). Measures subsumed under this direction of action are: implementing the measures established by the legal acts recently adopted in the RDI field (GO No. 6 / 2011 and GD No. 133/2011); developing the human resources for research; developing the technology base for research; mid-term evaluation of the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2007-2013 and of the National RDI Plan 2007-2013; launching the project for the development of the National Strategy and National RDI Plan 2014-2020. The 2007-2013 National Research-Development and Innovation Strategy, adopted by the Romanian Government in March 2007 seeks to increase of the competitiveness of the Romanian economy through innovation, with a direct impact on the increase of the technological capacity of the enterprises, which shall benefit from the services offered by the integrated research platforms and networks.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.53. GD No. 826/2010 regarding the approval of the sale strategy of shares of the National Company for Transport of Electricity - Transelectrica SA by capital market specific methods.
In 2010 privatization strategies were adopted for state owned companies in order to attract new investors in the energy field by capitalization of some percentages of shares held by the state in these companies. The following Government decision concerns electricity: GD No. 826/2010 regarding the approval of the sale strategy of shares for the National Company for Transport of Electricity -Transelectrica SA by capital market specific methods.
Ministry of the Economy and Construction of the Slovak Republic: http://www.economy.gov.sk/internal-market-and-services
The transposition of the EU Services Directive was completed via the adoption of the Act on Services in the Internal Market (O.J. Act no 136/2010), which entered into force in June 2010. Among other aspects, the law addressed the completion of the points of single contact for both legal persons and professions as well as for sole traders. At the end 2011, there were 50 one-stop-shop offices in Slovakia, out of which 8 are able to provide services also to EU persons.
Ministry of Education, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic, National report on the implementation of the Strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training , The Slovak Republic, 2011, p. 16.
In 2010, a central register of final theses, dissertations and habilitation works was put in place, which will be a support tool in detecting potential plagiarism by students and university teachers.
To strengthen the regulatory governance mechanisms, in July 2010 Slovakia introduced the updated Unified Methodology to Assess Selected Effects, containing an obligatory methodology for assessing the impacts on the business environment and other four areas (public finance, social affairs, environment and information society) to be used by all government ministries when preparing legislative and non-legislative acts.  Although the Legislative Council of the Government reviews all draft legislation regarding technical and legal aspects, there still is no single central impact assessment body responsible for regulatory impact assessments; this task was shared by several ministries. In 2011, Slovak government took steps to strengthen the analytical capacities at several government departments: the government office, ministry of economy, ministry of environment, and the ministry of transport.
"The Slovak government has set the following goals in relation to innovation: The Government will cooperate with the business sector in a review of the support and incentives for innovation in companies and strengthen the support of cooperation between universities, research institutes and companies using EU best practices, including the implementation of indirect supporting instruments for innovations. The Government will place an emphasis on the connection between the issue of innovation and foreign direct investment in order to achieve sustainable growth for the Slovak economy. The Government will clearly define sector competencies in research and development and innovations in order to increase innovation activities in the business sector and the coordination of state authorities providing support.The Government will closely and systematically monitor the efficiency of public funds invested in research, development and innovations. "
http://www.minv.sk/?points-of-single-contact  Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic: http://www.economy.gov.sk/points-of-single-contact-in-slovakia/135083s
Following a number administrative steps in 2010-2011, the preparatory works for the creation of electronic points of single contact were finalised by the end of 2011. As from January 2012, the electronic point-of-single-contact became operational. At the same time, government adopted unified opening hours and one long day for the physical one-stop contact points.
Bill to set up an agency for public procurement which would order goods and services for the entire state administration. The government hopes to cut down on the costs of purchases.
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 25. Completed by Government of the Republic of Slovenia (press release).
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 29.
In 2010 seven selected competence centres began their operation; they will carry out common strategic projects for increasing economic competitiveness in selected areas. Together with a programme for the development of centres of excellence, which are focusing on the development of international, competitive top-level knowledge and also link R&D institutions with companies, these measures also support specialization and public spending on R&D which would be more focused on the areas where Slovenia has a critical mass of knowledge and capacities for a competitive performance on the global market.
29 July 2010, Slovenian Ministry of Economy http://www.mg.gov.si/en/
Programme designed to promote activities and measures contributing to greater competitiveness in the international trade of residents, in particular by promoting exports, rationalisation of supply sources and exit foreign direct investments.
National Reform Programme, Spain, 2011, p.23. Completed by Boletin oficial del Estado, Tuesday December 14 2010
The Strategy envisages in particular: Supporting the capitalisation of knowledge and public-private cooperation through new programmes that are more in line with the needs of SMEs; launching a venture capital fund for innovative companies in 2011 that will mobilize 1 billion euro; innovative public procurement with special emphasis on sustainability leaders; a plan to support the internationalisation of innovation in target countries; new instruments and more funds for industry to hire talent (technologists, R&D managers and researchers) to meet individual companies' needs; new framework agreements with the Autonomous Communities to support initiatives of common interest. So far, 9 agreements worth 817 million euro have been signed.
The priorities are: Improvement of students performance and evaluation in schools; modernisation of educative system; modernisation and internationalisation of universities; fostering training in foreign languages; strategical plan for professional training; improvement of training in ICT; improvement of teachers training.
The reform includes a change in the air traffic control regulation and in the working conditions of air traffic controllers in order to increase the labor efficiency of AENA (state-owned body) and to reduce labor costs. As a consequence, there has been a 15% reduction in aerial navigation tariffs between 2011 and 2012. Furthermore, the service provided by control towers has been liberalized in some Spanish airports allowing the entry of private operators.
The most important amendments introduced by the new Ley de Morosidad are the new maximum terms of payment in commercial relations between business persons (in a broad sense). These legal terms are compulsory and binding and therefore cannot be lengthened by mutual agreement of the parties. More precisely, the terms of payment established in the Ley de Morosidad are a maximum of 30 days for administrative entities, from delivery of the document that accredits the total or partial fulfilment of the contract, and 60 days from the date of receipt of the goods or rendering of services, in the case of business to business transactions. These terms will be fully applicable as of 1 January 2013. Furthermore, the Act includes a special and immediately applicable term of payment for fresh and perishable food products (30 days from delivery).  Conversely, those food products not considered perishable will be subject to a maximum term of payment of 60 days, also calculated from the delivery date. Those terms are not immediately applicable. The Ley de Morosidad establishes periods of progressive adjustments of the payment terms until 2013, for those products not falling under the definition of perishable food products and includes a special regime for civil leases of services with public administrations.
National Reform Programme, Spain, 2011, p.13
The Plan's objective is to increase industry's importance in the economy by establishing five strategic action vectors: improve competiveness, promote innovation and R&D, promote growth and dynamism of SMEs, encourage companies to internationalise, and strengthen strategic sectors.
Royal Decree (RDL 13/2010 - December 2010). The Decree reduces the applicable notaries' fees, the registration fees and eliminates the tax on the company's capital.  Also the amount of time required to register a company for those private limited companies founded using the newly approved "standard company bylaws" is reduced. + Spain has addressed the lengthy delays regarding business start-up by adopting Royal Decree 13/2010 of 3 December 2010 which aims at reducing time to register an enterprise to up to 5 days, depending on the firm's social capital, as well as at reducing the notary and registrar costs involved to a maximum of 250 euros. These improved conditions are associated to the new provisons for an on-line procedure to set up a business.
Law 9/2010 and Royal Decree Law 13/2010.
Separate airport management from air traffic control by creating a state-owned enterprise called Aena-Aeropuertos in charge of airport management and in which private investors may own up to 49%.
The reform of the law against Late Payments in July 2010 strengthens oversight over payments by the public administrations. The law has no retroactive effects (only applies to operations after July 7th 2010) and will only be implanted gradually until 2013.
Boletin Oficial del Estado, viernes 6 de agosto de 2010, Real Decreto 1000/2010, de 5 de agosto, sobre visado colegial obligatorio.
Limits to a few specified exceptions the professional services for which an endorsement by the professional organisation is mandatory.
The Action Plan 2011-2015 was established by the PIN2020. It involves 124 actions by 10 ministries with an estimated direct economic impact of almost 83 billion euro; they include notably measures to strengthen strategic sectors, among which ICT and digital content.
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 34.
To cushion the effect of the economic downturn, the Government has temporarily increased the number of higher education places. In 2010 and 2011, there will be a temporary initiative with a further 10 000 higher education places at a cost totalling SEK 700 million a year.
Several government agencies have brought together and structured information and services on the setting up, running, development, and closing down of businesses
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 37.
In 2010 the Government presented a strategy for more service innovation as a first step in drawing up a national innovation strategy. The innovation strategy gives the direction of work in four priority areas: Appropriate and effective framework for service innovation; knowledge and skills for service innovation; digital infrastructure for service innovation; and Internationalisation of service innovation.
Simplified enterprise contacts with public administration through better coordination at national and regional level. Easier to use public information for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
In May 2010, the Riksdag (the Swedish Parliament) approved more modern and appropriate legislation for managing radio frequencies in order to handle technological and market developments.
An online forum for exchanging ideas on simplification and administrative burden reduction
Companies meeting at least two of these criteria may choose not to have an auditor: no more than three employees; turnover no higher than SEK 3 million; balance sheet total no more than SEK 1.5 million
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 40.
The Government Offices have approved an internal circular Guidelines for implementing Union legal acts with relevant rules, explanations and routines for implementing directives and handling infringement cases. The aim of the circular is to support and increase the Ministry's effectiveness in implementing directives on time.
More favourable rules for self-employed regarding allowances, maternity pay, sick pay, unemployment contributions
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 31. Completed by European Commission, Euridyce, National system overview on Education systems in Europe, 2011 Edition, SE.
Self-employed and partners in a general partnership can deduct 5% of the self-employed contribution, up to SEK 10.000 per year
Guidelines for state financed business consulting for companies
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.57.
The Government launched its Broadband Strategy, on 6 December 2010, which expands on the vision for the UK to have the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. The Government is committed to ensuring the rapid roll-out of superfast broadband across the country and would like remote areas to benefit from this at the same time as more populated areas.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.44.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.55.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.29.
The Government in November 2010 published The Importance of Teaching. This set out a radical reform programme for the English schools system, with schools freed from the constraints of central government direction and teachers placed firmly at the heart of school improvement.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.45.
The Government is committed to reforming higher education to make it sustainably financed, ensure the quality of teaching remains world class and that universities remain accessible to anyone who has the talent to succeed. To achieve this, the Government will take forward the recommendations of Lord Browne's Independent Review of Higher Education, published on 12 October 2010.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.31.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 38
The Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) delivers risk capital and debt finance support to growth and exporting SMEs by working with banks and, in early stage risk capital, the wider investment community, in particular Business Angel syndicates. The SIB was established by the Scottish Government as a division of Scottish Enterprise in December 2010 to work with the private sector to deliver existing early stage equity schemes and introduce a new loan fund, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), banks and pension funds, aimed at established growth and exporting companies. It is not a deposit taking bank. All funds are operated on a fully commercial basis with private sector partners.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, pp.11 and 19.
On the basis of broad discussion processes (Austrian research dialogue), and an extensive system evaluation, the Austrian government has now resolved a far-reaching strategy for research, technology and innovation. The RTI-Strategy will be the key element for intelligent growth in the knowledge triangle accompanying the implementation of Europe 2020 (guideline 4). Austria therein sets itself the target to become one of the most innovative countries of the EU by 2020, and to mobilise research, technology and innovation for the social and economic challenges. The RTI-Strategy addresses measures at the interface to the educational system, a reinforcement of the research structures (basic and applied research) with a view to excellence, topical priorities, reinforcement of the innovative strength of the business sector and an increase in the efficiency of the governance.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.29.
These measures include: (i) an information offensive (MINT) on studies options in the fields of mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology; (ii) a networking of schools with university and non-university research institutions, and (iii) the Strategy 2020 Carinthia for enhanced orientation towards technology and reinforcement in the field of applied informatics.
Restructuring training, further training and advanced training in the teaching profession.
This cheque is a subsidy (up to Euro 10 000) for SMEs to buy research from universities and research centres.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, p.28.
To enhance the effectivity, the support provided for the preparation for university studies (information, orientation) is widely enlarged and improved in the scope of a compulsory consultancy as an orientation for prospective students. The improved counselling of academic choices will be mandatory as of winter term 2012/13.
Europe 2020, Austrian Reform Programme 2011, April 2011, pp. 28-29.
Programmes directed at sensitising for mobility ('Erasmus back to school'), transparent recognition procedures, and scholarships for the promotion of study and research abroad (Vorarlberg scholarship).
The national implementation of the Directive concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas (Directive 2009/73/EC) was effected by way of the Austrian Gas Act 2011 (GWG 2011) and has been completed.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011 and 2012
The objective is to finance the preparation of the EU RD  projects. The measure is adressed to  the regional universities, research centers, SMEs.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 77.
In the framework of the extension of the Competitiveness Poles and clustering in the Wallonia Region, a sixth Competitiveness Pole (GREENWIN) on environmental technologies was set up in February 2011.
www.sowalfin.be and draft "fact sheet SBA" 2012
Micro-credit to stimulate female entrepreneurship
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011, Annex 2, p. 86.
The aim is to develop an integrated research strategy, including applied research and innovation and answer to societal challenges. The strategy was approved by the Walonian overnment in March 2011. It will apply from 2011 to 2015.
NRP2012 available in http://www.be2020.eu/uploaded/uploaded/201205020756190.nrp_2012.pdf, pag. 40
FWO (Scientific Research Fund) established the Pegasus programme in 2011, aimed at attracting foreign postdoctoral researchers.
Setting up of a centre aiming at supporting enterprises in trouble in the Wallonia Region.
National Reform Programme Belgium 2011, 15 April 2011,p.8.
The transposition primarily features a set of measures designed to improve the market operations as a result of continuing with the ownership unbundling process. Second, the powers and independence of the market regulator (Commission for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas, CREG) will be substantially increased, so he may exercise tighter control over market players while being better informed, all for the sake of market transparency. Third, the transposition of the package features a large number of consumer protection measures. For example, in order to make energy prices less volatile, variable contracts may be index- linked only four times a year. Other price increases affecting variable contracts will be subject to the prior consent of the CREG, after the National Bank has delivered an advisory opinion.
By the green guarantee the entrepreneur can bring environmentally friendly investments under the guarantee scheme without extra charges.
Law of 10/01/2011 published in 'Moniteur Belge' on 16/02/2011
The law of 10 January 2011 opens up the possibility to apply for a patent by means of electronic tools (electronic signatures)
NRP2012 available in http://www.be2020.eu/uploaded/uploaded/201205020756190.nrp_2012.pdf, pag. 39
This principle aims at a modern and efficient management of public services through the suppression of the obligation to present a-priori proofs in dealings with Government services or public institutions.
The government announced in March 2011 a decision to adjust the way the Price Observatory operates. The Competition Authority and the Ministers for Enterprise and Administrative Simplification, the Self-employed and SMEs, and Consumer Protection are entitled to ask the Price Observatory to conduct specific surveys and invoke the Observatory's analyses in the light of its surveys focused on violations of the Economic Competition. In the event of price falls upstream not being passed on, the relevant trade federations may be asked to provide further details and amplify the analyses where appropriate. Work is underway on an initiative to improve the quality of production price statistics, without increasing the administrative burden for companies. The Observatory is tasked with making a review of the prices of products or baskets of goods, their composition and margins. Based on analyses of the Price Observatory, the Competition Authority has carried out surveys of price cartels in large-scale distribution, regulated sectors (telecommunications, energy) and payment systems.
The Brussels Capital Region encourages a (or several if the budget can support several grants) young innovative and promising enterprise by awarding it a grant. This grant shall help the enterprise to finance its business plan and stimulate its investment in R&D. In 2012, the budget dedicated to this action is 500.000 euros. The action was set up in 2011.
Bank guarantee delivered by SOWALFIN to transmission operations financed by the Walloon 'Invests' to secure (part of) transfer of business.
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", subtitle Addressing CSR 6
A system for electronic exchange of documents within the public administration was launched in December 2011 under the Digital Administration Strategic Heading. The introduction of such document exchange is expected to save time and financial resources, as well as to enhance the administration effectiveness. All central administrations joined the system in March 2012, with all local government administrations expected to start joining the system by mid-year.
Promulgated in SG Issue No 73 as of 20.09.2011 Increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the ex-post control in public procurement and improving the interaction and cooperation among the controlling bodies in the area of awarding and implementing public procurement.
Europe 2020:Bulgaria National Reform Programme. 2012 Update. Page 87. CSR 6 Measure 10
Improving legal, effective and optimal management of commercial enterprises with state ownership and state-owned enterprises; keeping the country's commitments for avoiding excessive budget deficit
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part II "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", under subtitle Addressing CSR4.p.24
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part II "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", subtitle Addressing CSR6 The contracts are signed on 02.02.2012 (http://www.opcompetitiveness.bg/news.php?id=475)
In order to provide support for the establishment and development of regional business incubators, a call for proposals under the OPDCBE grant procedure for establishment and development of regional business incubators were closed in 2011. As a result, 17 contracts totalling EUR 7.2 million were signed. The implementation of these projects will contribute to the setting up of new and further developing already existing business incubators as a means for the provision of a wider range of business development services. Another grant procedure for regional business incubators is currently being prepared and will be open for applications in 2012.
Europe 2020:Bulgaria National Reform Programme. 2012 Update. Page 24
As of December 2011, in implementing the JEREMIE initiative, 3 equity funds had been set up: Venture Fund, Growth Fund and Mezzanine Fund. The managers of all three funds have identified 26 potential investment projects in the amount of EUR 68.7 million.
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part II "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", under subtitle Adressing CSR6. p.34
The amendments of the Law (promulgated in SG Issue N35 as of 03.05.2011) aim to alleviate the burden on businesses. They concern certification regimes (removal of the certification for low risk companies), permitting (optimisation of the number of public instituions involved), and application of the environmental impact assessment (decentralisation of the process at regional level).
The amendments (promulgated in SG Issue 28 as of 05.04.2011)aim at simplifying and increasing the competition in respective professions/crafts as well as contributing to the liberlisation of services. The law simplifies the requirements in different crafts and alleviates the burden on individual craftsman, in particular removing the obligatory membership to a regional crafts chamber. The list of crafts regultaed by the Crafts Law is updated.
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part II "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", subtitle Addressing CSR 6
SG Issue 61 as of 9 August 2011; SG Issue 99 as of 16.12.2011, effective as from 1.01.2012.
National Reform Programme, 2012 update, Part II "Implementation of programmes and measures in 2011", subtitle Addressing CSR5
The amendments (promulgated in SG Issue N 105 of 29.12.2011)focus on consumer protection and enhancing the powers of the regulator, the Communications Regulation Commission. The amendments reflects the requirements of the EC regulatory framework 2009 in the sector of electronic communications (Directive 2009/140/EO of 25.11.2009 amending Directives 2002/21/EO, 2002/19/EO and 2002/20/EO, Directive 2009/136/EO of 25.11.2009 amending Directives 2002/22/EO and 2002/58/EO and Regulation (EO) 2006/2004) - consolidation of the European market for electronic communications, neutral treatment of different technologies and services in the radio spectrum, predominant use of the regime of a common autorisation for entering the market, ex-ante regulation of entry to the market for vertically integrated companies,cooperation of the Communications Regulation Commission with the European Regulators body for specific regulatory procedures, stricter requirements for consumer protection (including consumers with disabilities and elderly people)and increased requirements for network security.
State Gazette N19,43,73,93 of 2011, Europe 2020: National Reform Programme, 2012 Update
?	As of December 2011, in implementing the JEREMIE initiative, 3 equity funds had been set up: Venture Fund, Growth Fund and Mezzanine Fund. The managers of all three funds have identified 26 potential investment projects in the amount of EUR 68.7 million.
Europe 2020:Bulgaria National Reform Programme. 2012 Update. Page 87. Measure 9 of CSR 6
Reaching compliance with the internal audit standards of the International Institute of Internal Auditors and the good European practices. Some of the amendments regulate the possibility for conducting internal audit by physical entities external to the organisation who meet certain conditions; expand the scope of the activities performed by internal audit units in First-Level Spending Units (FLSUs) in view of the efficient spending of public funds
The amendments (promulgated in SG Issue N73 of 20.09.2011)concern the simplification of the insolvency procedures,  temporary insolvency cases, liquidation and protection of SME's.
Republic of Bulgaria, National Reform Programme (2011-1015) in implementation of "Europe 2020 strategy, 13 April 2011, Sofia, Bulgaria, p. 68.
The objective of this programme is to support those SMEs, which intensively use knowledge and for which the activity is based on technologies/innovations. The target group of the programme are enterprises with explicit focus on clients, endeavouring to achieve strong international position through the implementation of market-orientated projects with high added value. The programme supports those SMEs, which will conduct joint research or innovation projects in partnerships with one or more SMEs, a large enterprise, or research organisations (minimum two participants from at least two member countries of the programme). The projects to be financed must benefit the enterprises, and the final product of the project must be two years away from its market introduction. EUROSTARS encourages joint international and innovation projects by facilitating the access of enterprises to financing for development of new products, technologies and services. The budget of the programme amounts to EUR 400 million, of which EUR 100 million is granted by the EC and the remaining funds are from the national budget for a period of 6 years. These funds will mobilise further financing of EUR 400 million from the private sector. The participation in the programme is financed by the National Innovations Fund. The agreement between the governement of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Secretariat of EUREKA for participation in the Joint Programme Eurostars is signed in April 2011 and the Guidance for the submission of projects for financing is published in September 2011.
Strengthening investor protection by requiring greater corporate disclosure to the board of directors, to the public and in the annual report
In Jan 2011, the Government approved the State Policy in Electronic Communications - Digital Czech Republic. The aim is to reduce the digital divde in access to high speed internet between rural areas and towns.
Investment for European Competitiveness: Contribution of the Czech republic to Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012 National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic. Page 54
An amendment to Decree No. 177/2009 Coll. on detailed condition of completion of secondary school education by a secondary school-leaving exam (GCSE) came into force in September 2011. A new GCSE was introduced at secondary schools in the school year 2010/2011. The Government was presented with an evaluation of the promotion of quality of vocational education in cooperation with employers.
Ministry of Education Youth and Sports.   http://www.msmt.cz/file/11792?file=11792&lang=2
The Strategic Plan of the Ministry follows upon the key Czech and European strategic documents on education and science policies. At national level, it builds primarily on the evaluation of the implementation of the objectives of the previous strategic plan of the Ministry for 2006-2010 and its annual updates. Moreover, the document we are presenting takes account of expert recommendations contained in more recent strategic materials (particularly the so-called. Country Note OECD,  White Paper on Tertiary Education,  Strategy of Lifelong Learning in the CR ) and the ensuing reform plans of the Ministry that are elaborated on as part of individual national projects (INPs) in the area of higher education.    At international level, the Strategic Plan of the Ministry follows up, above all, the principal documents of the so-called Bologna process, particularly the relevant communications of higher education ministers (London 2007, Leuven 2009) and other documents (e.g. the Lisbon Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region). In the area of research, experimental development and innovation the strategic plan similarly reflects the development of the European Research and Innovation Area.
Investment for European Competitiveness: COntribution of the Czech Republic to Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012 National Reform Programme of the Czech republic. Page 70
Single Collection Point for public revenue (taxes, social contributions and tariffs) to bring about simplification of tax collection. First stage was a launch of the Czech Financial Office admnistered by newly established General Financial Directorate.
OECD Education Policy Outlook Czech Republic. Page 12
School leaving examinations (2011) have a common national standardised portion. Full-cohort national standardised tests are being introduced in grades 5 and 9.
In the past, the Czech Republic was criticized for placing alarmous amount of Roma pupils into practical schools often without being properly informed and or (probably) diagnosed which lead into judgement of the ECtHR (European Court for the Human Rights)  in the case D.H. and others v. Czech Republic.  The Czech Republic has taken further steps to implement the judgement of the ECtHR in the case D.H. and others v. Czech Republic. A new Decree No. 147/2011 Coll., amending the Decree No. 73/2005 Coll., on the education of children, pupils and students with special educational needs and exceptionally talented children, pupils and students, was issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports last year (in September 2011). After this amendment, the regulation prohibits education of pupils without disability in the framework of an educational program intended for disabled pupils (Section 3 para 4) and does not even allow education of pupils without disability in a class for disabled pupils, except for a short-time and exceptional stay in specific cases (Section 3 para 5).   In  2011 The Decree of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport  No. 72/2005 Col. was further amended  by the Decree No. 116/2011 Col. The purpose of this amendment was to  modify certain statements of the previous legislation,  e.g.  written confirmation has been introduced in which  a student of full legal age,  in  the case of a minor  his/ her guardian, signs  that the recommendations containing suggested modifications in  the education of the pupil concerned  have been discussed with him/her and the he/ she has understood their  nature  and content and that he/ she  can also express their objections to them.
OECD 2013 EDUCATION POLICY OUTLOOK: CZECH REPUBLIC. Page 4, 10, 15
Further development of the information system of data boxes and public administration contact points- CzechPOINTs, already up and running in the Czech Republic, which simplify and accelerate public administration processes for citizens and businesses. Data boxes are currently functional, but it is necessary to ensure their use in practice and to forge links with targets of the EU.
At the end of 2011, the Government  approved establishment of the Seed/VC fund. The fund shall invest in innovative SMEs in the form of risk capital. Additional at least 30-50 % capital of private sources shall be allocated to supported projects. . Support will be provided of up to 2,5 million EUR yearly per project. The functioning of the fund is planned for the period 2012-2022.
SBA Fact Sheet 2010/11, Brief no. 35, June 2012
The Government adopted a decree on its strategy for fighting corruption in 2011 and 2012 which amongst others aimed at combating corruption in business sector.
Investment for European Competitiveness: COntribution of the Czech Republic to Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012 National Reform Programme of the Czech republic. Page 66
Investing into European Competitiveness: Contribution of the Czech Republic to Europe 2020 Strategy - National Reform Programme of the Czech Republic 2011, p.65. Completed by Pro Inno Europe.
With the Resolution No. 714 the government approved the National Innovation Strategy of the Czech Republic (NIS). Its conceptual basis and goals will be used inter alia for actualising the National research, development and innovation policy up until 2015. The NIS aims at: Excellent research; Cooperation between the private sector and research institutions in research and knowledge transfer; Innovative entrepreneurship and People as bearers of new ideas and initiators of change.
The increased number will be maintained in the future, as well as increasing focus on ensuring that a larger number of PhD recipients gain employment in private companies.
The Government wants 60 per cent of a youth cohort to complete a higher education. With the agreement on the Budget Bill for 2012 a total of DKK 420 million has been allocated for 2012 and DKK 630 million for 2013 to be spent on increased higher education activity.
Denmark's National Reform Programme, The Danish Government, May 2011, p.30.
The Government has made an agreement with the Local Government Denmark to strengthen the inclusion in the Folkeskole in order to increase the number of students enrolled in the ordinary Folkeskole.
In January 2011 the Danish Government launched a strategy for public-private cooperation including 21 specific initiatives to promote competition for public contracts, among other things. The public-private cooperation (PPC) strategy includes initiatives to adjust the legislative framework conditions and to provide directions and tools for public and private operators entering into the competition for public contracts. Parts of the PPC strategy are implemented as part of the Competition Package.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 12
The Government has in 2011 agreed on a Competition Package with 40 measures to enhance competition and productivity. The objective is to promote competition and productivity in the private and public sectors. The Competition Package is aimed primarily at the construction and service sectors, including retailing, health services and service industries that are protected from the pressures of foreign competition. At the same time these sectors are characterised by particularly weak productivity growth. Finally, a large number of initiatives are to ensure increased competition for public contracts.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 42
German Schuko standard for power sockets and plugs has been permitted in the Danish market, the requirement for a permanent place of business for the sale of goods has been abolished, and the monopoly of attorneys in terms of entitlement to plead has been relaxed.
National Reform Programme "Estonia 2020". (2012). Page 25
In 2011, wind energy investments were completed in the value of 19 million euros and investments in expanding the use of various sources of renewable energy and improving distant heating networks were made (for a total of 33 million euros).
On 01.04.2011, the Quality Assessment Council of Estonian Higher Education Quality Agency (EKKA) adopted the document on the institutional accreditation of Estonian institutions of higher education, to be started in 2011. The new procedure replaces the previous model of study programme accreditation, with a greater emphasis placed on assessment of higher education institutions as a whole. Moreover, it will contribute to a clearer differentiation between educational institutions. It will require educational institutions to more clearly define their role in Estonian society and promote specific areas accordingly.
European Commission - Eurydice, National system overview on education systems in Europe, 2011 Edition, Estonia, September 2011, p.3 ;   Estonian Ministry of Education and Research- http://www.hm.ee/index.php?1511576
In January 2011 new curricula for basic schools and upper secondary schools were adopted by the government, the implementation of which started on 1 September 2011.This curricula stress issues that are related to the study environment as it is oriented towards learning rather than teaching. In addition, it goes into more detail on the subject of the physical learning environment and study processes, describing the provision of education and the requirement necessary for ensuring the provision of education. The curricula also underline ojectives that are intended to support the pupils, including the provision of feedback, motivation and guidance to pupils.  In the document that relates to upper secondary schools, the volume of study common to all pupils was reduced from 72 courses to 63 courses.
Europe 2020 - Strategy, Finlands National Programme Update, Autumn 2011, p.29;
The competitive procurement of public contracts for the provision of goods, services and works will be handled increasingly by electronic means, which including the use of eAuctions, will reduce bureaucracy while speeding up public procurement procedures.
Europe 2020 - Strategy, Finlands National Programme Update, Autumn 2011, p.29.
A sufficient level of research, development and innovation investment will be directed to developing the employment and productivity of service sectors and improving their export opportunities.
In May 2011 an amendment on land use planning and construction was adopted. It has special relevance for retail trade since it also regulates the construction of large shopping centres.
Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority. http://www.kilpailuvirasto.fi/cgi-bin/english.cgi?luku=legislation&sivu=competition-act
(1) The purpose of this Act is the protection of sound and effective economic competition from harmful restrictive practices.  (2) Upon application of this Act, special attention shall be paid to the protection of the operating conditions of the markets and the freedom of undertakings to operate so as to allow customers and consumers to benefit from competition.
Ministry of Employment and the Economy http://www.kilpailuvirasto.fi/cgi-bin/suomi.cgi?luku=tiedotteet&sivu=tied/t-2011-26  FINLEX http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2011/20110948
Europe 2020 - Strategy, Finlands National Programme Update, Autumn 2011, p.30.
Funding of universities and higher education establishments will be reformed to support improvements to the quality of research and education, faster transition to working life, utilisation of research results, internationalisation, and specialisation among higher education establishments.
National Reform Programme of France. April 2012. Page 29
The government has also introduced a new subsidy for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees so that they can hire an additional trainee under the age of 26
Programme National de Reforme. April 2013. Page 42
Circulaire 32565 of 17 February 2011  http://circulaire.legifrance.gouv.fr/pdf/2011/02/cir_32565.pdf
This adminstrative document officially recognises the objective of ensuring simplification and predictability of the regulatory framework for enterprises and obliges to all governmental bodies to impact assess any draft law, including implementation costs. The obligation of impact assessments was already introduced in the Constitutional Law in 2008.
The government implemented reforms in 2011 to open up regulated professions to competition in response to Recommendation 5 of the Council of the European Union. The Act of 28 March 2011 on modernisation of the legal professions and certain regulated professions was aimed at promoting inter-professional ownership of legal and accounting firms. It also created private deeds for solicitors, as a complement to notarised deeds.
Circulaire 33427 of 7July 2011  http://circulaire.legifrance.gouv.fr/pdf/2011/07/cir_33427.pdf
This administrative document stipulates that simplification exercises should be regularly pursued and states a number of principles in the field of Smart Regulation.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 23.
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p.18 and p. 21.
Law 2011-525 of 17 May 2011  http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jopdf/common/jo_pdf.jsp?numJO=0&dateJO=20110518&numTexte=1&pageDebut=08537&pageFin=08571
This law contains a number of varied simplification measures
National Reform Programme of France. April 2012. Page 31
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 23;  France Brevet: shttp://www.francebrevets.com/fr/qui-sommes-nous
French National Reform Programme 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 22.
Circulaire 33143 of 23 May 2011 http://circulaire.legifrance.gouv.fr/pdf/2011/05/cir_33143.pdf
The administrative document stipulates that all new rules applciable to enterprises can enter into application only twice a year, at fixed dates (except if this is against the interest of enterprises, and in particular of SMEs)
The Job Training and Career Path Security Act of 28 July 2011 simplifies these arrangements to facilitate their use by companies and employees. A training/work-experience website was opened in October 2011 to facilitate contacts between employers and potential employees, and to cut the red tape involved in hiring young people under training/work-experience contracts. The supplementary budget act for 2011 also changed the rates of the supplementary apprenticeship contribution by increasing the quota for trainees from 3% to 4% (the supplementary budget bill for 2012 increases it to 5%) and by modulating the rate of the supplementary apprenticeship contribution according to the number of trainees hired. The increased hiring requirement is backed up by a new bonus for employers who surpass the requirement. At the same time, the procedures for enforcing the tax and surtax will be overhauled.
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 24  National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page   Federal Ministry of Education and Research: http://www.bmbf.de/en/15375.php
With the amendment of the Telecommunications Act (Telekommunikationsgesetz), Germany intends to further improve the framework for the primarily market-driven expansion of a high-performance broadband infrastructure.
The "Bureaucracy Reduction and Better Regulation" programme has been extended to cover in addition to reporting obligations also other measurable compliance costs. Since the amendment of the law on the establishment of a National Regulatory Control Council ("Nationaler Normenkontrollrat") on 16.3.2011, the "Normenkontrollrat" now has the mandate to scrutinise administrative burden and compliance costs of newly proposed regulations for businesses, citizens and public administrations. This allows for an independent and transparent assessment of the full regulatory burden of any new legislation. The Joint Rules of Procedure of the Federal Ministries have been amended accordingly.
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 21  Federal Ministry of Education and Research http://www.bmbf.de/en/3215.php
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2011 Teil I Nr. 64, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 13. Dezember 2011, S. 2582, www.bgbl.de
Additional correction on 19.12.2011 (Berichtigung des Gesetzes zur weiteren Erleichterung der Sanierung von Unternehmen)  Simplifications and changes to the insolvency laws to better facilitate the restructuring of companies.
Additional capital in the form of fast-track funding is to be made available within a competitive framework on the basis of innovative, demand-driven and sustainable overall university strategies that aim to create and develop study courses as part of lifelong academic learning. The first round of the competition starts in 2011. Funding will commence in autumn 2011. The open universities competition is part of the Qualifications Initiave.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2010/2011, www.bgbl.de   DG MARKT
Several laws have been adopted in 2010/2011 related to the implementation of the Service Directive (Directive 2006/123/EC of 12 December 2006). In 2011, the Services Directive has been fully transposed by Germany into national law.
Germany, National Rreform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 43.
The aim is to break the link between social background and personal future. The Alliance for Education will support the development of local educational partnerships, link existing initiatives and provide professional expertise. Under a common umbrella, associations, organisations and individuals work closely with schools and municipalities to develop measures to improve social equality in education.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2011 Teil I Nr. 35, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 14. Juli 2011, S. 1348, www.bgbl.de
(Verordnung zur Entlastung der Unternehmen des Gastgewerbes von monatlichen Berichtspflichten nach dem Handelsstatistikgesetz (Gastgewerbestatistikverordnung)), 30.06.2011   Decree to reduce the reporting obligations of companies in the gastronomy sector.
Further opening of protected sectors: liberalisation of the long-distance bus transport system.
National Reform Programme Germany 2010-2011 p 38  Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2011 Teil I Nr. 55, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 4. November 2011, S. 2131, www.bgbl.de
Germany, National Rreform Programme 2011, Berlin, 6 April 2011, Annex, Table 51.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2011 Teil I Nr. 19, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 2. Mai 2011, S. 666, www.bgbl.de
DE-Mail is a German E-Government communications service that makes it possible to exchange legal electronic documents between citizens, agencies, and businesses over the Internet.  The project is realized by the German government in cooperation with private business partners and aims to reduce communication costs of administration and companies.
Hellenic National Reform Programme 2011-2014, Athens, April 2011, p. 43.
The Law simplifies licensing, especially for lower nuisance activities, and introduces strict deadlines for reaction by licensing authorities.
Law published in the official gazette of the Hellenic Republic
Law 703/1977 on the protection of free competition was abolished, instead of being amended one more time, as the legislator of Law 3959/2011 (the New Competition Act) declared its intention to avoid the risk of conflicting rules and oversights and to produce a coherent statute which is easier to understand and to implement.  The new Competition Act introduced, however, other significant amendments concerning, inter alia, the organization and operation of the Hellenic Competition Commission, the prioritization of cases, the administrative and criminal penalties for violations, as well as several procedural rules. The Amendments served the following objectives:  1- the harmonization of Greek legislation with European standards and the modernization of the operations of HCC, 2- the strengthening of the deterrent effect of sanctions, 3- the empowerment of the authority to intervene in whole sectors of the economy, 4- the institutional strengthening of HCC, and probably primarily, and all-encompassing, 5- the enhancement of the effectiveness of its actions.
investments in tourism - pension system reforms - broader financial sector amendments
Government Gazette of the Hellenic Republic. http://www.thesisltd.com/files/07.04.11-%5BEXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_OF_THE_NEW_INCENTIVE_LAW_3908-2011%5D.pdf
On February 1st, 2011 a new Investment Incentives Law was voted by the Greek Parliament (L.3908/2011) providing benefits to promote the Economic Growth, Entrepreneurship and Regional Cohesion. The Law provides incentives to domestic and foreign investors for the following expenses. 1. Tangible Assets (up to 40% of the total investment plan), 2. Intangible Assets (up to 50% of the total investment plan), 3. Consultancy services (only small and medium sized companies and for amount up to 5% of the total cost of investment and up to 50,000 euros).
Law 3919/2011 lifted all unjustified restrictions on the entry and practice of professions. The Bill abolishes as of 2 July 2011, four months after it was passed, all types of restrictions that: -          Restrict the number of people that can enter a profession; -          Require that a license to exercise a profession must be provided following an assessment of genuine need; -          Set geographic or territorial limits on the practice of a profession; -          Require that there is  a minimum distance between practitioners; -          Impose constraints the establishment of further facilities by the same person; -          Restrict the distribution of goods from certain types of professional establishments; -          Restrict the practice of a profession by a certain types of legal entity;   -          Impose constraints on equity participation  based on criteria relating to the professional status of the participants; -          Set obligatory minimum prices; -          Require that the practitioner offers other specific services together with his/her services. All the above-mentioned restrictions are automatically lifted after July 2 2011, without any further administrative action.
Hellenic National Reform Programme 2011-2014, Athens, April 2011, p. 20.
This law integrates the third energy package of EU into Greek Legislation. It reinforces the powers of the regulatory authority for energy and provides clear independence of the regulator from the government. It also establishes the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the Distribution System Operator (DSO). (LAW 4001/2011)
Pre customs procedures are streamlined according to EU regulations and best practices and wherever necessary, are simplified. Screening of procedures has started in a pilot phase for specific products
A further 10% of the state's share in the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization was sold to the private sector.
Published in the Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic.
Public Transportation in Attica is restructured by virtue of the Law 3920/2011 through merging all the existing operators into two distinct entities , one dealing with road public transportation (OSY) and the other with fixed track transportation (STASY).
Law 3919/2011 liberalises all professions, including pharmacists, notaries, lawyers, architects and auditors, through the elimination of restrictions, such as minimum compensation, entry requirements, geographical restrictions, compulsory use and other restrictions.
Hellenic National Reform Programme 2011-2014, Athens, April 2011, p. 31. Completed by ELKE Hellenic Centre for Investment..
The adoption of the new investment law (Law (3908/2011) )aims to promote growth by introducing investment aid schemes: to improve technological development, regional cohesion, entrepreneurship and the competitiveness of enterprises; to promote the green economy, efficient use of existing infrastructures and the deployment of human resources in Greece. The investment incentive schemes shall apply to investment plans in all branches of economic activity. The following three types of aid can be granted: (a) tax relief, (b) grant and (c) leasing subsidy.
The Law reduces the complexity of the environmental licencing system.
Law 3966/2011 published in the official gazette of the Hellenic Republic
Diophantus is a research and technology organization focusing on research and development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Particular emphasis is placed on education, by developing and deploying conventional and digital media in education and lifelong learning; publishing printed and electronic educational materials; administrating and managing the Greek School Network; and supporting the organization and operation of the electronic infrastructure of the Greek Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs and all educational units.
Hellenic National Reform Programme 2011-2014, Athens, April 2011, p. 30.
This integrated reform programme (implemented in 2011-2012  by the Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs) of mergers for school units in the primary and secondary level of education aims at upgrading the quality of the education provided, ensuring the optimal development of infrastructures in order to allow the application of innovative teaching methods and facilitate the work of teachers and the provision of quality education services.
amendements to law 3588/2007 regarding bankrapcy condiitions
Law published in the Official Gazette of the Hellenic Republic. http://www.investingreece.gov.gr/files/2012_update/English/Licencing_procedures_energy_en.pdf ;
This law integrates the third energy package of EU into Greek Legislation. It reinforces the powers of the regulatory authority for energy and provides clear independence of the regulator from the government. It also establishes the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the Distribution System Operator (DSO)
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 35
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 173
Section 48/A of Act CCIV of 2011 on National Higher Education provides for the student scholarship agreement between the students and the higher education institute. Based on this, Hungarian state (part) scholarship holder students will be required, on the basis of scholarship agreement, to obtain a degree as part of the subsidised course of studies within the study time determined in the training and output requirements but within maximum one and a half times the study time determined in the training and output requirements, and to pay the Hungarian State 50% of the state scholarship grants disbursed by the Hungarian State with regard to the given training course as a flat-rate sum if they fail to obtain a degree as part of the training course subsidised on the basis of a Hungarian state (part) scholarship.
1. Administrative burden reduction on enterprises by making foreclosure and liquidation procedures faster and more transparent 2. agreement with the creditors. 3. effective insolvency proceedings
National Reform Programme p. 9; Magyary Programme  http://www.kormany.hu/download/1/6d/40000/Magyary%20Kozigazgatas%20fejlesztesi%20Program.pdf
The e-Government pillar of the Magyary Programme ensures digital solutions to cut admininstrative burdens, to simplify processes to implement on-demand programmes with the participation of the citizens to develop public services and to support information and knowledge-based asset management and economy.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 41; Completed by: Mondaq, Government and Public Sector, Schoenherr, Hungary.
Act No. CVIII of 2011 on public procurements (the New Act) was promulgated on 20 July 2011 to replace the former public procurement act that had been in effect since 2003. The New Act enters into force on 1 January 2012. Pursuant to the official interpretation to the New Act, the adoption of the new regulation became necessary due to the complex nature of the former public procurement act. The legislative interpretation also sets out that the New Act better serves the ultimate purposes of public procurements: spending public funds on a best value for money basis, transparency of such spendings and clarity of the relevant competition. Beyond these purposes, the New Act aims to improve the chances of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to successfully participate in the public procurement procedures and to decrease the administrative burdens.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 142
Establishing an internal institutional control system, training experts and develop the educational standards by taking the EQUAVET recommendations into account in vocational training.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 64.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 60
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 189-180
The Hungarian Higher Education Accreditation Committee (HAC)  reinforced by the new higher education legislation plays a prominent role in quality assurance in higher education. HAC operates in accordance with the relevant international practice as a body with national competence that performs quality evaluation in the system of higher education as necessary for the state recognition of institutions of higher education and their training, academic, research and artistic activities. Regulation is the main tool of this measure.
This measure call up for programmes targeting secondary and tertiary level students to become engineers and spark interest in IT and related fields. These programmes can include open days, road shows and foreign scholarship funds. The programme is targeted to raise the standard of IT and civil engineer training through infrastructure development, expansion, modernizing course books and teacher training.In order to support this measure, the Government decided to substantially increase the state-funded scholarships (student entries) in the fields of engineering, informatics and natural sciences (to about 70% of all scholarships) from 2012.
National Reform Programme p. 14; Magyary Programme   http://www.kormany.hu/download/1/6d/40000/Magyary%20Kozigazgatas%20fejlesztesi%20Program.pdf
The renewal of the public admininstration services will ensure: renewal of responsibilites of public administration; establishing efficient organisational run; review of public administration in-service procedures and improving skills and commitment of public servants. The main object of Simplification Program is to make the processes defined by the laws and legislations simplier. This object is two-sided: it is neccesary to reduce the administrative burden on citizens, but is is also important not to raise / not to push the administrative burden to the public administration. In the frame of Simplification Programme there will be 228 processes simplified, which are built up on life events. The main result indicator of the project is to reduce the administrative burden on citizen by 25 percent.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 135
Act CLXXXVII of 2011 on vocational training will enhance the role and responsibility of the chambers of commerce in the practical implementation of the training. Regional integrated vocational training centres will be transformed in order to make the vocational training school system more transparent and more efficient. The system of traineeship will be extended to professions not previously covered. The professional examination system will be modified, and other important elements of the system will be improved as well. The detailed rules will be worked out and introduced in 2012. In 2012-2013, the implementing regulations of the new act on vocational training will be issued, and the entire content will be newly regulated. The EU financing programmes will serve the implementation of these measures and will be linked to the modification of specific system elements
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 56
Hungary introduced in March 2011 the Combined Micro-Loan product assessed in a one-stop procedure, which is the combination of a maximum HUF 8 million micro-loan and HUF 4 million in non-repayable aid. These sums were raised in January 2012 to HUF 10+20 million (maximum HUF 10 million in non-repayable aid and a maximum HUF 20 million micro-loan) reflecting the great success of this arrangement.
In 2011 the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMIA) have auctioned the available 900 MHz frequencies. The tendered frequencies are suitable for 3G and 4G mobile services, can be used with various technologies thereby the service providers on these frequencies will have the option to install and operate GSM, UMTS, LTE, or WiMAX networks. These frequencies will provide better mobile internet services because, due to the better wave propagation, the base stations will cover significantly greater areas. This will result in the significant expansion of 3G coverage in rural areas and in lower service prices. The winner of the auction will appear in the market as a new mobile service provider.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 11; 40; 120; 223 Egyszeru Allam program  http://egyszeruallam.kormany.hu/
Main elements of the programme 1. develop quality of public services; 2. develop the domestic capital market; 3.designing the institution of competitiveness agreements; 4. encourage intitiatives for competitiveness
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 112-114
The Programme was introduced in 2011 to ensure preferential working capital loan for agricultural SMEs, especially in the animal husbandry sector. The Programme was amended to allow for aslo non-SMEs to obtain loan, and to allow for buying breeding animal. In 2013 the Government introduced 50% interest rate subsidy (maximum 4 percentage point per year) in the frame of the Programme, extended the maximum duration from 3 to 6 years, within which the period of grace from 1 to 3 years.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary, p. 113
The Hungarian Government approved a medium-term government programme for the reduction of the administrative burdens of businesses in November 2011, as an annex to Government Resolution No.  1405/2011. The programme contains 114 measures in total in ten areas of intervention. The full time-scale of the programme extends to the end of 2013, however, in the case of more than 80 per cent of the measures, implementation takes place already in 2012 (some measures have, in fact, already been implemented). The measures featured in the programme will in total reduce the administrative burdens of businesses by HUF 500 billion (approximately 1.7 per cent of the GDP); more than half of this reduction will be achieved in 2012. By virtue of the reduction of administrative burdens, resources may become released in the private sector which businesses may use for projects and developments enhancing the growth potential of the entire economy and for hiring more workforce. Out of the measures implemented until the end of 2011 , the significant simplification of product tax regulation is worth mentioning (with respect to packaging materials), as well as the increasing of the sales revenue value limit of the auditing process compulsory for enterprises, and simplifying certain elements of employment-related administration.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 93 National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 40
The public education legislation introduced in December 2011 the concept of the bridge programmes. The public education bridge programmes represent a form of training in the school system which provides assistance for pupils performing poorly in primary education and a chance for those who are unable to complete their primary studies to continue their studies in secondary education.   It distinguishes different types of bridge programmes: - students required to attend education by law who completed their primary studies but failed to gain admission to a secondary school may continue their studies in the Bridge I programme. The training provided in the Bridge I programme offers fundamental skills and competence training as necessary for the continuation of studies.  -if a student, having completed his/her primary studies, does not wish to continue his/her studies in a secondary school, the primary school initiates his/her admission to the Bridge II programme. The Bridge II programme prepares students who are unable to complete their primary studies by the compulsory maximum school attendance age for the commencement of vocational training. The training provided in the Bridge II programme motivates students to learn and develops the skills necessary for the acquisition of an occupation.
In March 2011, the Combined Micro-credit Line was introduced. This program is designed for micro enterprieses to make their access to financing better, by the development of methods of microfinance. It s combined with a max. HUF 8 million micro-credit and HUF 4 million grant, which is scored by points of single contact. These sums were raised in January 2012 to HUF 10+20 million (maximum HUF 10 million grant and  maximum HUF 20 million micro-loan) reflecting the great success of this arrangement. According to less strict collateral requirements credits will become available more easier for SME's. A  first loss type guarantee measures has been introduced, so the scope of beneficiaries have become much wider than before, and competition for clients will increase, more and more kinds of credit lines will become available.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 97
- The Hungarian State promotes access to institutions of higher education with an extensive support system. As a result, two thirds of students in higher education received full state grants in 2011. This ratio may also be maintained in the case of those entering the system in 2012 through scholarships and partial scholarships.  - The Government maximised in a decree the tuition fees that universities may charge pay students and state institutions are not restricted in the number of pay students they wish to admit. In the interest of broadening opportunities, as part of the Student Loan II programme, the State provides free access to higher education for all students newly entering institutions of higher education.
National Reform Programme of Hungary, April 2011, Annex 1, p. 53.   National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 92
In December 2011, new laws to regulate public education has been adopted. Changes will be made on the one hand for setting up a new 3-year dual vocational training system in public education.  This regulation will provide the opportunity for students to participate in vocational training programmes immediately after finishing eighth grade and becoming acquainted with the practical basics of their trade at an age when they are extremely receptive to it, i.e. during  9-11th grades so they would be able to acquire a vocational qualification earlier. At the same time, the new public education law lowers the age from 18 years at present for mandatory attendance in education (with the objective that the young and their parents have actual choice of whether to continue studies or begin to work; This does not mean that pupils will drop out of the public education system ). Pursuant to the Public Education Act becoming effective in September 2012, as from September 2014 kindergarten attendance will be compulsory from the age of 3 (instead of the present age limit of 5 years), therefore the children will enter the communities in their early childhood, thus facilitating the subsequent adaptation to school, also preventing early school-leaving.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 41, 230
With the entry into force of the new PPA and the implementing regulations a stable, transparent and reliable legislative system on public procurement was created. The new PPA falls in line with the EU directives on public procurement in all respects, and contains provisions that embed the relevant case law of the European Court of Justice in the legislation. A primary objective of the new PPA and its implementing regulations is to make it easier for enterprises to participate in public procurement procedures and thus to enhance competition. To this end, the new regulations have simplified the certification of eligibility, and reduced the obligations related to the documents to be submitted in public procurement procedures (for instance, the obligation of the certification of subcontractors has been lifted; in an increasing number of cases, paper-based certificates were substituted with electronic registers; notarization is no longer necessary if the chamber performs the required task; and if the tenderer offers a responsible translation, no certified translation is needed). To influence the practice of contractors, the Ministry of National Development has published directives on the reduction of the tenderers' burden. To guide and assist practices, the Ministry of National Development organizes professional forums where, among others, the regulations aimed at the reduction of administrative burden are presented.
Action Plan for Jobs 2012 Progress Report
Reduced rate of stamp duty for commerical propery from 6% to 2% for property purchased up to end of 2013 & held for 7 years
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.13.
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.21. Completed by: Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life - The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020, Department of Education and Skills, Dublin, 2011.
The National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 was published in early January 2011 and provides a framework for the development of the higher education sector for the next twenty years. The recommendations of the Strategy aim to increase the quality and flexibility of the system to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of an increasingly diverse cohort of students. The Strategy includes the following key measures: To continue to meet the high demand from school leavers for higher education through the provision of a sustainable funding base; to widen access for students facing social and economic barriers and students with disabilities to higher education through the provision of appropriate supports and access measures; to put in place policy measures to maximise progression through and completion of higher education degrees; to ensure accessibility to higher education of adults, particularly those in the workforce, by increasing flexible provision, particularly part-time provision, and through developing other entry routes into higher education, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Ireland NRP 2013 - update, p. 28-29. Evaluation of Springboard 2011
The Springboard programme strategically targets funding of free part time higher education courses for unemployed people in areas of identified skills needs, such as ICT, Pharmachem and International Financial Services. More than 10,000 places have been provided under the two rounds of the programme to date. A new call for proposals, which was issued at the end of February, is expected to provide for an additional 5,000 places in 2013. A first stage evaluation report, published in February 20126, showed that 70% of participants were male and 20% had previously been employed in construction. A second stage evaluation report has recently been completed and it shows that 30% of participants were back in work within 6 weeks of completing a Springboard course and that 40% were back in work within 6 months of completion.
Irish Statute Book; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2011/Communications+Regulation+Act+2011+signed+into+law.htm)
In addition to removing the final legal monopoly from An Post to deliver letters, the Act introduces a number of important firsts with respect to primary legislation for the postal sector in Ireland:      It guarantees the daily provision of a postal service to every address throughout the entire country     It provides for challenging targets with respect to the regulation of the quality of this service     It designates An Post as the postal operator who must guarantee this universal service for twelve years     It provides for the framework for regulating access to the An Post delivery network by its competitors     It provides for stronger levels of consumer protection, including means of redress, for all postal users     It provides for additional consumer protection by requiring a price cap to be put in place for services most commonly used by individual postal users
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p.22. Completed by: EU - Joint Report on the implementation of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET2020), July 2011.
The student grant schemes administrative function for tertiary education is undergoing a radical restructuring, enabled by the Student Support Act, which was signed into law in February 2011. The key provisions of the Act are: The transfer of responsibility for student grants from 66 grant awarding authorities to a single grant awarding authority; the creation of a single unified grants scheme by way of regulation to replace the existing four student grant schemes; the establishment of an Appeals Board
National Reform Programme for Ireland under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 29 April 2011, p. 14 and p. 5.
Se measure 34 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Tax and administrative agencies should coordinate their inspections into a firm in order to reduce burdens by firms.
Measure No. 45 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP; pag. 56 of NRP 2012
Category C pharmaceuticals requiring a prescription may be sold in para-pharmacies and in corners located in shopping centres. The Ministry of Health may draft a list of pharmaceuticals requiring a prescription which may be sold in shopping centres. In order to widen the access to pharmacy ownership to potential owners, the service of pharmaceutical distribution is to be strengthened. More specifically, the number of authorisations granted is to be increased, through lowering the average number of inhabitants to be served (3,300 versus 4,000-5,000) for the opening of new pharmacy. The region may make exceptions to the criterion of the number of pharmacies per capita and authorise new pharmacies in high-traffic areas. Shopping centres may prepare galenical products that do not require a medical prescription.
Pag. 57 of NRP 2012; measure No. 89 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Granting of the guarantee of the State to cover the liabilities of Italian banks (with headquarters in Italy), pursuant to European Commission Communication C(2011)8744.  The amount of the guarantees granted is limited to what is strictly necessary for reinstating the medium-/long-term funding capacity of the beneficiary banks.
Measure No. 113 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP; pag. 58 of NRP 2012
Introduction of a taxation system (ACE) favourable for reinvestment of earnings and for capital increases, so as to reduce advantages of indebtedness.
Pag 57 of NRP 2012; measure No. 91 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Mutual investment funds have been set up to facilitate access to venture capital and to support the growth of new businesses. They are "Funds for Venture Capital" (FVC) and are part of the category of EU harmonised investment funds that invest at least 75 per cent of their capital in not-listed companies in experimental phase (seed financing), for the establishment of new companies (start-up financing), for the beginning of activity (early stage financing) or for product development (expansion-financing). The potential beneficiaries of the FVC are companies with their operating headquarters in Italy with annual sales of less than 50 mn euros.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.133
Definition of a three-year plan for full-time hiring of teachers, education assistants and support personnel- ATA for 2011-2013 on the basis of the job vacant and available during each year.
Measure No. 69 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011
Mesure No. 134 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Initiative for promoting scholastic achievement
Measure No. 79 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Fund for disbursing financing to, investing in the risk capital of, and providing guarantees for SMEs.
General description of the measure: Implementing the Small Business Act for Europe in Italy, this law establishes a set of principles to better recognize and promote the role of micro, small and medium-sized companies. This involves better taking SMEs needs into account in the regulatory framework and improve the relations with public administrations. The law formally establishes a national "SME Envoy" and foresees the annual adoption of a "SME Law" to address main challenges and concerns.
Pag. 55 of NRP 2012; see measure 32 of the annexed grid.
Acceleration of the establishment of optimal territorial areas that are no larger than the provincial territory for more efficient organisation of the services; incentives for encouraging the aggregation of companies within more competitive enterprises. Rewards for local authorities that invite tender for local public services and for the companies that improve service quality and efficiency. Allocation of portions of the Infrastructures fund to local authorities that dispose of holding in local public services (SPL) companies. Enhancements to the powers of the Anti-Trust Authority on the subject of public services and of the authority regulating the sector. New impulse to local public transport, with objectives to increase efficiency and to streamline the consequent means for monitoring. New means for splitting the Fun for making the Local Public Services more streamlined and efficient.
The simplified taxation system for minimum taxpayers goes into force on 1 January 2012, for the tax period in which the activity began and for four subsequent periods, with reference to physical persons who undertake or have already undertaken after 31 December 2007, a business or professional activity at certain conditions.
See measure 33 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012.
The Energy and Gas Authority is charged for regulation on the water sector with the following main tasks:  1) it defines the minimum levels of service quality with powers to require and access administrative documents;  2) it establishes standardad rules in order to determine cost components for different types of water uses, by taking into account pollution costs;  3) it establishes the method of determining price components;  4) it carries out other activities of certification, verification and reporting.
Measure No. 100 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012; pages 59-60 of the NRP 2012
Amendments to laws and regulations on the subject of tenders, in order to reduce the time needed for the construction of public works (especially for works of strategic interest); to simplify the procedures for awarding the related public contracts; and to guarantee a more effective control system; and to reduce the number and scope of disputes. The amendments to the Public Contracts Code regard the requisites for participating in tenders, variances, reserves, compensatory work, settlements, and strategic infrastructures. The decree also provides for the posting at prefectures of lists of suppliers and service providers not subject to the risk of mafia infiltration as well as some type of reason for exclusion from the tenders. DL 1/2012 provides for: introduction of operational provisions for competitive dialogue; integration of the PEF with additional accompanying information in order to accelerate CIPE assignments; authorisation for tenders for the ward of contracts for major works, with the definitive or preliminary project as the base of the tender; simplification of the project drafting and approval phases; alignment of national laws and regulations for project-based regulation of rail and road infrastructures with laws and regulations at a European level.
Measure No. 43 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012; pag. 55 of NRP 2012.
Extension of free opening hours to all shops, not just those located in resorts or cultural cities. Furthermore, quotas, territorial or other restrictions - except those related to health and workers protection, environment and cultural heritage - can not be imposed.
Measure No. 77 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
National Reform Programme 2012. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 2
Establishment of a National Anticorruption Authority
Measure 19 of the annexed grid. European Directive 2009/72/EC and 2009/73/CE; regulations 714 e 715 /2009
With a view to ensuring the security of gas supply, balancing supply and demand on the national market and guarantee the quality and maintenance level of networks, the Ministry of Economic Development is issuing a number of policy statements ('atti di indirizzo'). More specifically, with a decree will be establish a procedure in order to achieve new electicity generation capacity.
Measure No. 68 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Creation of the Merit Fund to promote merit and quality learning in the school and university system
Measure No. 111 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
The tax credit for investments in underutilised areas (Article 1, Paragraph 271-279, LF 2007) is refinanced with EU Structural Funds. The means and the amount of the tax credit are to be set by Decree of the Economy and Finance.
Measure No. 48 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
It is forbidden to hold positions on the management and control bodies in more than one bank or financial institution.   Within June 1st 2012, ABI, associations of payment service providers, the Italian Post Corporation must reduce the interchange fees for businesses for payments with credit cards.   Contractual clauses provides for commissions for granting of credit lines have been invalidated.   Banks that condition the disbursement of a mortgage or consumer credit on the execution of life insurance policy must give the customer at least two bids from different insurers.
Measure No. 69 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Appropriation of funds for a funancing of university system
Measure No. 71 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Measure No. 47 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP; pag. 55 of NRP 2012.
The Competition Authority may appeal to the admistrative court against acts adopted by the Public Administration for violations of competition principle. New powers in the field of ethical behaviour principles in business and the development of lawfulness rating criteria for businesses.
Measure No.41 of the grid annexed to the 2012 NRP.
Simplifications for citizens have been introduced related to on-line availability of forms to be filled.
Measure No. 35 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Reallocation of the sums not used for the tax credit for cinema to the Fund for Production, Distribution, Exercise and Technical Industries. Reactivation of the extraordinary plan of hiring personnel for Pompeii. Other urgent provisions for the State's financial intervention in culture heritage and in protection, maintenance and restoration of Pompeii
Measure No. 149 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Programme Agreements: for the timely identification and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives of significant interest in scientific and technological research and experimental development, the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research is authorised to sign special programme Agreements for strategic research with public and private entities, including in associate form, as well as with districts, for the planning and execution of the projects covered by negotiated planning. b) Planning research: the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research ensures that the research plans and projects and activities proposed by supervised public research entities are consistent with indications in the National Research Programme, including when subdividing the 7 per cent of the fund for the ordinary financing of research entities, intended to finance specific programmes and projects, including joint projects, proposed by the entities themselves. C) Rewards: the legislative decree for the setting value on university efficiency has been passed, and reward mechanisms have been introduced for the distribution of resources.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.149
a) Programme Agreements: for the timely identification and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives of significant interest in scientific and technological research and experimental development, the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research is authorised to sign specifically programme Agreements for strategic research with public and private entities, including in associate from, as well as with districts, for the planning and execution of the projects covered by negotiated planning. b) Planning research: the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research ensures that the research plans and projects and activities proposed by supervised public research entities are consistent with the indications in the National Research Programme, including when subdividing the 7 per cent of the fund for the ordinary financing of research entities, intended to finance specific programmes and projects, including join projects, proposed by the entities themselves. c) Rewards: the legislative decree for the setting value on university efficiency has been passed, and reward mechanisms have been introduced for the distribution of resources.
Consistency of plans and research projects and activities proposed by public research institutions with National Research Program guide-lines. A 7 per cent share of the ordinary fund for research institutions is reserveded to deserving projects.
Measure No. 76 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
Strengthening the Central Guarantee Fund referring to SME's access to credit. The fund provides guarantees for any type of financial transaction for up to 60 per cent of the transaction value (or 80 per cent for the Convergence Areas) against guarantees granted by the collective loan-guarantee consortiums (Confidi) and co-guarantees to SMEs for up to 80 per cent of the amount of the financing (2.5mn euros for each firm as the new basis for calculation).
Pag. 64 of NRP 2012; measure No. 126 of the grid annexd to NRP 2012
Steamlining of expenditure procedures related to resources earmarked to public works included in Local Governments' Three-Year Plans. The search for greater administrative efficiency has also involved the arts and cultural heritage, a critical sector for Italy, with the plan for reducing administrative charges for businesses and citizens ensuring: the simplification of landscaping authorisation for small-scale projects; the standardisation of forms and electronic filing; and the design and construction of tools for the standardisation and the automation of procedures for the declaration of cultural interest.
Measure No. 128 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP Par. 73 of the NRP 2012
Implementation of the Digital Administration Code and access to Public Administration databanks: the digitalisation of the Public Administration processes (on-line services, electronic payments, and eHealth) has required new rules for guaranteeing (i) rapid and efficient exchange of information and (ii) operating continuity of the systems in case of malfunctions. In attempting to create a single Public Administration for citizens and business, lawmakers have required the Public Administrations and the managers of public services can obtain of its own motion information held by other Public Administration, identifying an office responsible for the necessary activity of data transmission or direct access to the data. This means for exchanging the information are identified by the DifitPA guidelines for the drafting of agreements for the ability to use the Public Administrations' data. The amendments to the consolidated act on administrative documentation establish that the certificates issued may no longer be submitted to Public Administration bodies or private managers of public services, realizing reduction in certificates.
See measures No. 30 and 34 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
New rules for: a) customer identification in hotels; b) renewal of residence permits by foreign workers; c) disposal of industrial wastes.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme.  Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.8
Measure No. 115 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP; pag. 56 of NRP 2012
The coexistence in ANAS S.p.A. of the role of concessionaire, the grantor and the vigilant on the motorway companies has been eliminated. As for the grantor, an Agency for road and highway infrastructures has been set up within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, charged with planning related to the construction of new roads. Anas will remain the concessionaire and manager of the road network. Regulatory tasks have been assigned to the newly established Authority for Transport.
Measure No. 39 of the grid annexed to the NRP 2012; pag. 55 of NRP 2012
Introduction of the principle of freedom of enterprise: anything is allowed that is not expressly prohibited by EU laws and regulations and fundamental principles of the Constitution. This principle also becomes binding for local autonomous entities, and thus repeals any incompatible state laws and regulations.  The start-up of business activity is deregulated, with immediate repeal (as of 6 December 2011) of all limits, prohibitions, restrictions and administrative and authorising acts.   Administrative coordination of the Prime Minister's office in safeguarding and promoting competition.  Enterprise statute containing regulations to protect freedom of enterprise, and to guarantee the full-scale application of the European Commission's definitive communication COM(2008) 394 of 25 June 2008.
Measure No. 44 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP.
The Report on RIA must also contain information about the minimum level of administrative burdens stemming from transposing community regulations
Pag. 58 of the NRP 2012; measure 90 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012.
Expansion of the sphere of application of the original regulation: the transformation also applies to tax losses; potential beneficiaries also include companies in liquidation, companies subject to insolvency proceedings, and companies operating in a crisis situation.
Measure No. 46 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
The directors of the courts will be required to prepare annual plans with reference to the pending case load (10 per cent of the case load is to be cleared to be virtuous) with the definition of the priorities to be pursued and the objectives to be achieved.  The achievement of the plan will be a factor for confirmation of the executive mandate. The courts may also make use of doctoral candidates, trainees, and students attending specialisation's diplomas. The unified contribution will be increased by 10-20 per cent (including for tax and labour court cases) in order to finance urgent expenditures for the justice system. The head of judicial offices will be required to prepare annual plans in order to reduce the pending case load (10 per cent of the case load is to be cleared to be evaluated as virtuous) with the definition of the priorities to be pursued and the objectives to be achieved. The achievement of the plan will be a factor for confirmation of the executive mandate. The courts may also make of doctoral candidates, trainees, and students attending specialisation's diplomas. The unified contribution will be increased by 10-20 per cent (including for tax and labour court cases) in order to finance urgent expenditures for the justice system. Other measures regards : 1) social welfare, pension and tax disputes; 2)delay in resolving disputes ; 3) calendar of civil actions and procedural initiatives; 4) use of certified email in civil proceedings; 5) reduction and acceleration in civil proceedings; 5) reduction and acceleration in civil proceedings at appeal level and Cassation courts; 6) amendments regarding judicial expenditures.
See the measure No. 30 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012
Streamlining of new industrial plants; less administrative burden for accounting and internal surveillance systems.
Measure No.92 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
The Antitrust Authority may evaluate on its own or as consequence of a complaint the oppressive nature of clauses included in contracts between professionals and consumers concluded through the adhesion to contract general conditions or by signing forms. Regulations have been included to make class action more effective and to protect micro-businesses from misleading and aggressive commercial practices. The content of the service charters has been defined.
Measures No. 143 and 144 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP. Pag. 64 of NRP 2012 (Italian version).
Tax treatment of donations; assignment to the Ministry for National Heritage and Culture of sums donated by public entities for the arts and cultural heritage; tax credit and tax shelters for investment in firm-making.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.158
Creation and assingnment of responsibility for the Commmittee of Ministers to define the means and timing for tenders
Measure No. 49 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
The agency for road and highway infrastructures has been set up within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and is charged with: 1) planning related to the construction of new roads to be operated under concession or direct procurement to ANAS S.p.A with no effect on public finance; 2) the selection of highway concessionaries and related adjudication. The supervision and the control. Authority has been established for the transport regulation (including taxi service) and the access to the related infrastructures and ancillary services.
Measure No. 132 of the NRP 2012; pag. 66 of the NRP 2012
The following is provided by the Digital Agenda: - the completion of the National Broadband Plan in southern Italy; the implementation of the first target of the Italian Digital Agenda Project: realisation of data centres. DL 98/2011 requires the preparation of a strategic project for the design and completion of a broadband and ultra-broadband telecommunications infrastructure, with the possible use of public resources referring to project co-financed by 2007-2003 EU Structural Funds. DL 5/2012 provides for the institution of the "Cabina di regia" for the implementation of the Italian Digital Agency.
Measure No. 42 of the grid annexed to 2012 NRP
The SYSTRI system had been configured as an alternative scheme compared with the maintenance of loading and unloading registers. Accordingly, the measure is aimed at reducing excessive administrative burdens (particularly for SMEs) that stemmed from SISTRI and slowed business activity. Instead, the loading and unloading register remains in force, as well as the identification form.
Measure 37 of the grid annexed to the NRP 2012 Pag. 63 of the NRP 2012
The silent consent has been introduced for the release of building permits (excluding environmental, landscape and cultural constraints), the extension of the certified reporting of the start-up of activity (SCIA) to projects implemented previously with the declaration of initiation of activity (DIA), the types of transfer of cubic volumes and the simplification of relationships with local governments. The SCIA is to be certified by authorised technical experts only if necessary.
Administration involved in customs clearance will be able to dialogue electronically in order to offer a single interface to businesses for management of documents supporting customs declarations and for unification controls exercised by the different customs entities.
Pag. 55 of the NRP 2012; measure No. 40 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012.
In the case of professional services, standard pricing has been eliminated and it has become easier for young people to begin practicing. More licensed notaries will be available, and users will thus be ensured a more direct and immediate relationship with the professional.
Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze, 2011 Economic and Financial Document, Section III: National Reform Programme, Annex, Grid 68.
Start of the plan to make new generations network available to 50% of Italian citizens. A public-private partnership which sees the participation of Italy's 20 telecomminucations operators.
Pag. 63 of the NRP 2012 Measure No. 27 of the grid annexed to NRP 2012; measure No. 22 of the grid annexed to NRP 2011.
Deregulation of the certified reporting of the start-up of activity (SCIA), statement of start-up of activity and additional simplifications.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 48
In order to reduce the number of unjustified non-attendance cases and to promote a decrease in poor educational achievements and repeated schooling years, since February 2011, the state has established a single procedure stipulating how an education institution should inform parents, municipal or public institutions if a pupil is absent from the education institution without a justified reason.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (April 2012). Page  37
Cluster development programme is a state budget programme initiated by the Ministry of Economics with the aim to support elaboration of industrial cluster development strategies.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (April 2012). Page 28.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 46
Allows institutions to use the intellectual property whose development has been funded by the state.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 52
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 38
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 28
The measure is aimed at making the public administration procedures more efficient by ensuring access to public services for citizens and entrepreneurs. It is planned to improve the exchange of electronic information and documents between institutions, to consolidate and centralize standard services of state information technologies and to develop interoperability of state information systems from 2011 to 2014. It is expected to use and develop a centralized electronic procurement system, as well as to give up issuing paper registration certificates, permits for different activities and licences.
Progress Report on the implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy (2012). Page 53.
"Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy". April 2012. Page 12
Cluster program is designed to promote cooperation between one industry enterprises, research, education and other institutions therefore increasing competitiveness, export and new product developmen volumes. Supported activities: (a) Clusters and cluster cooperation partner organized event coordination; (b) Promotion of cluster international cooperation; (c) Cluster marketing activities (including market research); (d) Cluster coordinator and specialist training; (e) Actions that promotes collaboration with education and science institutions (incl. cooperation partner training, research and infrastructure requirement identifying). (Project implementation until 2015)
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 53
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 47
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page
Attraction of human resources to science has been supported by establishing new scientific groups for conducting interdisciplinary research, by engaging doctoral students, new scientists and scientists wishing to return to Latvia, and foreign scientists in scientific work. Until the end of 2011, 553 scientists and doctoral students were engaged in the science expressed in a full-time equivalent (FTE) (i.e. 40 hours a week), which is 6.13% of the total number of employed in science and research expressed in FTE. In 2012, it is planned to continue supporting scientific groups by organizing second project selection stage in the amount of LVL 5.2 million
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, p.16.
The Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Strategy and the Action Plan for its implementation (2011) were developed. They are a set of measures to increase investor motivation (offer of investment incentives, appropriate labour, developed industrial areas, marketing activities, etc.).
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 49
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 36
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 17-18
Establishment of 9 national level research centres for concentration and development of science and technologies has been launched in 2011
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 18
Amendments to the Law on Judicial Power envisaging implementation of the assessment process of professional activities of judges with an aim to promote continuing professional growth of judges, thus improving the performance quality of judges and courts.
The term of Public Limited Company registration as a VAT payer has been reduced from 6 days to 3 business days. From August 2, 2011 online registration of Public Limited Company takes 1 day instead of usual registration at the State Register 3 days.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 96
When implementing 24 (14 on-going and 10 new) projects in 2012, 39 new technologies were developed, 5 new technologies were introduced, 31 new products or services were developed, and 3 patent applications were submitted. In total, the amount allocated to the projects was LTL 4.47m.  In 2012, a measure intended to encourage students, researchers and scientists to set up high technology companies and seek that the knowledge acquired in universities would turn into technologies and products was launched. After the Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology published the call, 13 R&D result commercialisation projects were funded (LTL 431.6 th.) and 13 companies were set up. In October 2012, the second call for project applications was announced.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.12 and Annex 2, p.33.  or: Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2012. Page17  or: Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 61
Ministry of Economy  The Law on the Amendment of the Law on Construction of the Republic of Lithuania No. IX-583 of November 8, 2001 (Official Gazette, 2001, No. 101-3597)
The time to deal with construction permits was reduced from 28 to 14 days.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, Annex 2, p.33.
Programme aimed at improving public knowledge in the field of intellectual property rights with an emphasis on the aspects of regulation, implementation and protection of copyright and related rights that are relevant in the context of an information society.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.19 and Annex 2, p.34.
This programme is aimed at making Lithuania a centre for international studies. Planned measures include: Developing and implementing joint study programmes with foreign universities and adapting such programmes for foreigners; promoting and supporting the international mobility of students and lecturers; increasing the international attractiveness of university education.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.12. Completed by Ministry of Environment , Republic of Lithuania.
As part of the National Energy (Energy Independance) Strategy, Lithuania will promote the liberalisation of the energy market. It will implement the 3rd EU energy package to unbundle energy transmission activities from its generation and supply. It will in particular promote competition in the gas market by separating gas supply and transmission functions.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.17 and Annex 2, p.34. Complemented by ET 2020.
Programme aimed at improving access to pre-primary and pre-school education and raising its quality. It is planned to implement measures to upgrade the infrastructure of pre-primary and pre-school education and to increase the choice of available services, educational curriculum and organisation.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme, Vilnius, April 2011, p.10.
Those amendments are a follow-up of the proposals of the Sunrise Commission and recommendations of the National Audit Office with a view to improving implementation of competition rules and strengthening the powers of the Competition Council by 2012.
Legislation simplifies and regulates in a horizontal manner the access to the professions of skilled craftsman, trader, manufacturer, as well as to certain liberal professions.
Luxembourg 2020, national Reform Programme for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the Europe 2020 Strategy, The European Semester, April 2011, p.29.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 33. National Reform Program 2012
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 34-35. National Reform Program 2012
Efforts to implement electronic administration processes are continuing. The promotion of this platform is being done to make both citizens and companies aware of the advantages of systematic use of these new methods of communication with the various administrations. A centralized help desk was set up to address all administrative questions that citizens and companies may have. Questions that cannot be dealt with immediately by this support unit are redirected to correspondents on a second level within the  administrations concerned. All recurring question/response cases are entered into a database that will eventually be accessible by the general public through the one stop system. As from 2011, it has been possible to set up a new company electronically. At this stage, the process includes an application for establishing the company, registering with the social security administration and opening a VAT account. Registering companies in the Register of Companies (RCS) can also be done on line by solicitors. The objective is to extend the catalogue of on line services to the 150 most widely used administrative process by the end of 2012.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 31. 2012
With regard to the national public research objective, government action in 2011 focused on: The second founding contract for 2010-2013 with the University of Luxembourg
The 2011-2013 performance contracts with the public research centers for Health, Gabriel Lippmann, Henri Tudor, the CEPS, the National Research Fund (FNR) and Luxinnovation is one of the basis of government action in national public research.
Circular clarifies the tax treatment of Luxembourg companies that perform intra-group financing activities and sets out the framework for granting advance tax clearance concerning them.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. 2012. Page 33
Luxinnovation and the FNR published a joint brochure in 2011, entitled "Boost your competitiveness with public knowledge: finding opportunities for public-private partnerships". The new generation of the Luxembourg gateway for innovation and research was officially launched in 2011 as part of the Luxinnovation forum "Business Meets Research". This ambitious project for reshaping the portal is the fruit of a close collaboration between Luxinnovation and the Centre for Information Technologies of the State (CTIE). This tool provides centralized and unique access to key information concerning RDI in Luxembourg. It is broken down into seven thematic headings and produces a weekly newsletter that can be customized according to the interests of persons browsing through them.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 48. National Reform Program 2012
New bridges to higher education have been created through the reform of professional training. This involves offering preparatory modules to access higher technical studies that may be taken either as part of the normal studies path or following receipt of a diploma.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. 2012. Page 32
Initiatives aimed at exploiting the innovation potential of small and medium sized companies (SME) multiplied in 2011 with a series of territorial seminars on managing innovation, organized by Luxinnovation in collaboration with the Chamber of Trade, with a specific focus on traditional SMEs.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. 2012. Page 32-33
The Cluster program is set up around five thematic Clusters: the Luxembourg Materials Cluster for materials and technology for production, the Luxembourg ICT Cluster for ICT, Luxembourg Space Cluster concerning aeronautics and space, Luxembourg BioHealth Cluster for health sciences and technologies and Luxembourg EcoInnovation Cluster focusing on ecotechnologies and sustainable development. Luxinnovation provides a lead role in these clusters, coordinating and organizing monitoring of the work. In 2011, structuring efforts were pursued with a specific work program breakdown for each cluster. The 4th edition of the Luxinnovation Forum, "Business Meets Research" was held in May, 2011 with over 350 participants coming from Luxembourg and the Greater Region. Subjects dealt with in the conferences and workshops were based on the five cluster themes. This annual event is a showcase for skills and know-how of public research in Luxembourg and is intended primarily for companies who seek to consult with external experts. The new aspect of the 2011 edition of the event was the Innovation Matchmaking concept, aimed at generating direct and effective contacts among participants. Over 120 pre-programmed interviews were held, complemented by the meeting and exchange of information possibilities in the seven thematic workshops and informal networking opportunities during the day.
With regard to the national public research objective, government action in 2011 focused on the 2011-2013 performance contracts with the public research centers for Health/ Gabriel Lippmann/Henri Tudor, the CEPS, the National Research Fund (FNR) and Luxinnovation
Another program intended specifically for young people under 18 that do not meet the criteria for a professional trade school course, who lack the skills necessary to access the labor market, or who have left school early are the professional guidance and initiation courses. These courses include general and social instruction as well as professional pre-training. This program will be continued and extended if required, depending on the number of young people who, having finished mandatory schooling, cannot get into an apprenticeship or onto the job market.
Legislation simplifies administrative procedures for development and operating conditions of classified establishments.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 35. National Reform Program 2012
A new version of the one stop concept  nfrastructure will be used to manage interoperability between administrations contributing data as part of the same process. The eCommodo process, which was adapted to the new legislation relating to ranked companies, will be the first application of this.
Enactment of Small Business Act through Parliament
The aim of this ESF 3.102 project is that of conducting a review of the Pathway to Independent Living Programme and courses between MQF Levels 1-3 through the Embedded Learning methodology and the Universal Design for Learning approach. As a result, MCAST shall be able to offer more attractive training programmes and therefore support a larger number of students from this cohort to remain in education. This shall also contribute to the Early School Leaving Strategy that is being implemented by the Ministry for Education and Employment. This project started in September 2011 and it is expected to end in September 2014.
Expansion with the aim to include: Post-doctoral opportunities undertaken both in Malta and abroad; More opportunities to scholars who are willing to use their capacity in Research and Development is those specific areas which are identified as high priority.
Malta'sNational Reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy, April 2011, p.20. Completed by: Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority Act, 2011.
The Competition Act has been amended so as to make it a more effective tool in curtailing restrictive practices and agreements and abuse of dominance.
The introduction of vocational subjects in secondary school, which are to be included as part of the general curriculum undertaken by students. Such vocational subjects are to be introduced with the aim to fulfilling the potential of students in vocational fields, and to introduce students to subjects which can capture both their aptitudes and their interest, in view of them progressing to further vocational studies and to employment in a given technical or vocational sector at a later stage.
Malta'sNational Reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy, April 2011, p.48 and p.56.
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) are currently implementing an ERDF Project for the extension of its Campus. This is planned to be completed in 2013, after which it is expected that MCAST will be able to increase its student intake, as well as provide a better learning environment for its current students.
This measure envisages the Setting up of a National System for Accreditation and Licensing of Further and Higher Education Programmes and Providers and of Recognition of Non-Formal and Informal Prior Learning.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2011. Page 40  http://www.lifesciencespark.com/
The Park will have 50 labs/working units of different sizes. All research will be Cat 2 level. Several meeting rooms, open space, retail areas and an exhibition and conference centre will be part of the project to complement the business activities for networking. It is envisaged that the provision of specific laboratory services such as analytical testing, toxicological testing, x-ray imaging for molecule characteristics, water analysis, sterilisation and autoclave, waste disposal, specialist laundry providers and similar services could be developed as independent business units which support the LSP and other activities to be undertaken within the LSP environment.  Typical tenants within the LSP will include enterprises/individuals engaged in biotechnology, clean technology, life science products and diagnostic equipment/services, contract research organisations (CROs), medical device manufacturers and specialised service providers. These enterprises/individuals may well be university spin outs, entrepreneurial starts ups, established international and local companies whose core focus is on the research function.
Act No. XI of 2011 entitled the Small Business Act, 2011,  Malta government gazette
AN ACT to enhance the operational environment for medium and small enterprises in order to facilitate their setting up and growth.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012. Page 131
This programme was introduced to further provide quality learning that leads to excellence in the tourism industry, with a view to enable more individuals to participate in tourism studies, including the lowskilled and unskilled. Both initiatives are being implemented from national funds.
http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten-en-publicaties/kamerstukken/2011/02/07/programma-regeldruk-bedrijven-2011-2015.html and progress reports under http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/regeldruk/documenten-en-publicaties/kamerstukken/2011/09/19/overzicht-reducties-en-toenames-inhoudelijke-nalevingskosten-ink.html
Follow-up programme for administrative burden reduction of 10% per year in 2011 and 2012 and 5% each in 2013-2015
The policy to improve the quality of MBO was laid down in the Focusing on Skills Action Plan (Focus op vakmanschap) in 2011. This broad policy agenda included shortening and intensifying programmes in VET and mastering the core subjects in MBO and led to Dutch and mathematics being made compulsory in August 2010 and the introduction of national exams for the core programmes on level 4 pupils as from the 2012/2013 academic year. English will be compulsory for level 4 MBO pupils as from 2012/2013. Following a pilot scheme in the 2013/2014 school year, it is the intention to phase in a national exam for English too.
The Committee's for Future-Proof Higher Education report is being implemented and includes recommendations on giving institutions more scope to select students, government funding based on specialisation with fewer perverse financial incentives, and the encouragement of excellence.
The foundation by Dutch commercial banks receives 15 million Euro public support per year from 2011-2013 for SME loans up to 35.000 Euro and coaching (allows support for 1500 SMEs). The foundation was founded by ABN AMRO Bank, ING Nederland, abobank Nederland, the Fonds Werken aan Wonen, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The act introduced the so-called one stop-shop and from 1 July 2011, the possibility of registering a business on the Internet. It provided legal basis for the Central Evidence and Information on Economic Activity (CEiDG). In addition, it  simplified and limited time for controls of businesses.
Continuation of previous initiatives aimed at facilitating the exercise of economic activity and creating a favorable legal environment for of economic activity.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. Update 2012/2013. Page 36
Reduction of administrative duties, bureaucracy and costs through the introduction of statements instead of the obligation to submit the certificates. Resignation of certain permits and records of regulated activities.
Republic of Poland, National Reform Programme, Europe 2020, Warsaw, April 2011.p.26
The Jurnal of Law of the Republic of Poland No 84 position 455  of 2011
Programme "Partnership for knowledge' was based on three pillars: 1. new managing model in the system of higher education 2. reform of studies and student's rights 3. new model of academic career  This reform package was implemented by the amendment to the Law on higher education, which set out the following objectives:   - create mechanisms for rational funding of higher education based on the achieved outcomes research and teaching;   - improve the quality of studies by abolishing the firm standards setting and increasing university's autonomy in determining faculties and curricula,   - tighten the links with business through the inclusion of practitioners to determine the curriculum and teaching in higher education; allowing the universities to conduct scientific research and developmental work for economic entities;  - overcome the mismatch on labour market by establishment of the institution of a Graduate Rights Ombudsman, responsible for i.a. analysing the graduates' situation on the labour market and their ability to gain access to specific professions;  - changing in the system of scholarships for students and young scientists;  - simplyfing the academia career path and opening the universities for the researches from abroad;
Act of 19 August 2011 amending the Act on education system and certain other acts (Dz. U. No 205, item 1206); executive provisions for the Act   Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 41,72
Since 1 September 2012, a new classification of professions in vocational education has been applicable. The classification includes 200 professions with 252 qualifications distinguished. Each of the qualifications is tested by a separate exam carried out during the school education period.  The structure of vocational education curricula has changed significantly. It specifies both professions and all qualifications distinguished from those professions, and identifies the ways of complementing/upgrading these qualifications.  In basic vocational schools, particular emphasis has been placed on practical teaching. Therefore, during three-year education, it accounts for over 60% of the entire time devoted to vocational teaching. The vocational training practice is delivered by an employer, in practical teaching centres or during school workshops. Futhermore, the reform: -  ?made possible to persons over 18, not covered with education obligation, to acquire or upgrade their qualifications in more flexible way - through vocational qualification courses organised also by VET schools.    -   introduce extramural examinations  covering the requirements of the core curriculum for  general education in basic vocational schools and  extramural vocational exams in order to  enable people having  vocational experience to confirm  separate vocational qualifications and acquire identical qualifications as gained in the school-system.
The program "Top 500 Innovators" implemented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) intends to raise the qualifications of Polish R&D personnel in terms of cooperation with the economy, research management and commercialization of research results. Under the program the Polish scientists and representatives of innovation centres participate in a two-month internship at the best universities in the world.By 2015, for internships  will leave  500 young scientists.
The amendment allows contracting authorities to exclude from participation in public procurement contractors, with whom the contracting authority terminated or cancelled its contract or withdrew from the contract due to circumstances for which the contractor was liable.
Reduction of administrative burden related to assaying and hallmarking articles of precious metals, better control of imported products, simplify the administrative structure of the assay.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 40  art. 9.1 point 2 of amendment to Law on higher education from the 18 of March 2011 (Journal of Laws of Republic of Poland from 2011 No 84 position 455)  Regulation of Minister of Science and Higher Education from the 2. November 2011 on National Qualification Framework for Higher Education (Journal of Laws of Republic of Poland from 2011 No 253 pos. 1520)
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 41  The Law on higher education on the 18 of March 2011 ( Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland No 84 position 455  of 2011)
Following a call for proposals, funds are targeted at supporting Leading National Research Centres (KNOWs), co-financing of basic university organisational units evaluated as exceptional based on the opinion of the Polish State Accreditation Committee (PKA) and co-financing of basic university organisational units in terms of implementing education quality improvement systems and National Qualification Framework.  In 2012 three types of calls for proposals (depending on the type of entities applying for financing) were launched. Under the calls, six entities were selected and granted the KNOW status for 5 years, 25 basic university organisational units evaluated as exceptional by the PKA were selected, as well as 62 units that obtained one-off funding of PLN 1 million each. The quality oriented subsidy was also granted to finance the tasks related to teaching students of full-time doctoral studies delivered by non-State universities as well as to increase the amount of doctoral scholarship for 30% of the best doctoral students at State and non- State universities.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 40   The Law on higher education from the 18 of march 2011 (the Journal of Laws of Republic of Poland from 2011 No 84 pos 455).
Adopts measures to simplify the process of constitution of limited companies and sole proprietorships by quotas, increasing the share capital to be freely defined by the membership.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 45/2011. D. R. n. 216, Series I of 2011-11-10
Meet external commitments assumed by Portugal and to make the transport sector financially balanced and affordable for  Portuguese taxpayers; Ensure mobility and accessibility for people and goods efficiently and appropriately to the needs, promoting social cohesion; Leverage the competitiveness and development of the national economy.
Resolution Council Ministers 29/12/2011 Law n.31/2012 of 14/08/2012; Effective: 90 days after publication
New law for rental housing revises the legal regime of urban rental. The aim of this reform is, together with the encouragement of urban regeneration, improve the operation of the rental market. The main changes relate to leases for housing: greater freedom to the parties, promoting the emergence of contracts of varying lengths, including shorter; enhanced resolution mechanism of the lease if the tenant is in arrears, allowing a faster termination of the contract and subsequent eviction from leased, and streamlining the procedure for termination of the lease concluded for an indefinite period to promote the rehabilitation of buildings.
Revision of the Law on Privatization to ensure that the Portuguese State does not hold special rights (golden shares) on companies and modification of the framework law on privatizations.
The Council of Ministers approved on February 10/2011, following the Congress of Exports, a set of measures under the Initiative for Competitiveness and Employment: 1. Line of credit insurance for export operating in the amount of 3 million euros for OECD and non-OECD countries; 2. Mixed-line credit insurance in the amount of 275 million euros, aimed at securing advance receipt for companies with long production cycles and billing; 3. Increase in IRC 120% of the costs of exporting companies with human resources displaced abroad (in the years 2011 to 2013); 4. Simplex Exports Program: a) Issuance of Certificate electronic Proof of Export; b) Simplification of procedures for the creation of a single administrative document for the application for exemption or reduction of VAT for exporters c) Simplification of the procedure for issuance of Export Declaration for the purposes of the Special Tax on Consumption.
With the new law of voluntary arbitration it is intended to provide the Portuguese legal system with a more flexible normative in order to make the use of voluntary arbitration more appealing, making it quick and efficient dispute resolution.
Transposition of the Third Energy Package
The Golden Shares the State possessed in EDP were eliminated.
Resolution Council Ministers 30/12/2012 Law n.16/2012, of 20/04/2012
Approved the Law amending the Code of Insolvency and Corporate Recovery simplifying formalities and procedures and instituting special process of revitalizing businesses. This reform aims to focus, where possible, maintaining the company's difficulty in the supply chain, providing a new opportunity before the liquidation of its assets. It reinforces the responsibility of borrowers and managers, if they have been causing insolvency with guilt.
Resolution Council Ministers 24/02/2011 Decree-Law n.53/2011 - Series I n.73, 13/04
The Golden Shares the State possessed in PT were eliminated.
Resolutions Council Ministers n. 54/2011, 55/2011, 16/12/2011
The Strategic Program for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, hereinafter referred to as the Strategic + E + I, aims achieve four main objectives: An entrepreneurial society; Broadening the base of innovative companies and with a strong component export; A country network and inserted into international networks of entrepreneurship, knowledge and innovation; Best investment, better results. National Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, hereinafter CNEI's mission is to advise the Government on matters national policy related to entrepreneurship and innovation, responsible, in particular, propose a definition of areas and priority sectors under these policies, as well as joint cross interministerial and areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and applied research, running Strategic + E + I.
Resolution Council Ministers 27/01/2011; Decree-Law n.48/2011 - Series I n. 65, 01/04/2011; Ordinance n. 131/2011, April 4;  Decree-Law n. 141/2012. D. R. n. 133, Series I of 11/07/2012.
Resolution Council Ministers 15/09/2011 Law n.59/2011 of 28/12/2011, Effective:1 day after publication
Creating special Teams of fiscality judges , aimed at the elimination of tax disputes in courts and speeding up the settlement of litigation, with priority given to the processes of value exceeding one million euros.
Resolution Council Ministers n.50/2011, 29/11/2011
Sets guidelines for the reformulation of public sector venture capital and the appropriate contribution to boosting the economy: a) Refocusing the sector, with regard to public support to businesses and the way in which it is granted;  b) Promotion and development of venture capital in the private sector;  c) Rationalization of resources allocated to public risk capital.
Resolution Council Ministers 20/10/2011 Resolution Council Ministers no.44/2011, of 25/10/2011
The Government approved the establishment of the Strategic Council for Economic Internationalization (SCEI), chaired by the Prime Minister and with the participation of Ministers of State and the Minister of Economy and Employment, and four representatives of private sector organizations. The SCEI will have the task of evaluating public policies and private initiatives, and respective articulation regarding internationalization of the Portuguese economy, the promotion and attraction of foreign investment and development cooperation.
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.32. Council of Ministers on March 10/2011.
Sale of 21.35% of the capital of EDP - Energias de Portugal, S. A. (EDP) to China Three Gorges Corporation
The Golden Shares the State possessed in Galp were eliminated.
Extends the 'fast track' and creates conditions for more projects can be recognized as projects Projects of Potential National Interest (PNI). Become recognized PNI projects: a) projects representing a total investment exceeding 10 million, instead of the required 25 million so far; b) Projects that despite representing a total investment of less than 10 million euros, have a strong research and development (R & D), applied innovation, environmental concern or strong export vocation or allowing import substitution. Also introduces mechanisms for simplifying and streamlining the procedures necessary to implement the project, for example, the figure of the sole interlocutor.
Portaria No.84/2012 Decree-law No. 67/2012 Law No. 46/2011
Portugal 2020 - National Reform Programme, March 2011, p.21. Completed by European Commission (EUR-Lex 72006L0123)
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.53 and 55.
The Memorandum that defines the strategic objectives for capitalization of stocks held in the MECMA/OPSPI portfolio approved by Government in January 2011 states, among other things, capitalization on capital markets of the entire share package for SC Cuprumin SA Abrud(Stone mining).
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.78.  Government Decision No 133/2011 regarding the modification and the completion of former legal acts regarding the National Plan for R&D and innovation.
Modification of national procedures regarding the agreement, financing, monitoring and evaluation of RDI programmes and projects , and the modification of the Action Plan listed in the National Plan for Research, development and innovation for 2007-2013.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.79. National Reform Programme (2011-2013) - Implementation Report ( March 15, 2012), p. 32
The need to strengthen the capacity and to increase the performance of RDI system led to revising the legislative framework, especially with regard the institutional financing. Thus, by adopting GO No 6/2011 a new system of evaluation, classification and certification of R&D organizations is introduced in correlation with a new system of institutional funding (basic and additional funding). By means of its provisions, this legal act also sets-up the framework for involving the foreign evaluators in the process of assessing the R&D programmes, projects and institutions.
Order of the minister of finance no 2239/ 25 July 2011 for the approval of the Simplified Accounting System.
Romanian Governement, www.gov.ro. The National Reforme Programme Annex, pag. 159. Government Ordinance no. 60/2011 regarding the approval of Mihail Kogalniceanu Programme for SMEs.
The Government Programme aims at facilitating the access of SMEs at financing, namely at guarantees and credit from the credit institutions through a microcredit facility (up to 125,000 RON/SME/year), guaranteed by the state with subsidized interest and, if need be, partially guaranteed by the state, , for the need of cash flow / working capital of the SME. Description:   - Subsidizing a maximum 70% of the interest rate of the credit which the SME wants to access, but no more than 6.5% per year;   - granting guarantees by the National Guarantee Fund, in the name and on the account of the state, for maximum 80% of the credit amount taken by the SME, and the guarantee cannot surpass 100,000 RON.
Romania. National Reform Programme 2011-2013. Implementation Report. March 2012. Page 25
In order to change the system of scholarships Government Decision No 918/2011 amending Government Decision No 101/2002 on the establishment of research fellowships and postgraduate and postdoctoral training "Vasile Parvan" at the Accademia di Romania in Rome and "Nicolae Iorga" at the Istituto Romeno di Cultura e Ricerca Umanistica in Venice was developed and adopted to ensure a better management of Parvan and Iorga grants, in terms of extensive application and reducing the traineeship stages, in order to ensure that a larger number of candidates benefit from these scholarships.
Romania. National Reform Programme 2011-2013. Implementation Report. March 2012. Page 20
According to the evaluation made by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS), the Government adopted a decision which regulates for the first time in Romania, the maximum capacity for enrolment at national scale for each higher education curriculum.  Government Decision (G.D.) no. 966/2011 on the approval of the Fields and the specialization / university curricula, structure of higher education institutions, the fields and university curricula accredited or approved to operate temporarily, geographical locations, the number of transferable study credits for each higher education curriculum, education level and teaching language as well as the maximum number of students to be enrolled
National Reform Programme 2011-2013, page 6, 24, 49 The Emergency Ordinance of Government no. 6/2011 for stimulating the start-up and the development of small businesses by the young entrepreneurs
The aim is stimulating young entrepreneurs to set up and develop small business, with a target group of young entrepreneurs under 35, setting up their first business.
In Q3/2011, the government approved an emergency ordinance including anti-plagiarism measures, and targeting the regulation of ethical issues in academic and research areas.
National Reform Programme of Romania 2011/2013, Annex no 4, p. 156.  Romanian Governement, www.gov.ro. One Stop Shop www.imoss.ro
The sole virtual portal www.immoss.ro offers to SMEs of Romania information, guidance and modern tools of interaction with the public administration, in one place, on line.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.53.
The Memorandum that defines the strategic objectives for capitalization of stocks held in the MECMA/OPSPI portfolio, approved by Government in January 2011 states, among other things, privatisation of S.C. Oltchim S.A. (chemicals).
Romania. National Reform Programme 2011-2013. Implementation Report. March 2012. Page 21
In order to extend the implementation framework of the early education reform, the implementation of two complementary national projects was continued: Inclusive Early Education Programme (IEEP)21 and Early Education Reform Project (EERP). By IEEP standards of education support materials and standards for minimum equipping of kindergartens were developed. Moreover the National Curricula for pupils aged 3 - 6/7 were reviewed and the Methodological Guidelines for the Implementation of Reviewed Curriculum were adopted. Through EERP project a training curriculum and a VET programme for teaching staff in kindergartens, counsellors and kindergartens principals were developed. The VET programme focused on developing new skills of teaching staff (including auxiliary staff), in order to implement the newly reviewed curricula on early education for pupils aged 3 to 6/7.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p.55.
The Memorandum that defines the strategic objectives for capitalization of stocks held in the MECMA/OPSPI portfolio, approved by Government in January 2011 states, among other things, a process of attracting investments by creating mixed ventures (IPP-Independent Power Producer) for platforms within thermal power plants. Viable units will be separated from the inefficient ones, which will be shut down.
National Reform Programme (2011-2013), Bucharest, April 2011, p 108. Law on national education no 1/2011.
Following the amendment of the Accounting Act (O.J. Act. no. 431/2002), which indirectly amended also other acts, the deadline for a court to register a private company in the Companies Registry was shortened up from 5 to 2 days.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 9
An amendment to the School Act was passed, making English a compulsory foreign language with effect from 1 September 2011. English will be taught as a compulsory subject from year three at primary schools and, if successfully implemented, English classes will be made compulsory from year two, or even year one.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2012. Page 11
In 2011, major reconstruction works were performed on long-neglected first-class roads in the total length of 100 km, most of them in eastern Slovakia where they substitute the currently absent motorways.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2011-2014, April 2011, p. 8
In February 2011, the pilot stage of the project of digital textbooks for mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and natural science classes was launched. The content of digital textbooks in the Planet of Knowledge project comprises around 30 000 teaching materials.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2012. Page
Regular, five-year assessments of judges were re-introduced under these amendments, and the re-assessment of judges (after two years) was introduced if shortcomings in the work of a judge have been ascertained, and the possibility to remove a judge from the function if they no longer qualify for the position. A random selection of the members of a disciplinary senate was established.
The amendment to the Tax Procedure Code (O.J. Act no 563/2009) enabled electronic fillings of tax declarations, tax registrations, as well as communication and exchange of tax-related information with tax authorities by electronic means. The same act also provided for electronic tax accounts to be created for businesses. The new Tax Procedures Code entered into force as from January 2012. However, due to technical IT-related problems at the Tax Directorate, the obligation for electronic communication was shifted to January 2013 (O.J. Act no 91/2012).
Amendment to the Act 455/1991 on Trade licencing (with effect in 2012); Amendment to the Act 530/2003 on Commercial Registry (with effect from January 2014)
The time needed to start a business was reduced to three days for those needing a trade license, and to two days for registering a company in court.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2011-2014, April 2011, Annex 2, p. 42. Completed by: OECD, AHELO Feasibility study progress report, 2011.
Since the 5th GNE meeting, the Slovak Republic has joined the group of participating countries in all AHELO three strands of work (generic skills, economics and engineering). The purpose of the Feasibility Study is to see if it is practically and scientifically feasible to assess what students in higher education do upon graduation. AHELO aims to be direct evaluation of student performance at the global across diverse cultures, languages and different types of institutions.
An amendment to the Decree on Primary School, which entered into force of 1 September 2011, gave more freedoms to primary schools. The schools are free in preparing timetables, inclusion of pupils with disabilities into classes, or in planning trainings and excursions. Their increased autonomy and a lower administrative burden should reflect in a higher quality of education they provide.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2012. Page 13
Contracts concluded by government entities and municipalities, as well as contracts involving public funds, may only enter into force on the day following the day of their publication on the Internet. A requirement was introduced to use electronic auctions to the greatest extent possible. The use of electronic auctions increased considerably in 2011; in the second half of 2011, approximately a quarter of all public tenders were carried out by means of electronic auctions. In 2011, contracting authorities bought goods and services 14% cheaper than planned.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic for 2011-2014, April 2011, Annex 2, p. 42. Completed by: ACT 125 from the 24th of March 2011, amending and supplementing Law no. 131/2002 Coll. on universities and on amendment of certain acts as amended and amending and supplementing Actno. 461/2003 Coll. on Social Insurance as amended; Coll.125/2011.
Improves the quality of university education.
In February 2011, Slovakia amended the Public Procurement Act, aiming to increase competition and transparency. The amendment significantly lowered the national limits for under-threshold contracts, which were often misused. The new definition of public procurer extended the range of subjects to which the law applies. The publication obligations of procurers were further strengthened. Whilst formerly optional, the use of electronic auctions in certain public procurement procedures is now obligatory, and there is evidence of much wider use of electronic auctions in daily practice.  Following its introduction in December 2010, the government now operates an electronic central registry of contracts and invoices. All contracts awarded by and invoices paid by public administrations, including those at regional and municipal level, have to be published in the online registry. In addition, following the amendment to the Civil Code, the contracts awarded by public bodies are valid only upon their publication on the internet.  The above adopted measures significantly increased transparency and public control of public spending.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2012. Page 11-12
In order to increase the number of teacher assistants for pupils from a socially disadvantaged environment, school founders are required by law to use 50% of financial resources allocated for pupils from a socially disadvantaged environment to cover the wages of teacher assistants if the school is attended by more than 100 pupils from a socially disadvantaged environment. Founders of primary schools and founders of primary schools for pupils with special educational needs can also use the funds to employ teacher assistants under agreements on work performance (not only employment contracts).
Following the amendment of the Act on Trade in Defense Industry goods (O.J. Act. no. 392/2011), which indirectly amended, among others also the Trade Licensing Act (O.J. 455/1991), the administrative fees for electronic fillings for trade licences (within the scope of the trade act) were abolished. Furthermore, the deadline for the issuance of trade license was shortened up to 3 days. This shorter deadline will be achieved mainly due to swifter response of the General Prosecution Office manages and issues records from the Criminal Registry.
In order to enhance the quality of impact assessments (which often focus only on the fiscal impact, without considering the burden on businesses), the government created or strenghtened analytical units at key economic and social ministries
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 28. Completed by Pro-Inno Europe and Erawatch, Maja Bucar, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Mini Country Report Slovenia, Thematic Report 2011 under Specific Contract for the Integration of INNO Policy TrendChart with ERAWATCH (2011-2012), December 2011, p. iii.
It covers the entire tertiary education and includes not only higher education institutions but also vocational colleges. The national programme also addresses the links with science, cultural policy, and business: as such it will contribute to quality and efficiency of higher education and excellence in research.It anticipates that the new circumstances will increase the autonomy and ownership of higher education institutions in providing high-quality higher education. Its purpose is to shorten the study duration, establish a fairer system, increase internationalisation, diversity and specialisation of higher education institutions, enhance (public) investment in higher education, and improve the efficiency in using the funds.
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 35.
The new Recognition and Evaluation of Education Act brings more flexible recognition of education acquired abroad and transfers responsibility for employment in regulated professions to competent line ministries or associations, which stipulate conditions for regulation of professions and activities.
Act transforming the Competition Protection Office into an indenpendent Agency.
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 23.
The proposed amendment to the Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment and Internationalisation of Enterprises Act (February 2011) provides a legal basis for granting financial incentives for foreign direct investment according to a special procedure involving a conclusion of direct contracts (in line with the Act amending the Public Finance Act).
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 16.
The Public Procurement Act, adopted in 2011, regulates the issue of non-payment of subcontractors under the awarded contracts.
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 31
In March 2011, an amendment to the Scholarship Act (of 2006) was adopted with a view to launch such a scholarship policy that would guarantee equal opportunities for secondary school pupils and other students in all social categories and encourage talented students. In this way, by means of a system of company scholarships, different forms of interaction between scholarship holders and employers would evolve. These changes will also target closer reciprocity between the scholarship system and the labour market, intensified integration of other institutions into the system and increased inclusion of young people. This will forge stronger bonds between the private sector and the school system, resulting in a better match between supply and demand in the labour market.
Government of the Republic of Slovenia, National Reform Programme 2011-2012, April 2011, p. 29. Completed by Pro-Inno Europe and Erawatch, Maja Bucar, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Mini Country Report Slovenia, Thematic Report 2011 under Specific Contract for the Integration of INNO Policy TrendChart with ERAWATCH (2011-2012), December 2011, p. iii.
The RISS emphasises the following: Better integration of research and innovation; strengthened capacity of research to contribute to economic and social development; promotion of closer cooperation between PROs and private enterprises; increased autonomy and responsibility of the stakeholders in R&D area, especially public research institutes and HEI.
Act setting maximun payment deadlines for public and private debtors. It is an act transposing the Directive 2011/7/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on combating late payment in commercial transactions. The directive 2011/7/EU aims at harmonising the period for payment transactions by public authorities to businesses (G2B) as well as Business-to-Business (B2B). This directive states that public authorities generally must pay the goods and services they purchase within 30 days following the receipt of the invoice or within 30 days after the delivery of goods/services if the date of the receipt of the invoice is not clear. However, in some circumstances this deadline could be increased to 60 days. Some exceptions include public administrations carrying out economic activities of an industrial or commercial nature, public entities providing healthcare and in cases where two parties agree in the contractual terms but these terms should not be considered to be unfair for one of the members. On the other hand, enterprises are forced to pay their invoices within 60 days, unless they expressly agree otherwise and once again it is not evidently unfair for one of the parties. This EU directive states that enterprises are able to claim a monetary compensation for the costs associated with late payments.
To increase the efficiency of procedures pertaining to financial operations, insolvency proceedings and compulsory dissolution, thus increasing the efficiency of administering justice.
One of the five vectors of the Sustainable Economy Act  includes measures to boost private investment so that research results generate more wealth and higher quality employment, as well as progress in ICT: Increase in the company tax credit for innovation activities (the percentage credit for innovation expenditure has increased from 8% to 12%), promoting innovative public procurement, and reducing the cost of patenting (by 18%); greater flexibility to create technology-based companies that stem from Public Research Organisations and reduction of administrative burdens to public-private cooperation; include broadband (minimum speed of 1Mb/s) as part of universal service and high-speed internet connections in new buildings. New framework for more efficient use of radio spectrum: spectrum refarming to overcome technological constraints, increase in the number of bands susceptible to transfer or assignment, and allocation of frequencies from the "digital dividend" to electronic communications.
The Sustainable Economy Law (SEL), Law 2/2011 was enforced by the Spanish Parliament on the 4th of May 2011. The SEL regulation aims to promote the reallocation of resources towards higher value added activities, moving up the global value chain. Moreover, it seeks to reinforce the economic adjustment necessary to minimize the impact of the business cycle, by allowing flexibility mechanisms other than employment corrections. With regards business environment, Title II of Chapter V of the Law removes administrative requirements and taxations, in particular a) extending the scope of "positive silence", and b) reduces the requirements for mandatory local license as in general terms activities are not subject to local licenses or any other kind of requirement or control, unless they are justified by overriding reasons of general interest.   Furthermore, it simplifies the tax regime concerning the corporate and personal income tax.  Also, the regulatory framework was improved in three specific areas aiming at boosting Spanish firm's competitiveness: development of the information society, new framework for R&D and the reform of the vocational training system.
Establishes the minimum learning achievements in copulsory secondary education
It guarantees the minimum ECTs credits recognized between related study programmes in higher education (university, higher vocational education, arts, design and sports)
National Reform Programme, Spain, 2011, p.24. Completed by Boletin Oficial del Estado, Thursday June 2nd 2011
This Strategy will establish criteria and areas of common action for the central and regional government so that their policies are coordinated and they share goals in scientific and technical research.
The Avanza2 Plan,  pursues four broad objectives (a paperless administration; telecommunications infrastructure; use of and reliance on the Internet; and a commitment to innovation and promotion of the Spanish ICT industry in strategic sectors), and sets concrete targets for 2015 in terms of extension of broadband, e-commerce  and the use of ICT. The Avanza2 Plan is aligned with the ""Digital Agenda for Europe"" initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy.
Programa Nacional de Reformas. Espana. 2012. Page 263  http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2011/07/30/pdfs/BOE-A-2011-13118.pdf
The general organisation of the Vocational Training of the Education System is established, in order to adapt the Spanish legislation to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. In addition, other regulations are included regarding distance training, vocational counselling, the network of vocational training centres and their collaboration with the university system.
National Reform Programme, Spain, 2011, p.23. Completed by Boletin Oficial del Estado, Jueves 2 de junio de 2011
The main new features of the LCTI, which will replaces the 1986 Act, are as follows: Creation of the new State Research Agency within one year, comprehensive reform of the Public Research Organisations and launch of new excellence programmes; greater incentives for technology transfer from universities and Public Research Organisations and researcher mobility between the public and private sector. To this end, the Act will strengthen the mechanisms for cooperation between agents that connect industry with the Spanish system of science, technology and innovation, including Technological Centres and Science and Technology Parks; a new model of governance for R&D&I that ensures coordination between the Autonomous Communities and the Central Government and improves the linkage between the Spanish system and the entire European Research Area (ERA), relying on the "Innovation Union" initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy; it provides more attractive and stable career paths for research and technical staff (new incentives for excellence and mobility), and introduces measures to promote the careers of women and give them access to decision-making positions.
Establishment of the general regulations for vocational training within the education system.
It includes amendments to the Education Organic Act and to the Organic Act on Qualifications and Vocational Training so as to facilitate access to vocational education, permanence in the education system and mechanisms to improve quality assurance at all levels
Includes amendments to the Education Organic Act and the Organic Act on Qualifications and Vocational Training so as to facilitate access to vocational education, permanence in the education system and better quality.
The Royal Decree 458/2011 of the 1st of April on actions related to the spectrum for the development of the digital society, imposes certain measures as regards the 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands, such as the technology neutrality principle.  Regarding the 800MHz band, it established that this band should be totally released by 2014 and that the licences for the use of spectrum blocks should be granted to electronic communications operators through public tenders.
The Sustainable Economy Law has also contributed to the simplification of the start-up process by reforming the operating licenses and permits system with the introduction of ex-post controls, positive silence of the Administration and electronic processes.
The content of all initial vocational education and training in upper secondary school has been updated starting in the autumn of 2011, among other things with the aim of meeting needs in the labour market. To improve cooperation among the education system, stakeholders and different lines of business, the National Agency for Education was assigned the task of convening national programme councils for the vocational programmes. Requirements for local cooperation between schools and working life have also been established. To broaden opportunities for students, the largest initiative ever for upper secondary apprenticeship training is being taken. For students this will provide an alternative to school-based vocational qualification in upper secondary school, in which more than half the training time is to be spent at one or more work places. The National Agency for Education has been assigned the task of following up the trial programme with apprenticeship training at upper secondary school level that was initiated in 2008. It will also develop steering documents and support materials to facilitate planning, implementation, and assessment of the education occurring at a workplace.
Obligation to provide information to Swedish Competition Authority, on request
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 31. Completed by Skolverket, Fortbildning & Bidrag.
Aims at improving the quality of teaching.
the Government approved additional funds to the transport infrastructure: SEK 800 million in 2011, and SEK 5 billion in 2012 and 2013. The intention is to increase investments in operation and maintenance of, as well as reinvestments in and improvements to, the road and railway systems. During its term of office, the Government will make proposals for infrastructure decisions that aim to safeguard future requirements for transport system measures.
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 31.
The implementation of the Telecoms package with amended EU rules for the electronic communications sector will lead to better functioning markets for all and long-term sustainable competition. A bill was submitted to the Riksdag on 17 March 2011.
Extensive reinforcements have been introduced during the past three years in the area of education, which has meant that additional resources have been allocated to higher vocational education so that more people can receive education in the areas that require a skilled and educated labour force when the economy improves. In 2011 about 44,000 people participated in some 1,100 higher vocational education programmes offered by 241 different education providers. Since the beginning of 2009, the National Agency for Higher Vocational Education has been responsible for ensuring that the higher vocational education programmes satisfy the need for skilled labour in the labour market or contribute to developing or maintaining the number of qualified professionals in certain narrow occupational areas. More possibilities to participate in vocational education and training create opportunities for groups with high unemployment to obtain a job. The National Agency for Higher Vocational Education has been assigned to prepare and execute a pilot project starting in the autumn of 2012, with the aim of improving access to higher vocational education for people with disabilities. The project will comprise five education providers that will each carry out at most two sessions.
European Commission, Euridyce, National system overview on Education systems in Europe, 2011 Edition, SE.
Aims at improving the quality of upper seondary school.
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 32. Completed by: Sweden's 2011 Report on the Implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Coperation in Education and Training (ET 2020).
In 2011 a new national quality evaluation system for higher education was launched. The system consists of evaluation of the quality of educational programmes and review of degree-awarding powers. Evaluations of the quality of educational programmes are to be based primarily on an assessment of educational outcomes.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) will be given additional powers to improve competition in the market and render the authority's work more efficient. The legislation will be modernised based on the technological developments in the area, in that the provisions are made more technology neutral. There will be changes in the use of the important radio frequencies. Steps will be taken to liberalise these, which will make them more governed by the market.
Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 33. Completed by: Sweden's 2011 Report on the Implementation of the Strategic Framework for European Coperation in Education and Training (ET 2020).
The largest ever initiative for upper secondary apprenticeship training is being taken with the aim of broadening opportunities for students as an alternative way to vocational qualification in the vocational programme in upper secondary school, in which more than half the training time is to be spent at one or more work places.
Implementation of the Trade Names Act (1974:156)
Several parts of the Swedish economy have been liberalised and thus opened up to new actors, not least in the welfare area. The newly implemented reforms on freedom of choice have led to increased choice and a greater number of actors. The areas of health and medical care and elderly care constitute a major share of the Swedish economy. There is therefore great potential for significant economic gains within this sector, such as through the Government's current reforms and initiatives.
European Commission, Euridyce, National system overview on Education systems in Europe, 2011 Edition, SE. Completed by Swedish National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 - EU:s strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, p. 32.
"A new structure for the upper secondary school was introduced 1 July 2011. The 17 national programmes are replaced by 18 national programmes; 6 higher education preparatory programmes and 12 vocational programmes. The individual programme is replaced by five introductory programmes, individually adapted to the pupils. History is introduced as a new common core subject for all programmes."
Simplification of planning and building processes
With a view  to speed up the implementation of directives and the management of infringement cases, an overall IT support in the form of a comprehensive and easy to grasp register of EU directives and infringement cases has been introduced in the Government Offices.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2012. Page 25  or: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-enterprise-allowance-campaign
New Enterprise Allowance to support those looking to start their own business by providing access to finance and support from local business mentors. By the end of November 2011, 880 claimants had started working with a New Enterprise Allowance business mentor and 1,960 claimants had started claiming the New Enterprise Allowance weekly allowance.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.23. Completed by: White paper 'Trade and Investment for Growth', February 2011, p.10.
To address demand for short-term trade credit insurance, the ECGD has extended the eligibility of its existing short term credit insurance policy, the Export Insurance Policy (EXIP). Previously this product was generally only available for exports of capital goods. It is now open for business on an extended basis which increases the eligible range of goods and services exported to emerging markets. Whilst it is not possible to predict the levels of demand for this product at the outset, it is being introduced as a pilot, which will permit the ECGD to adjust the policy in light of initial experience.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.56.
The Government also announced a series of related reforms at Budget 2011, including an increase in the rate of the SME R&D tax relief to 200 per cent in 2011 and 225 per cent in 2012, subject to state aid approval.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.25.
The Youth Engagement and Employment Action Plan for 2011-15 outlines the Welsh Assembly Government's point approach to preventing children and young people from disengaging from learning and supporting them with entry to the labour market. The overall aim of the plan is the reduction of the number of young people who are, or at risk of becoming, not in education, employment or training in Wales.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2012. Page 24-25  or: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Partners/Policy/~/media/Documents/NAS-AccesstoApprenticeships-QAs-v3.ashx
The Government will extend its relationship with China and other high growth economies. This includes launching a jointly funded pilot initiative with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to support bilateral research projects in key areas of mutual interest, with the aim of developing mechanisms to support long term research partnerships.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.30. Completed by: Success through Skills - Transforming Futures, The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland 2011.
This strategy at Northern Ireland?s current skills base and examines the skills that will be needed in the future to grow the economy. Its strategic goal is to increase the proportion of individuals in employment with all NQF levels, with a particular focus on increasing the numbers qualifying from local higher education institutions with graduate and post-graduate STEM qualifications by between 25-30 per cent in 2020.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.46; Count, Read: Succeed- http://www.deni.gov.uk/count_read_succeed_a_strategy_to_improve_outcomes_in_literacy_and_numeracy.pdf
Count, Read: Succeed' is the Department of Education, Northern Ireland, strategy to improve Literacy and Numeracy.
The Government will published a strategy on the UK's international approach to intellectual property in summer 2011. This sets out the Government's approach to achieving an intellectual property system that enables the economy and society to benefit from knowledge and ideas.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2011, HM Government, p.30.
"The Government announced at Budget 2011 that it would expand the University Technical Colleges programme to establish at least 24 new colleges by 2014. "
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 39
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 25
Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot is a competitive fund, announced in autumn 2011 and running until March 2016, which is open to employers to design and deliver their own workforce training in England, including through industrial partnerships in key economic sectors.
The plan for growth. March 2011. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/2011budget_growth.pdf
The UK Plan for Growth includes, for example, measures on investment incentives, support for SMEs and skills promotion. It sets out 137 actions across seven priority areas and eight sectors of the economy to create the conditions for growth in the UK.
2013 National Reform Programme, p. 19-20.
2013 National Reform Programme, p.16-17.
In the recognition of education received outside of Austria, amendments were also made in accordance with the Community principle of freedom to provide services (Art. 16 Services Directive; 2006/123/EC) and the service regulations under Title II of the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (2005/36/EC).
2013 National Reform Programme, p. 14-15.
Development of long life learning, reducing early school leaving and matching education with labour market needs. Develop of full and coherent dual education supply - Single dual education contract - new management contract of IFAPME in 2012 - development of learning patways - recognition of tranings providers and of certifications  - development of new alternate learning experiences (in higher education, and for young job seekers. Single dual education contract in 2013. French certification framework in 2013.
Improve consumer empowerment and activate consumers to further intensify competition in the energy markets. Based on a study of the CREG, the government took a number of measures to reduce energy price differences between Belgium and neighbouring countries, including a temporary maximum price, and fostered a more competitive environment. On the consumer side, the act promulgate more transparency on energy prices. Campaign to foster switching and transparency. The implementation of the Third Energy Package, reinforced the independence and the powers of the CREG in accordance with EU directives
Program Law of 27 December 2012, Articles 80,84,89
As from 1 January 2013, the default withholding tax rate for interest, dividends and royalties, as well as for movable income taxable as miscellaneous income, is 25% with a number of exceptions.
The support of major investment and training projects in Flanders.
NRP2012 available in http://www.be2020.eu/uploaded/uploaded/201205020756190.nrp_2012.pdf, pages 12 and 32.
http://erawatch.jrc.ec.europa.eu/erawatch/opencms/information/country_pages/be/policydocument/policydoc_0021?tab=template&avan_type=policydoc&country=be  NRP2012 available in http://www.be2020.eu/uploaded/uploaded/201205020756190.nrp_2012.pdf, pag. 40
To set the framework for Flemish science policy during the period 2012-2014. The main priority is to integrate communication of science policy to as many elements as possible in the target group.
Proposals for increasing the allocation of credit and loans by the banks to companies in Flanders.
It comprises a set of measures which address higher vocational education in Flanders. These measures are designed to strengthen the cooperation between providers of higher vocational training programmes, to expand the range of adult education, and to facilitate the transformation, development, quality management and funding of higher vocational training programmes.
Action plan for boosting economic activity through R&D.
Republic of Bulgaria. Europe 2020: National Reform Programme. 2013 Update. Page 53
Introduction of a new classification of jobs in the administration with the aim to determine the remuneration more fairly in accordance with the complexity and responsibilities of every position.  CoM Decree No. 129 of 26.06.2012 adopted the main package of legislative changes in the area of state administration:   - Classifier of positions at the state administration. Ordinance on the implementa-tion of the Classifier of positions.  - Ordinance on the salaries of employees in the state administration.  - Ordinance on the terms and conditions for performance assessment of the employees of the state administration.  - Ordinance on job
The Cost-Based Methodology for Determining Fee Amount was adopted in January 2012 (CoM Decree No 1 as of 5 January 2012. The Methods to Article 7? of L?ARACEA should be applied by administrative bodies by 30 September 2012, with the latter becoming effective as from 1 January 2013. The scope of the Methods covers any administrative services related to economic activity), according to which the fee amount should conform to the costs for delivering the administrative service. The Methodology envisages that revenue from fees be used to improve the quality of the provided services. According to the preliminary estimates, the implementation of this measure will result in cost savings of enterprises in the amount between EUR 25.6 and 102.3 million.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 22 of 23/2/2012
The mandatory healthcare contribution rate for employers is reduced from 15% to 13%.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 111 of 10/10/2012
A major measure introducing a wide framework of incentives for investors and entrepreneurs. In addition to major tax reductions (up to 100% of profit tax for 10 years) incentives are offered for job creation (up to 30% of costs in high-unemployment areas), micro-enterprises (50% reduction of profit tax for 5 years), education/training, innovation, as well as additional incentives for capital and labour costs for large investors.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 53 of 11/5/2012
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 112 of 11/10/2012
As part of the reform of tax administration, this measure establishes the Office for Large Taxpayers. 600 large taxpayers have been identified, accounting for 46% of paid tax and contributions, HRK 400 billion in 2011, employing a quarter of total number of employed people in Croatia. Due to their specific importance for the country's economy, large taxpayers will be specifically monitored and inspected. Other changes include making obligatory the application of opinions issued by the Head office of the Tax Administration, to ensure a common and equal approach of the network of tax offices.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 136 of 7/12/2012
This measure introduces mandatory electronic submission of VAT returns for all VAT payers. In addition, the statute of limitation period will be separately prescribed for cases of abuse of rights and unexplained sources of income (Article 63 of the PIT Act). The 0% VAT rate is increased to 5% to harmonize with the VAT Directive 2006/112.
The standard VAT rate is increased from 23% to 25%
Among other changes, this measure simplifies the procedures for the creation of limited liability companies, introducing 'simply limited liability companies' with faster and cheaper registration for sole-proprietorship companies and companies with up to three members.
The new Enforcement Act narrows the jurisdiction of commercial courts and increases the role of municipal courts. Such reorganisation of the enforcement system aims at establishing special enforcement units and special enforcement courts, with the aim of reducing the caseload, simplifying, economising and accelerating the enforcement procedure. In addition, it establishes linkages between public notaries, the Financial Agency and the Promissory Notes Register with the goal of preventing possible manipulations and double payments.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia No 108 of 1/10/2012
The aim is to design, develop and implement a national policy regarding the application and use of EU tools for the validation of skills. In May 2012 a proposal for the establishment of a National Qualifications Framework was approved by the Council of Ministers.
Four Institutes will start operating in September 2012, one in each district.
The directive was transposed into national law and is expected to improvw the cash flow conditions for the enterprises.
An new tonnage tax system in the shipping sector was introduced that is expected to grow the interest in activity in the area.
A proposal for the establishment of a National Board for lifelong guidance was forwarded to the Council of Ministers for approval in the framework of extending and coordinating Educational and Career Counceling Services.
The Digital Strategy is a comprehensive plan for the period 2012-2020 and adopts a holistic approach for the development of information society in Cyprus. It focuses on six strategic objectives, (i) Connect Cyprus, (ii) Modernize public administration and provide public electronic services, (iii) Inclusion of all into digital Cyprus, (iv) Education and learning, (v) Digital entrepreneurship, (vi) ICT for the environment.
Cyprus National Reform Programme 2011, Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, April 2O11, p 32. Completed by national sources.
Czech Republic. Annex 2. reporting table for the assessment of CSRs and key macro-structural reforms.2012.CSR 3
In order to increase the number of available qualifications, in April 2012, the government of the Czech Republic approved new (extended) reqirements for the trade licence "childcare for children up to 3 years of age", with the aim to extend the availability of childcare provision under the Trade Licence Act.
Ensures greater transparency in public procurement  * Law (Amendment of Act No 137/2006 Coll)
Simplifying procedures  * Law (Act no 169/2012 Coll)
Allows higher tax deductions & increased aid to attract private capital & increase co-operation between private and public sector  * Law (Amendment to Act No 72/2000 Coll on iinvestment incentives)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade introduced the Czech Export Strategy 2012-2015 which focuses on finding new markets for Czech products, increasing competitiveness and financing and insuring exported goods and providing public support.
Restricting abuse of insolvency proceedings
Facilitate secure data sharing between public authorities
Czech Republic. Annex 2. reporting table for the assessment of CSRs and key macro-structural reforms.2013.CSR 3
The government aims to set the minimum standards of education which would allow the evaluation and comparison of different types of schools, including special schools. Similarly to the rehearsal round executed in 2012, the first round of general computer-based testing of 5th and 9th grades of elementary schools (or corresponding grades of grammar schools) should contribute to setting the national standards framework. General testing is essential in creating a self-evaluation framework for Czech education system and that it will be invaluable as a source of feedback for the students, their parents, the teachers and the schools themselves.
Czech Republic. Annex 2. reporting table for the assessment of CSRs and key macro-structural reforms.2013.CSR 5
An action plan adopted in spring 2012 to tackle problems in the system of EU funds. Moreover, in August 2012, the government decided to apply measures (to be adopted by relevant ministries or presented as legal acts for government adoption by the end of 2012) to speed up EU funds implementation.
Some improvement to the business environment for some companies, notably limited liability companies.  - Law (Act No 90/2012 Coll effective from 1 Jan 2014)
Improving access for public and businesses to law (completion due 2015)
In order to to promote the stability and effectiveness of the public administration in avoiding irregularities and limiting space for corruption, Czech Republic has introduced key measures such as a modification of the cancellation of public tender in case of a sole bid; bidders will face a less rigorous administrative burden; a stricter regime for "significant" public tenders; publication of subcontractors; increased supervision.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 24
- Increasing the research reserve by DKK 300 million as part of the agreement on the Budget Bill for 2012.  - Implementation of environmental technology development and demonstration programme in 2012. DKK 50 million has been allocated for this purpose as part of the Budget Bill for 2012.
Tripling of the number of knowledge pilot projects in SMBs in 2012 compared to 2010-2011 with a doubling of budgets from around DKK 12 to 25 million per year.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2013. Page 25
In June 2012, a statute was adopted on promotion of competition in the electricity market etc. This new act introduces schemes such as a wholesale model in the electricity market, where electrical power trading companies become the main players in relation to consumers, and restructuring of the universal service obligation, such that the customers must actively opt for the universal service obligation product.
Entering three-year development contracts with all institutions of higher education, which contain concrete, ambitious targets for the number of teaching hours, lower drop out, better coherence in the higher education system, more innovation in the education programmes, more cooperation with the business sector, less delay for the students and a better rate of employment for graduates.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2012. Page 39
National Reform Programme - Denmark 2012  http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/nd/nrp2012_denmark_en.pdf
Implementation of the FORSK2020 process, which identifies areas of effort that form the basis for the political prioritisation of funds for strategic research.
- A strengthened education guarantee in vocational education and training programmes comprises 12 concrete initiatives which together are to strengthen the education guarantee for pupils and optimise the utilisation of training place capacity in enterprises, so that more pupils complete vocational education and training programmes, drop out is reduced and the most pupils possible enter in-company practical work experience, among other things through the establishment of practical work experience centres. The initiatives correspond to the recommendations made by the government-appointed vocational education committee with the participation of the parties to the labour market.  - Increased quality in vocational education and training programmes focusing on ensuring a competence boost for teachers and managers and continuation of the mentor scheme, the contact teacher scheme, practice-related basic courses etc.
Call for tender of the small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) initiative for interaction between SMBs and knowledge institutions with a doubling of the contribution for knowledge-coupons from DKK 25 to 50 million in 2011 and 2012.
the ongoing liberalisation of shop opening hours that was launched in 2010 will be fully implemented by October 2012. As a consequence, certain shops are allowed to be open every day.
The package set out specific initiatives for tightening up competition law and for stepping up competition,both within trades oriented at the domestic market and within public works, services and supplies.
In order to strengthen the growth culture and get more entrepreneurs into solid growth courses, the Fund for Entrepreneurship has been established, which will spread education in entrepreneurship and innovation in the education system, and the regional growth houses, which will strengthen the growth competencies of enterprises.
The Danish Competition Act and the Danish Penal Code were amended in December 2012 so that, among other measures, the sanctions on contravention of the Competition Act were made more stringent. As of 1 March 2013, cartel members will be liable to a custodial sentence, and fines for individuals and enterprises have been raised significantly. In addition, a number of minor amendments were made to ensure effective legal enforcement and compliance. The legislative amendments are expected to act as stronger deterrents in preventingcompanies from contravening the Competition Act.
EstBan is an angel investors network, that aims at attracting investment into start-ups; the government participates into it through enterprise Estonia.
National Reform Programme "Estonia 2020". (2012). Page 23  Estonia 2020. Overview of Implementation. (2013). Page 18
The impact on businesses of new regulation has now to be measured and considered systematically.
Estonia 2020. Overview of Implementation. (2013). Page 24
This act makes possible to sign a PhD student to an employment contract that is accompanied by the same social guarantees as in the case of any other contractual employment relationship.
Access to finance: Estonia participation to the Baltic Innovation Fund (EIF backed).
2012 Budget Bill, and   Ministry of Finance:   http://www.vm.fi/vm/fi/03_tiedotteet_ja_puheet/01_tiedotteet/20111222Vuoden/name.jsp
The corporate tax rate has been reduced from 26% to 24.5%
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 41
In 2012, the Government approved the decrees related to the revision of university funding model. Government appropriations will be directed especially on the basis of completed qualifications and credits as well as scientific publications and competed research funding. Funding of universities of applied sciences will be revised to better support educational targets, such as improvement of the quality of teaching and research.
Law on the Competition and Consumer Authority 30.11.2012/661/2012
Streamlining the administrative structures seeks to strengthen competition.
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 33  Finish ministry of employment and the economy. https://www.tem.fi/index.phtml?l=en&s=4950
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 45
In spring 2013, the Government decided to reform the application and selection services of vocational education and training, general upper secondary education and tertiary education as well as application services to adult education and education information services.
Law concerning additional tax allowance for research and innovation 30.12.2013/1241/2012
Application period of the reform (SID 4454) was changed from 2013-2015 to 2013-2014
Law on the amortisation of productive investments 2013-2015, 30.11.2012/699/2012
Tax incentive on productive investments for 2013-2015; firms can amortise investments up to 50% per year for machinery and 14% for buildings.
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 36
In 2012, the Business Programme for the Environmental Sector, Cleantech, was launched. The aim is to create at least 40,000 new cleantech jobs by 2020 and to double the combined turnover of Finnish cleantech companies from the current EUR 20 billion to EUR 50 billion. Public sector demand is used to support rollout of innovations in the field.
Law on tax relief on investment 28.12.2012/993/2012
Business angels can deduct 50% of their investment in a start-up from their taxable capital income.
Finland's National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 36
Government decision 16.5.2012 on the Team Finland initiative.
Streamlining and consolidation of all business services that support Finnish businesses abroad and seek to atract foreign investment in Finland.
Law on additional deductions concerning research and innovation 28.12.2012/992/2012
Salaries paid to research and innovation staff  in 2013-2015 can be fully deducted from taxable income.
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 27
Educational guarantee ensures a place in further studies for each recent comprehensive school graduate. In order to implement the educational guarantee, 1,200 study places were added to vocational education and training in autumn 2012 with further 500 study places added at the beginning of 2013. At the same time, student selection to vocational education and training will be revised to give precedence to applicants newly graduated from basic education and those without an upper secondary qualification or study place. Moreover, new electronic general upper secondary school and vocational education and training application services will be simultaneously rolled out. These application services will be fully operational in 2014.
The creation of the Public Investment Bank (BPI) under the National Pact for Growth, Competitiveness and Employment, helps streamline existing devices and to share public resources for better service to businesses.
Programme National de Reforme. April 2013. Page 57
In order to raise the level of the students in France, the government has decided to invest in the human resources of educational institutions. With the creation of 60 000 jobs in school education over the five year period from 2012 to 2017 and the creation in 5 years of 5000 posts of teachers, researchers and technical and administrative staff in higher education, of which 1,000 were created in 2013. The initial training of teachers is also reviewed. High education colleges of teaching and education (ESPE) integrated in universities will be open from 2013.
These efforts build on the regional innovation strategies used to foster local innovation clusters. On the international front, strategic partnership agendas were signed with China and India and two other projects are under way with developed Asian countries and with Brazil.
The government intends to develop an investment strategy that strengthens the potential growth without burdening public finances, targeting priority sectors, particularly housing, digital and home energy consumption renovation. This strategy is particularly supported by the shift of part of the program investments for the future program announced January 21, 2013
Law no. 2012-1510, December 29, 2012 (published in the Official Gazette of December 30, 2012)
The CICE tax credit will equal 6% (4 % in 2013) of the payroll for wages up to 2.5 times the minimum wage. This measure shifts the tax burden away from labour.
The Loi des Finances Rectificatives pour 2012 modified taxation on dividends to encourage companies to reinvest their profits.
National Reform Programme 2012. Germany. Page 20
The aim of this act is to increase competition in the transport sector.
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 21   Federal Ministry of Education and Research.  http://www.bmbf.de/en/12268.php
The Act entered into effect across the nation on 12 December 2012. As a result, non-university research institutions will have more freedom in matters of finance and staffing decisions, the acquisition of shares in companies and in construction projects. Bureaucracy will be minimized, competences will be pooled and authorization procedures will be accelerated. This freedom is an important component in terms of international competition for top talent, future-oriented research projects and infrastructure.
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 20
National Reform Programme 2012. Germany. Page 19
The amended German Telecommunications Act (TKG), which transposes the 2009 EU Regulatory Package, has been adopted by the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) and the Federal Council (Bundesrat) following a conciliation procedure. The amendments to the TKG will have a significant impact on the whole German telecommunications sector. They include some major changes to the customer protection rules (e.g., extended obligations to publish information and to provide information in consumer contracts, new rules for maximum terms of consumer contracts, obligation to provide for number portability within one working day, and implementation of free-of-charge waiting queues) as well as changes to the data protection rules (e.g., information duties in cases of personal data breaches and more stringent rules on the use of location data). Other important amendments to the TKG are aimed at promoting Next Generation Access Network roll-out; these include extended powers for the Federal Network Agency to mandate infrastructure sharing as well as changes to the rate regulation regime to allow risks related to infrastructure investments to be better taken into account. Further, the amended TKG provides for the issuing of an ordinance on quality of service parameters which may serve to secure "net neutrality".
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 21
The aim is to tap into the potential of information and communication technologies, especially in areas like energy, health care, transport, public administration and education. Greater cooperation between all responsible parties will assume an important role in this process (for example, within the IT Planning Council).
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 28   Home Page: http://www.en.high-tech-gruenderfonds.de/
http://www.bmu.de    National Reform Programme Germany 2012 page 54
In 2012, a resource efficiency programme ("Deutsches  Ressourceneffizienzprogramm ProgRess") was adopted, aimed also at further improving the environmental performance of industry through a wide range of initiatives, including support measures for SMEs.
National Reform Programme 2012. Germany. Page 18
The new Recognition Act  means that as of April 2012, all foreign training and advanced training qualifications obtained in relation to a refer-ence profession in the trade sector will be assessed for equivalence by means of a recognition process. Relevant professional experience will also be taken into account in this process
www.kompetenzzentrum-fachkraeftesicherung.de     National Reform Programme Germany 2013 page 45
A competence centre has been established to support in particular SMEs in better attracting and retaining skilled employees. Since February 2012, the new internet website www.kompetenzzentrum-fachkraeftesicherung.de provides businesses with information, recommendations and good practice examples related to attracting and retaining skilled labour. The center also regularly organises events and workshops for SMEs.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research  http://www.bmbf.de/en/892.php
In the Renewable Energies Act (EEG), amended on 1 January 2012, targeted incentives were introduced to promote market and system integration of renewable energies. In particular,a market premium was introduced for electricity from renewable energy sources. This premium supports producers who do not use the EEG fixed tariff, but sell electricity from renewable energy sources on the market instead. A flexibility premium is also available for biogas plants that produce power according to requirements. Additional sustainability requirements placed on subsidised power production from biomass should ensure the largest possible contribution to climate protection from bioenergy and safeguard nature conservation interests, without increasing the EEG tariff for electricity from biomass. Finally, the photovoltaic tariffs will continue to be curbed in line with market trends, as solar power plants are currently facing excess capacity and reduced prices.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 31
In the interest of providing opportunities for those with academic pursuits and recognising excellence, the ESF-funded National Excellence Programme, launched in 2012, will continue in 2013. The comprehensive grant system provides for support given to MA/MSc or PhD students of excellent performance, doctoral candidates and teacher-researchers with PhD degrees who intend to participate in national R&D programmes in Hungarian institutions of higher education.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 112
As a result, as of 23 January 2013, young farmers who start their business and do not receive starting grant from the European Agricultural and Rural Development Fund may apply for preferential general purpose loans up to an amount of HUF 50 million with preferential guarantee, with a maximum grant content of EUR 40,000, as set out in the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation. The loan may also be used for purchasing arable land. Moreover, agricultural producers that receive agricultural de minimis aid may also apply for preferential loans to buy arable land, also with preferential guarantee, in an amount of maximum HUF 50 million, which may allow the purchasing of 20-50 hectares of arable land, depending on land prices.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 113
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 113-114
The New Hungary Working Capital Credit Programme for Producer Organisations was amended as of August 2012, resulting in a change in the maximum maturity from 5 years to 7 years and the grace period from 2 years to 4 years.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 98
In the interest of the better planning of training paths, it is necessary to improve the student counselling system and career services. The objective is to enable students to flexibly find their way amongst the various training and accreditation procedures and to develop their skills. For that purpose, relying on ESF resources during the year 2012 we provide for those participating in higher education student services (career consulting and tutorial activities), which contribute to enabling the students to obtain their degrees as soon as possible.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 30
The December 2012 amendment of Act CCIV of 2011 on National Higher Education gave the minister responsible for education the power to determine the number of students that can be admitted to (partially) state-funded education in each programme, and thereby regulate their minimum size. This provides a means of rationalizing the training structure of each higher education institution and the system of higher education as a whole, in keeping with the institutional capacities of each higher education institution and the expected regional labour market demand; in case of very low student numbers, by concentrating programmes, and in case of programme types with high student numbers, by introducing limitations regarding lower-quality programmes that are not preferred by students.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 100
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 97-98
The development of foreign language skills continues to remain a priority in higher education as the lack of the knowledge of foreign languages is often an obstacle to the acquisition of a degree. The purpose of the projects launched in this field and supported from ESF funds is to enable the students to participate in foreign language courses and training, which will improve the ratio and level of efficiency of participants for both students and tutors in mobility programmes. The main tool of the projects is the review of the methodology of foreign language training in higher education, the implementation of institutional level developments and foreign language courses. These measures and programmes are expected to result in the improvement of the international labour market recognition of diplomas and degrees obtained in the Hungarian educational system.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 30; 171
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 71, 175, 178
Training programme for the development of priority key competencies (foreign language, information technology) (SoROP 2.1.2).  The overall aim of the programme is to develop and strenghten the labour market competitiveness of the adult population of Hungary. As it is widely known and recognised, successful LM-presence of employees is strongly relying on the level of key competencies such as digital competencies and foreign language competencies. This programme also enables Hungarian adult population to take advantage of Lifelong Learning. The final aim is that motivation for learning becomes stronger wqithin the population as well as that low employment rate, compared to other European countries, becomes higher.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 41
- Guarantees the right for everyone to attend free and mandatory elementary and secondary education until the completion of the final examinations or the acquisition of the first vocational qualification  - Prescribes that every child is obliged to attend school until the age of 16, which does not mean that the pupil is removed from education in the school system; the prevention of early school-leaving is served by the reinforcement of education in early childhood, modern pedagogical methods and, in the case of groups exposed to the risk of drop out, targeted programmes for disadvantaged and children with special educational needs (skills development preparatory courses, scholarship programmes, Arany J. programme), while drop-outs may re-integrate into education with the support of the component of the Bridge programme designed for those beyond the mandatory school attendance age and the second chance programmes  - In the interest of preventing social exclusion and promoting success in school, provides for the reinforcement of education in early childhood, the organisation of integrated education (sessions in small groups assisting differentiated development), correctional solutions (Bridge programmes) and talent fostering  -Defines and identifies groups requiring special treatment and special pedagogical attention  -In the interest of transfers within the system, those having attended vocational training may continue their studies providing final examinations in a two-year course   -Contributes to the improvement of the quality of public education by measuring and evaluating teaching activities, operating a monitoring system for professional and legal compliance and identifying qualification and vocational requirements
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 64-65, 140
The programme supports the acquisition and development of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills (financial knowledge, business planning, marketing, legal environment, etc.), and secures non-refundable financing for young entrepreneurs (between 18 and 35 years of age) for a start-up. Additionally, after the launch of businesses, the programme offers professional consulting and mentoring in the interest of the sustainability of these businesses.
Companies do not have to identify themselves with recent notarized documents in administrative procedures, the administration will get these documents free of charge from an electronic register
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 87
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page  152
As of 2012, the Innovation Fund is regulated differently: deducting innovation contributions is no longer an option and uncertain complementary state contributions have been terminated. In order to eliminate the serious abuses found in the use of benefits and the consequent tax evasion, companies required to pay innovation contributions may no longer use a tax benefit on the grounds of R&D from 2012 as the tax reducing items are abolished.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary. April 2012. Page 138
The Act CXC (2011) on National public education entered into force from 1 September 2012, that involves extending the compulsory pre-school training: from 1 September 2014 the currently 5 years age will be lowered to 3 years for compulsory attendance in the pre-school education at least for 4 hours a day.
Law CXLVII of 2012;  NRP 2013, page 61, 204
- Defines an educational content to be taught on a mandatory basis, lays down the key competencies determined by the European Union as a common development goal, determines the common values and mandatory objectives of educational work and identifies the relevant knowledge and skills requirements, thereby guaranteeing access to quality education  -Pays particular attention to the best possible acquisition of basic skills, thereby improving the chances of the continuation of studies and reducing the risk of dropping out
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 233
Extension of corporation tax holiday for companies that commence a new trade in 2012, 2013 and 2014
Web portal for business compliance information all in one website
Temporary target partial credit guarantee scheme
Measures to support international funds industry; corporate treasury sector, internationa linsurance industry & aircraft industry
Commission Staff Working Document 357, p. 12
The Competition (Amendment) Act 2012 gave new and enhanced enforcement powers to the Competition Authority, which used them for the first time in February 2013 to resolve a case concerning resale price maintenance practices by a distributor of imported footwear.
Foreign Earnings Deduction to support companies developing markets for IE abroad
IP Protocol sets out new national policy and guidelines for managment of IP associated with state funded research
Improve legal environment to set up and operate a business
Ireland's National Reform Programme - 2012 Update, p. 8.
The seven universities, together with DIT and RCSI, and the Institutes of Technology have collectively decided to operate a bonus points scheme for Higher Level Mathematics for a four-year trial period from 2012 to 2015 inclusive, with a review in 2014.
Italy, National Reform Programme 2012, Grid of Measures. Measure 39
Introduction of the principle of enterprise freedom: anything is allowed that is not expressly prohibited by EU laws and regulations and fundamental principles of the Constitution. The principle also becomes binding for local autonomous entities, and thus repeals any incompatible state laws and regulations, with consequent application of the reporting the start-up of activity and self-certification with subsequent checks. The start-up of business activity is deregulated, with immediate repeal (as of 6 December 2011) of all limits, prohibitions, restrictions and administrative and authorising acts. Administrative coordination of the Prime Minister's office in safeguarding and promoting competition. Enterprise statute containing regulations to protect enterprise freedom by guaranteeing the full implementation of the EC definitive communication COM (2008) 394 of 25 June 2008.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measures contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure 102
Operators of petrol stations who also hold title to the related oil authorisation may freely source their supply from any producer or reseller in compliance with applicable national and EU laws and regulations. Possible renegotiation of the current contracts for use and supply for the petrol stations release and provisioning. Expansion of the range of articles that can be sold at petrol stations. Removal of unjustified limitations on the continuous use (including self-service) of petrol stations located outside of urban centres, with the resupply to those stations done with advance payment. Greater transparency about the actual price of fuels, to the advantage of the consumer.
SMEs are allowed to raise debt, in particular through issuing the issuance of short-term commercial paper and  long-term bonds and similar instruments
National Reform Programme 2013. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 128
Based on the digital agenda framework, the PAC (Piano Di Coesione) promotes and finances infrastructural investment to enhance broadband networks on top of simplifications and improvements in efficiency
To boost entrepreunership two new simplified legalforms are created: 1) Simplified Limited Liability Company 2) Limited Liability Company with "reduced capital"
It allows the entrepreneur in crisis to access more quickly to the legal protection provided in its favor.
National Reform Programme 2013. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 90
Increase to 5 million euros of the maximum fine for unfair commercial practises. Enhance consumer protection in the insurance market (for example, tacit renewals are forbidden
Commercial courts have been introduced for cases concerning intellectual property, limited companies and public procurement
National Reform Programme 2013. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 16
Increase the use of  ICT in public procurement through Consip S.p.a. and confirmation of its role as procurement central for the works related to the digital agenda for Italy.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.99
Newspaper stands may offer discounts and sell any other product as long as the sales comply with prevailing laws and regulations. The measures also provide that unjustified failure to supply or unjustified supply of excess or defective material with respect to the distributor's demand are cases of unfair commercial practices for the purpose of applying prevailing laws and regulations on the subject.
Exemptions relating to commercial and fiscal law for innovative start-ups
Simplification of procedures and rules for environmental permit
For civil cases the right to appeal has been limited to controversial cases
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.116
Planned procedural simplifications for concessions. Businesses no longer have the burden of procuring documents and certificates to attest to their requisites. Such documentation is to be taken directly from the national databank for public contracts as of 1 January 2013. The contracting business and the contractor will have joint and several responsibilities for the wages, severance indemnity provisions, and insurance premiums due as part of the contract, amendments have been made for the adoption of CIPE resolutions.
National Reform Programme 2013. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 30
Creation of a "Cabina di regia" ( Decisional Centre) for the digital agenda for Italy. Promoting innovation through ICT in the public administration
National Reform Programme 2013. Italy. Index Table. Measure N. 8
Reduction of geographical schooling areas, new allocation criteria of state contributions to local bodies for schooling canteen services, savings related to different provisions related to teaching staff.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.38
National school building plan in order to modernise and reorganise the school real estate
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measures contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure 103
The regulation introduces amendments to Lgs D 152/2006 covering environmental regulations. More specifically, Art 221, Paragraph 3, letter a) provides for the possibility of producers to organise the management of their waste and packaging materials not only autonomously but also in collective from. Paragraph 5 addresses the means for operating the National Observatory on Waster Materials. Finally, with reference to the penalty system, changes have been made in the amount due by producers and users who do not comply with the collection obligation, as outlined in Art 261 of Lgs D 152/2006
Provisions aimed to prevent and combat corruption and illegality in public administration
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.134
Initiatives for promoting scolastic achievement
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.122
Some aspects of relationships with students will be managed electronically (e.g. enrolments and registration of grades on exams). Online universities will no longer be able to access funds allocated to private universities. Planned exchange of professors and researchers between universities and research centres; hiring of full-time technological experts. Simplification in the management of international and industrial research projects. A total of 15 per cent of the "Fund of Facilitation of Research" will be set aside to projects that are part of European programmes or international accords. The procedures have been simplified for projects already selected within the framework of EU programmes and international accords whose head has already been identified. Some 10 per cent of the "Fund for Investment in Scientific and Technological Research" has been earmarked for researchers under the age of 40. National resources have been allocated to the financing of unfunded projects have secured a positive evaluation at a European level. Simplifications for leave time and wage of full time personnel working in the role of researcher for public research entities and universities, carrying out research in relation to an EU or international grant.
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.121
The functional team of teachers will be put in place by 1 September ( and will last at least three years, including temporary workers); each school will have its own budget; INVALSI will be the entity coordinating the national evaluation system. Reform of technical secondary schools.
Definition of the terms of the duration of a "fair trial", beyond which lies the right to reasonable compensation
Economic and Financial Document 2012. National Reform Programme. Grid of measure contained in the National Reform Programme. Measure N.68
The validity of DURC is extended to six months
Simplification of the rules to participate to procurement, on the basis of the "Only once" principle
Tax incentives for the use of project bonds for infrastructure investment
Decreto Legislativo 7 settembre 2012, n. 155 & 156
Reogarnisation of judiciary toward an enhanced specialisation
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 39
National Reform Programme of Latvia for the Implementation of the "Europe 2020" strategy, April 2011, p.29.
Loans for improvement of competiveness and growth of enterprises, by granting investment and turnover capital loans to enterprises. There are two support programmes providing financing from the EU structural funds.  A programme for enterprises, which have economically reasonable plans for future activities, but cannot access financing of credit institutions due to increased risks (the target group of the programme are enterprises operating in manufacturing). The total amount of the programme is LVL 58.6 million. Until 2013, 63 loan agreements for LVL 46.7 million have been signed with enterprises (including LVL 30.6 million from the ERDF financing). In 2013, the programme expects to pay to enterprises LVL 14.7 million (including LVL 9.6 million from the EU structural funds financing). Within the programme LVL 11 million is still available.
Amendments to the Commercial Law to prevent conflict of interests between the board and council members in concluding transactions
Modernization of courts in Latvia oriented towards promotion of access to courts and increasing efficiency of the court process and work, including the backlog of cases and reductions of the length of legal proceedings.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 17
As of July 1, 2012, the Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law entered into force envisaging a significantly reduced time required to consider criminal cases, thus reducing the overall length of legal proceedings
The Ministry of Economics and Investment and the Development Agency of Latvia introduced support for High value-added investment. The measure aim to stimulate local enterprises to invest in knowledge or technology-intensive projects, as well as to attract foreign investment in areas with high added value, thus contributing to the transfer of technology from abroad.
Amendments to the Administrative Procedure Law ensuring a transition to written procedure as the main procedure in administrative cases, thus narrowing the range of issues subject to possible submission of ancillary complaints while reducing course of the proceedings.
"Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy". April 2012. Page 17
In the 1st quarter of 2012, the Strategy for Improving the Road Quality Assurance was prepared. It contains additional measures to improve the road construction monitoring system, to improve the technological process and specifications of construction and repairs, to extend the warranty period to five years instead of three years as it is now, as well as measures to apply the principles of economic profitability to construction design and construction supervision procurements, i.e. involving highly qualified and experienced engineers instead of the current requirement for a minimum level of qualification and lower price criterion
In February 2012, the procedure regarding enrolment and discharging of students from general education institutions (except boarding-schools and special education institutions) was adopted. The procedure stipulated mandatory support measures for students with learning difficulties so that they would repeat a year only in certain cases. In the academic year 2011/2012, the share of students repeating a year has decreased from 2.5% to 1.7% compared to the previous academic year.
The Concept for Consolidation and Simplification of the Small Enterprise Tax Payment Regime. It describes the possible measures to consolidate and simplify the small enterprise tax payment regime and implementation terms of possible solutions.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 30  Economic developmentof Latvia report, Dec 2012  Information on the progress of the Action Plan to Improve Business Environment in 2012 is available on the website of the Ministry of Economic: http://www.em.gov.lv/em/2nd/?cat=30209.
eKase introduced an online data exchange module that provides automated payment data exchange between the Treasury as an information holder and the state budget payments to administering institutions as information users. Online data exchange module provides not only a payment request data, but also the payment order of loading building an online mode.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 29
As of November 29, 2012, electronic registration of enterprises in the Commercial Register on the website www.latvija.lv has been introduced.
The new Law on Value Added Tax incorporating a regulation that reduces the time required to register an enterprise in the register of VAT payers of the State Revenue Service from 10 working days to 5.
"Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy". April 2012. Page 21
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2012. Page 50
12 sectoral expert councils to develop qualitative and quantitative demand of sectors for labour preparation have been established.  20 vocational education standard programmes and 35 continuing education programmes are planned to be improved through the ESF support. The sector survey process was launched in 2011, 12 sectors will be evaluated in 2012, and based on the evaluation results, profession standards will be developed or updated and vocational education programmes will be developed by using a model-based approach and base for qualification examination content of vocational education will be also developed.
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy.p.18
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 38
In order to increase export volumes of Latvian enterprises and access to new markets in 2012 new Foreign Economic Representative Offices of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency were opened in China and Belarus; also the network of the honorary consuls was expanded
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises new product and technology development program. The Program aim to support the innovative technology operating systems, software development, data language, research and development to develop new theoretical computer science etc.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page 45
As of November 21, 2012, electronic registration of enterprises in the Commercial Register on the website www.latvija.lv has been introduced.
Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" Strategy.April 2013. Page
In May 2012, the CM (Cabinat of Ministers) approved regulations on the Lending Programme for Purchase of Agricultural Land. Loans up to LVL 100 thousand are available within the programme for purchase of agricultural land to produce agricultural products and purchase existing buildings on the land if the cadastral value of the building does not exceed 30% of the cadastral value of the land. The total budget of the programme is LVL 10 million and loans are going to be available within the programme until the end of 2013. Practical implementation of the programme was launched in July 2012 and 46 loans in the amount of LVL 1.9 million were granted by the end of 2012.
Supporting enterprises for implementation of external marketing by fostering integration of enterprises into international supply chains, encouraging Latvian enterprises to participate in international exhibitions and trade missions. In 2012, 496 enterprise applications for the support have been evaluated. In 2013, the number of signed contracts on support depends on enterprise activity and submitted applications.
The Trade markets - international marketing programme to support export related activities, external marketing abroad and trade missions etc.
Entrepreneurs are no longer required to submit a statement as a proof of the paid services, state fees and tax payments.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 25
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 24
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 21
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 13
This measure involves the creation of models (systems) for arranging practice for students of undergraduate and integrated studies in companies and (or) non-profit organizations, including the trainings of tutors, improvement of their skills, development and installation of informational systems for internships  The key objective is to improve the quality of internships and practical skills of students enabling the students to be more competitive in the labour market. Such student internships can be organized together with foreign partners. In Lithuania internship models are created and adapted in the context of the EU structural support funded projects.
Enterprise and Industry. SBA Fact Sheet 2012, Lithuania. p,6
Compulsory quantitative evaluation of impact of all new draft legislation on admin burden to business to be enforced from 1st March 2012 (new methodology adopted in January 2012).
Ministry of Economy  Law on Small Partnerships (O.J. 2012, No.  83-4333)  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=429530&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 26
In order to promote the protection of intellectual property, assistance was granted in accordance with the updated scheme for the assistance in protecting industrial property rights at the international level. Assistance in the amount of LTL 1.2 million was allocated for 86 projects of patenting of inventions and registration of industrial design at the international level, implemented by higher education and research institutions and companies.
The Law on Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal of the Republic of Lithuania, establishing the general principles and requirements for the installation of liquefied natural gas terminal in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, its activities and the operation thereof as well as providing for legal, financial and organizational conditions for the implementation of liquefied natural gas terminal project, was adopted;
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 48-49
On 18 July 2012, the Government adopted a resolution on the approval of the schedule for licensing framework, which established the deadlines for the submission of information, conclusions and offers, while SE Centre of Registers was appointed to create a common information system in order to optimize the process of the issuance of licences in state institutions and announcement and management of information on the issued licences to all economic entities through the use of a public electronic service
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2012. Page 17
This programme is aimed at ensuring data transmission and other innovative e-services for international and interinstitutional activities of Lithuanian education and research institutions.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 17-18
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 55
The state may reimburse a part of interest paid by SMEs for loans and leasing agreements. In order to take advantage of this measure, it is necessary to submit to INVEGA an application in a pre-determined form for partial reimbursement of interest.  - Up to 50% of interest paid on loans, which are compensated for those investment and working capital loans, for which credit institutions were issued an INVEGA guarantee, is reimbursed.  - Up to 95% of interest paid on loans disbursed from Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund is reimbursed.  - On 23 May 2012, the measure coverage was extended. Partial reimbursement of interest on loans can also be received by those SMEs, which have not been issued INVEGA guarantee for the execution of loan repayment or leasing agreement. A part of interest will be compensated for companies, which will invest into the production and acquisition of high-tech and medium-high-tech products, new and used production equipment, hardware, licences, software, special equipment and some vehicles. Only those representatives of SMEs who have signed or plan to sign agreements for investment loans or leasing during the period from 1 March 2012 to 1 March 2013 will be able to apply for partial reimbursement of interest under the updated measure conditions. LTL 38.5 million in interest had been reimbursed to 2.963 SMEs by 31 December 2012. LTL 104 million from the funds of the European Union Structural Funds was allocated for this measure.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 17
In order to ensure the monitoring and analysis of the implementation of the reform of state-owned enterprises, the PE State Property Fund was commissioned to carry out the functions of the Governance Management Coordination Centre as from 1 September 2012. The Governance Management Coordination Centre was entrusted to monitor and analyse financial and non-financial performance indicators of state-owned enterprises, submit proposals on how to increase operational efficiency of state-owned enterprises and prepare offers for the improvement of management governance policy of state-owned enterprises. The goal of the Governance Management Coordination Centre is to ensure the same high management standards in state-owned enterprises.  In the 4th quarter of 2012, the Management Coordination Centre prepared and submitted to the Government 3 reports on the cost of capital, goals and management boards of directors of state-owned enterprises.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 12-13
Methodology on evaluating administrative burden for business, Government Resolution No 4, January 11, 2012  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=416691&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Compulsory quantitative evaluation of impact of all new draft legislation on administrative burden to business is being enforced since 1st March 2012.
Ministry of Economy  Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy XI-1867 (O. J. 2012, No. 4-112)  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=415901&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy: Requirements for persons seeking to acquire the right to provide enterprise bankruptcy administration services and persons seeking to acquire the right to work as administrators assistant were established in the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 23-24
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2012. Page 27
This Programme is aimed at promoting the continued professional development of scientists and other researchers in all stages of their careers and increasing human resource capacity in the R&D field in quantitative and qualitative terms.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 54-55
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 53-54
Guarantee fund. INVEGA provides guarantees equivalent to state guarantees (up to 80% of loan amount) for credit institutions for investment loans and working capital loans of small- and medium-sized entities relating to business development, thus solving the issue of insufficient and unattractive bank collateral. 1.988 guarantees were issued for SME loans by 31 December 2012 (the amount of issued guarantees is LTL 555.5 million). LTL 129 million from the EU Structural Support funds was allocated for the measure.  Portfolio guarantees (INVEGA fund measure). The measure is aimed at promoting loans by guaranteeing for up to 80% of the loan amount of SMEs and thus seeking to reduce barriers for companies to receive funding when they do not have sufficient collateral. 111 guarantees for loans of SMEs had been included into the portfolio of guaranteed loans by 31 December 2012 (the amount of issued guarantees is LTL 38 million). LTL 41.4 million from the EU Structural Support funds was allocated for the measure.  Portfolio guarantees for leasing (INVEGA fund measure). Financial guarantee (for up to 80% of leasing amount) is provided for new SME leasing transactions (the maximum transaction amount is LTL 6.47 million). 37 guarantees (in the amount of LTL 7 million) for SME leasing transactions were included into the portfolio of guaranteed leasing transactions by 31 December 2012. LTL 20.71 million from the EU Structural Support funds was allocated for the measure.
http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=438056  Amended Resolution No 511 of May 4, 2010 on the optimization of functions of business supervisory institutions (O.J. 2010, No. 53-2613, 2012, No. 89-4657)
In May 2010, the Government adopted a decision to optimise the functions of business supervisory institutions. Since 2012, the performance of the supervisory institutions has been assessed following the beforehand established parameters (indicators) which relate to the implementation of the reform instruments.  The parameters are aimed to ensure that the objectives of the supervisor performance meet the expectations of the business community and the public, as well as to ensure proper redistribution of resources based on the prioritising areas, etc.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 53
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2012. Page 29
This Programme is aimed at making Lithuania a centre for international studies.   Planned measures include:  - developing and implementing joint study programmes with foreign universities and adapting such programmes for foreigners;  - promoting and supporting the international mobility of students and lecturers;  - increasing the international attractiveness of university education.
On 1 March 2012 natural gas exchange started to operate in Lithuania. The key task of the exchange is to organize wholesale trade of natural gas and transfer of acquisition rights of natural gas.
Ministry of Economy  Law on Bankruptcy of Natural Persons (O. J. 2012, No.57-2823)  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=445605
Law on Bankruptcy of Natural Persons: On 10 of May 2012 the Lithuanian Parliament adopted the Law on Bankruptcy of Natural Persons (entered into force on 1st of March 2013) which provides the possibility of natural persons bankruptcy.  The Law applies to natural persons as well as the farmers and other natural persons who are engaged in accordance with the Law in individual economic activities.  Proceedings should be initiated by a natural person and only honest persons would have a possibility to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. Natural person when he is unable to meet his assumed debt obligations which maturity terms are due and which amount exceeds 25 minimum monthly wages (at the moment 25 000 Lt) has a right to submit a petition to the court.
The Law on Administrative Burden Reduction No. XI-2386 of November 8, 2012 (Official Gazette, 2012, No. 136-6957).  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=442399&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Law on administrative burden reduction was adopted in the end of 2012. The law is foreseen to come into force on 1st July 2013. The purpose of the law - to ensure a coherent administrative burden reduction process, focusing on citizens and businesses. A creation of Better Regulation Supervision Commission is foreseen, and Municipalities will now be actively involved in the administrative burden reduction processes.
The Programmes of Integrated Science, Studies and Business Centres (Valleys) are developed by implementing 14 R&D infrastructure development projects financed by the Ministry of Education and Science and 11 innovation infrastructure projects financed by the Ministry of Economy, 7 of which are being implemented and 4 are included into the list of planned projects
Ministry of Economy  From 18 July 2012, the Schedule basics of the licensing
Shorter duration of license and authorization issue to businessmen procedure were proposed by Ministry of Economy. From 18 July 2012, after entering into force of the Schedule basics of the licensing, were created more simplified models for the receipt of a license. The time of receipt depends on the legal requirements applicable to various licenses and authorizations disregarding the risk level of the licensed activities. The businessmen who need a license or permit to engage in the risk-free licensed commercial activities are entitled to engage in these activities the next day after the authority concerned receives the application to issue a license (and other required documents when needed).
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 28
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 29. National Reform Program 2013
The "Boost IP" project, financed by the FEDER and supported by the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade through its intellectual property awareness efforts directed at companies, primarily SMEs in the eco-technology and artisan sectors. Diagnostics of intellectual property practices are offered by means of an individual and personalized interview. In 2012, around 33% of companies contacted were granted a personalized interview. In addition, 14% of SMEs who had a personalized interview expressed interest in carrying out a financial evaluation of patents.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 30. National Reform Program 2013
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 25. National Reform Program 2013
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. 2012. Page 25
The "Training for young people working under a work-support contract" is directed at young job seekers aged 16-30 that are working under a CAE contract. This project provides training adapted to current requirements of young people, such as preparing for job interviews, IT training, etc.
The "Nudge in the right direction" project is directed at young job seekers between 16 and 20, without diplomas who have not been able to get into the job market since registering with ADEM. ADEM is providing a specialized follow-up for young people in order to integrate them into a measure promoting youth employment or in training that can serve as a trampoline toward the labour market
The government is increasing co-financing rates for continuing education that companies provide for their staff and is introducing a higher co-financing rate for non-qualified persons and those older than 45. This involves a measure that both seeks to attenuate the impacts of the crisis on in-company training programs and to increase participation of older and/or less qualified persons in lifelong educational and training programs.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 46. National Reform Program 2012
The Counseling Center will open its doors at the beginning of the academic year 2012-2013. All the administrations and guidance services will be represented including the ADEM professional counseling department, the Psychological and Academic Counseling Center (CPOS), the Center for Documentation and Information on University Studies (CEDIES), the ALJ and the National Youth Service (SNJ). The Counseling Center focuses primarily on young people, but also on any persons who seek counseling about the various sectors in which they can learn, study or work.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 46. National Reform Program 2012  National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 44-45 . National Reform Program 2013
New guidance procedures for transition from basic education to lower forms and secondary education were established and will be implemented in the 2012-2013 school year. The new procedure reinforces active involvement on the part of parents and improves transparency in decision-making.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page . National Reform Program 2013
The IPR Helpdesk consortium, a premier counseling service in the area of intellectual property for all research project sponsors for European projects and European SMEs. In this context, the CVT successfully contributed to the implementation of the service. The CVT also participates in the development of training and services for the IPR Helpdesk publications. In 2012, CVT contributed to numerous IPR Helpdesk activities, such as the drafting and publication of fact sheets, case studies, preparing a scenario for a role-playing exercise in cooperation with the OEB academy and the implementation of an organization for managing IPR Helpdesk partnerships.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 32 . National Reform Program 2013
Luxinnovation setted up the first specialized training program in the autumn of 2012, christened FP7 Autumn School, in close cooperation with all the Luxembourg public research organizations. This event attracted several dozen researchers and entrepreneurs. The objective was to instruct on how to improve preparation of project proposals in order to increase success rates in a very highly competitive program.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 27. National Reform Program 2013
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 31-32 . National Reform Program 2013
The participation in terms of volume of Luxembourg in the 7th Framework Program for 2007-2013 is tending toward an increase. This increase in some ways follows changes in budget allocations to calls for proposals of the 7th Framework Program that have nearly doubled between 2007 and 2012. This encouraging result is certainly due to the promotion and consulting efforts of Luxinnovation that were carried out in 2012. The spring 2012 information days during the European Funding Week concentrating on themes and content of upcoming calls for proposals was a highlight of this campaign. Several hundred entrepreneurs and researchers attended this event.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 27. National Reform Program 2013.  In addition, http://www.clusters.lu/
The objective of the Luxembourg Cluster Initiative is to increase competitiveness and diversification of the Luxembourg economy. This initiative is set up around five thematic clusters: the Luxembourg Materials Cluster for materials and technology for production, the Luxembourg ICT Cluster for ICT, Luxembourg Space Cluster concerning aeronautics and space, Luxembourg BioHealth Cluster for health sciences and technologies and Luxembourg EcoInnovation Cluster focusing on ecotechnologies and sustainable development. This is an effective instrument for assembling the resources necessary to achieve a critical mass, to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and good practices and to increase visibility of Luxembourg players on the international scene. Thus in 2012, the clusters implemented their specific work plans and distributed their services to the benefit of their members
At present, the job market reflects only partially the increase in qualification levels held by young people leaving the educational system. This is partly due to the presence of immigrants, who attain only low levels of qualification in their home countries. As a consequence, it is necessary to continue actions aimed at the part of the adult population with few qualifications. The measures that have been implemented or are scheduled include: Strengthening the second path to qualification, introducing authentification of acquired professional experience, developing professional training for adults, increasing measures for job seeker qualification and promoting basic skills.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 44-45 . National Reform Program 2013
The government-created Guidance Center opened its doors in September, 2012 assembling departments from three ministries that work with youth guidance. These are the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training with its Psychological and Academic Guidance Center (CPOS), the Luxembourg regional office of the Local Youth Action (ALJ) and the Welcome Center for Newly Arrived Students (CASNA). In addition, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is 45 represented by the Guidance Department of the public employment service, as well as the Ministry for Family and Integration with its branch of the National Youth Service (SNJ). The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training manages the Guidance Center and coordinates the steering committee made up of various heads of departments. Staff from these departments work in close collaboration to produce presentations in schools, assisting with the transition phase from school to work and helping during the systematic monitoring periods of young school dropouts. Individual assistance is continued up to the point where a training, employment or occupational solution has been found with the person. Young people who come in search of information, guidance or assistance find these offers at the same location and making contact is easier and more rapid. Group workshops involving the different departments are offered to young people so they can set up a new professional project, confirm it and implement it. Presentations in schools addressed at young people who intend to pursue university educations are done in concert with the Center for Documentation and Information on University Studies (CEDIES). The Guidance Center is also open to adults seeking information, guidance or assistance in authenticating acquired professional experience.
July, 2012, the new incubator Technoport S.A. was inaugurated, bringing together the various existing host infrastructures under a single governance structure, Technoport Schlassgoart of the Henri Tudor CRP and the ecostart center of the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade.
National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 44. National Reform Program 2013
New guidance procedures for transition from basic education to lower forms and secondary education were implemented in the 2012-2013 school year. The new procedure reinforces active involvement on the part of parents and improves transparency in decision-making. The lower forms and secondary education and secondary technical studies are pivotal classes between primary school and the upper forms. The upper forms qualify students for entering professional life or for university studies. At the lower forms level, the priority is consolidating and expanding basic education acquired in early schooling.
In Luxembourg, multilingualism permeates the professional, educational and training spheres, as well as the social and cultural domains. For this reason, language training holds a particularly important place in the framework of policies intended to strengthen human capital resources through education and training. Language training is by far the largest domain of adult education. Different measures have been taken to broaden the offering and promote access to programs so as to encourage adults to actively pursue language studies, including: Creation of the National Language Institute (INL), bolstering support of communes and associations that offer language courses, a language training leave to allow staff to learn Luxembourgish during work hours, and the welcoming and integration contract offering training in the three official languages of the country, Luxembourgish, French and German.
National Plan for Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page 48. National Reform Program 2012  National plan for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Luxembourg 2020. Page . National Reform Program 2013
Measures dealing with broadening the number of programs by offering short BTS associates degrees, the establishing of higher education programs and the creating of subsidiaries or private/public establishments in Luxembourg, as well as measures concerning the system of financial aid for university study have all been confirmed.
Further implementation of Directive 2007/66/EC on public procurement
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 42  http://www.maltaenterprise.com/sites/default/files/support_measures/micro_guarantee_guidelines_version_3.pdf
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 125
This measure will help to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship at the University of Malta and also provide the necessary teaching programmes through which the University infrastructure can support start-up businesses with the intent of then facilitating the move to the Science Park, for example.   The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI) was set up in May 2013 as a centre of excellence in entrepreneurship at the University of Malta (UoM), complementing the existing endeavours in the area. CEBI will catalyze the development of a vibrant, indigenous, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial sector targeting science, technology, engineering, media, and the creative industries in Malta.  As an academic centre, CEBI trains students and staff in the science and art of Entrepreneurship using a participant-centred, hands-on approach, by leveraging entrepreneurship expertise at the University of Malta as well as seasoned local and foreign entrepreneurs. CEBI also plans to catalyze the creation of start-up, seed and venture capital funds to launch and grow a new breed of successful, knowledge-intensive ventures.  Since November 2013, all Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship activities have moved to housed in the former Faculty of ICT building, a central location within the University that has been newly refurbished for this purpose. The site accommodates the offices of the KTO and CEBI as well as the soon to be launched University Business Incubator.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 59
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2012. Page 88
Through this project, the Government of Malta is analysing in detail the social economy sector in the country. Following a study which was completed in January 2012, a draft Social Enterprise Act and a draft White Paper which includes a draft law based on the actions identified in the said study and which aims to set up a regulatory framework were drawn up which will then be put up for public consultation.
A one stop shop from where apart from the schemes and services offered by Malta Enterprise, more than 50 services from various Government departments and entities are being provided, with the aim of facilitating the day to day operations of local enterprises while supporting their growth and successful operation.
The Business Loan Guarantee scheme will become permanent, with an annual ceiling of 400 million euro, which will help companies to meet their funding requirements.
From the 1st of January 2013 onwards, entrepreneurs are obliged to file their tax applications via the Standard Business Reporting (SBR) system. SBR ensures that entrepreneurs have less work in creating and delivering mandatory reports to governments and banks (such as tax applications). SBR allows for the efficient reuse of data, so that the different application procedures become easier.
National Reform Programme 2013. The Netherlands. Page 16-17
In the innovation contracts of the topsectors companies, researchers and the government have made agreements on how the public resources earmarked for knowledge and innovation will be used in each top sector to build on existing scientific excellence and to meet the need for innovative solutions to societal problems. The TKI allowance, which is intended to spur private financing for TKI projects, took effect in 2013. Starting in 2014, the budget for public private partnership will be increased by 110 million euro to 200 million euro a year.
National Reform Programme 2013. The Netherlands. Page 17  or: http://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-regelingen/innovatiefonds-mkb  and: http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/resources/dvi/index.htm
National Reform Programme 2013. The Netherlands. Page 28
Additional measures adopted in 2012 to reinforce efforts to reduce the drop-out rate at MBO level included longer supervised teaching hours in the first year, intensive counselling, career guidance and coaching. Structural funding of 150 million euro has been made available for these measures.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 21  The Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) of 13 July 2012 on the criteria and procedure for awarding a scientific categories to scientific bodies (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland position 877)  The Law on rules of financing the science from 30 of April 2010 (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland No 96 pos. 615).
New rules for the evaluation of scientific bodies were introduced i.a. pursuant to the Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) of 13 July 2012 on the criteria and procedure for awarding a scientific categories to scientific bodies. Comprehensive assessment of the quality of scence acitivity or R&D activity of Scientific Bodies is done by Committee for Evaluation of Scientific Units.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland No 85 of 18/01/2013
This declaration presents an updated version of the text of the law of 19 December 2007 on documents and notifications that can be submitted electronically. The update includes all subsequent amendments, including some from 2012. The changes result in a significant facilitation of the use of electronic document submission, including the introduction of many new documents and areas the system can be used for, the standardisation of many forms, as well as the removal of the requirement of using a complex electronic signature system.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 21
This Measure is addressed to companies which are willing to carry out research aiming at inventing new or improving already existing products (services). The support is granted for the implementation of the research project as long as the entrepreneur commits itself to either implement the results in their own business or sales it to the other entrepreneurs.  The grant may allocated to a project that provides a solution suited to branches of the high and medium-high technology.  As a result of the call for proposals, 108 projects obtained co-financing for the total amount of PLN 563 million.Finally, 119 projects obtained co-financing.
This call for proposals provided for a new support instrument, consisting in providing co-financing for research projects carried out by public research organisations in cooperation with a particular entrepreneur. The principal condition was the esablishment of consortium which consists of the one public research organization and one entrepreneur. The consortium commited to implement the results of the  project to their own business, understood as the start of production, the provision of services or licensing the use of the project in the business. 50 contrcts for grant was singed. Currently, 48 agreements is carried out.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland No 1342 of 30/11/2012
This act aims to reduce administrative burdens on entrepreneurs by resolving issues of tax complications surrounding late payments, reducing excessive notification requirements, and increasing the transparency of public administration. The measure cancels the need to pay VAT for small payers on transactions affected by late payments, and introduces an automatic option of recalling VAT payments in 150 days if they are affected by late payments. Further, the measure introduces stricter accounting rules to discourage non-payment, without affecting on-time transactions. Changes also reduce administrative burdens on entrepreneurs, including streamlining of taxation procedures surrounding a change of a sole-proprietorship company into a corporation. The measure also increases the transparency of national registries and institutions, for example by publishing some KRUS, ZUS and NFZ documents.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 21-22
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. 2013/2014 Update. Page 73
Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland No 2 of 2/1/2013
A part of the efforts to facilitate business registration, this measure shortens the procedure for assignment of the taxation identification number 'NIP' to a maximum of three days. This eliminates the longest delay in the business registration procedure, the process of registration in national registries.  The introduction of the amendment eliminated 2 of 6 procedures for the registration of the entity: registration the State Labour Inspection and registration in the State Sanitary Inspection.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland No 856 of 26/07/2012
This measure establishes a codification commission with the task of rewriting the Construction Code. The document describes the composition, organisation and the tasks of the codification commission. With eight to fourteen members with academic and practical experience in the fields of construction law, urban planning, zoning, property management, environmental protection and cultural heritage protection, the codification commission is to conclude its work in 2014, reporting on its progress to relevant ministries at least every three months.
Official Gazette of the Republic of Poland No 1271 of 19/11/2012
Changes to public procurement law, mainly in the area of public construction projects. This measure improves SMEs' access to public procurement contracts in construction, especially through subcontracting. Amendments also deal with the issue of late payments to sub-contractors in public contracts and protection of SME subcontractors from unfair practices of contractors due to information asymmetry.
Republic of Poland. National Reform Programme. Update 2012/2013. Page 33
The Law is meant to ensure that the Portuguese Competition Authority is able to effectively enforce competition rules and is equipped with adequate investigation powers in line with other competition authorities in the EU.
Decree Law n. 75/2012; Decree-Law n. 256/2012, of November 29; Decree n. 332/2012, of October 22.
In order to ensure the progressive reduction of costs associated with the tariff deficit, through: (i) the review of existing support mechanisms (power guarantee and special regime); (ii) renegotiation of contracts on production of electricity from ordinary regime (Power Purchase Agreements and Maintenance Costs of Contractual Balance); and (iii) by ensuring that decisions on investments in renewable and cogeneration are based in strict cost-benefit analysis.  Under the Decree Law N. 75/2012 of 26 March 2012, the elimination of the remaining regulated tariffs in the electricity market is set as follows: -On the 1st of July 2012, the regulated tariff is eliminated for those consumers with electricity supply between 10.35 kVA and 41.4 kVA (a temporary tariff may hold until December 31st 2014); -On the 1st of January 2013, the regulated tariff is eliminated for those consumers with electricity supply under 10.35 kVA (a temporary tariff may hold until December 31st 2015).
Law n.32/2012 of 14/08/2012; Effective:30 days after publication
This law approves measures to streamline and revitalize urban regeneration, including: a) easing and simplifying the creation of areas of urban regeneration; b) Creating a simplified procedure of prior control of urban operations; c) controlling the urban rehabilitation of buildings or fractions, although located outside of areas of urban regeneration, whose construction has been completed for at least 30 years and that appropriate rehabilitation intervention designed to give them adequate performance characteristics and safety.
Ordinance n.  281-A/2012. D. R. n. 179, Supplement, Series I of 2012-09-14  Ordinance n. 68/2013. D. R. n. 33, Series I of 2013-02-15
It was designed to regularize the payment of overdue debts of municipalities for more than 90 days, registered in the General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGAL) as at March 31, 2012.  This programme includes all of the municipalities with overdue payments for more than 90 days, regardless of its commercial or administrative nature.
Legal basis for the new transport regulator (IMT) and merges the three former regulators (rail, ports and road).
Amendments to the corporate insolvency law to better support early rescue of viable firms through a special recovery porcedure, as well as the simplification of formalities and procedures.
Law 19/2012. of 2012-05-08 Report of the Council of Ministers of 26 January 2012
A new competition law based on the simplification and racionalization of procedures; greater degree of powers given to the independent regulator; and harmonization between national and EU laws.
Amendments to the law 9/2009, which transposes the Directive on recognition of professional qualifications. 13 executive orders designating the competent  authority for the recognition of the specific qualifications have also been adopted.
Under the Decree Law No. 74/2012 of 26 March 2012, the elimination of the remaining regulated tariffs in the gas market is set as follows: -On the 1st of July 2012, the regulated tariff is eliminated for those consumers with annual consumption between 500 and 10.000 m3 kVA (a temporary tariff may hold until December 31st 2014); -On the 1st of January 2013, the regulated tariff is eliminated for those consumers with annual consumption under 500 m3 (a temporary tariff may hold until December 31st 2015).
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 13/2012 from 08/02/2012
Sale of 15% share capital of REN to Oman Oil Company S. A. O. C. and 25% to State Grid International Development Limited.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers N. 11/2012. D. R. n. 25, Series I of 2012-02-03  Order n. 7292/2012. D. R. n. 103, Series II 2012-05-28
The Revitalizing Program, an initiative of the Government with a view to optimizing the legal, tax and financial environment in which the business community in Portugal develops its activity.  It is a strategic response to the need of creating a favorable environment to revitalize the national business community, especially in a critical period of their development.
It establishes measures to strengthen the financial soundness of credit institutions under the initiative for strengthening financial stability and providing liquidity in the financial markets.
It adopted measures to expedite and to streamline urban regeneration.  Procedures for certain urban renewal projects, including a very significant reduction on deadlines for project approval and the application of tacit deferral in case of no response by the public sector, have been simplified. Thus, the responsible entity shall have a period of 15 days to respond to the statement by the rehabilitator.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n.  47/2012. D. R. N. 97, Series I of 2012-05-18.
Program launched for improving the business environment, reducing administrative costs and optimizing the legal and regulatory framework on the location, installation and operation of industrial activity.
Ordinance n. 370-A/2012 of November 16, 2012, D. R. 221 - Series 1, 1st Supplement
This measure, created in the context of the Program  +E +I,  aims to promote the development, by qualified youth, in entrepreneurship and innovative projects, or with high growth potential, through a set of specific support measures, hinged together and complemented with technical assistance throughout the project development.
Extension of the term of the Special Building Fund Business Support (FIEAE) for the additional period of one year.  The FIEAE was created by Decree-Law n. 104/2009 of 12 May, in order to ensure the access of SMEs to immediate financial resources, leading to a favorable impact in terms of the increase in levels of competitiveness, of productivity and of employment.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 111-F/2012 from 28/12/2012
Sale of shares representing up to 100% of the capital of ANA - Airports of Portugal, SA (ANA) at VINCI - Concessions SAS
The Law addresses in particular the regime for the award of additional works and services, errors and omissions; eliminates exemptions permitting direct awards; and removes the requirement to invest in R&D projects on contracts above EUR 25 million.
It allowed to rebalance the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.  The minimum contract duration, which was previously of five years, was eliminated. The parties are now free to set the duration of the contracts. As regards former indefinite contracts, the notice of termination has been reduced from five to two years. This rule does not apply in cases where the tenant has aged 65 years or shows over 60% of disability. An update of previous contracts rents to 1990 started taking place. This process involves a negotiation between the landlord and the tenant.
Regulated professions - the energy sector Order no.48/2012, 27.02.2012 Order no.228/2012 of 3.08.2012
Specifies the regulated professions covered in the energy sector and designate the respective authority responsible for the recognition of professional qualifications.
Law decree 149/2012 from 12/7 Commision Staff Working Document (2013) 372 final, p.14
It addresses in particular the regime for the award of additional works and services, errors and omissions; eliminates exemptions permitting direct awards; and removes the requirement to invest in R&D projects on contracts above EUR 25 million
Law n. 8/2012, of 2012-02-21. Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 44/2012. D. R. n. 79, Series I of 2012-04-20. Decree-Law n. 127/2012. D. R. n. 119, Series I of 2012-06-21
Strategy approved for payments overdue more than 90 days. Includes the legal rules regulating the procedures necessary for implementation of the Law on Appointments and Late Payments, approved by Law n. 8/2012, of 21 February.
Decree Law 67/2012, and executive orders 83/2012 and 84/2012
Creation of specialised courts on competition and Intellectual Property rights
Romania. Short Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme 2011-2013. March 2013, page 12.
The development of the National Strategy for RDI 2014-2020 and of the National RDI Plan 2014-2020 started in June 2012. The awarding contract for the project aimed at developing the two documents was signed in December 2012.The National Strategy for RDI will strongly focus on innovation issues and will include a component dedicated to smart specialization. In this respect, the project for Identifying the sectors with comparative economic advantages and growth potential based on RDI, developed with JASPERS support, aims at identifying the expertise fields of the RD activity (the supply-side of research) and the economic sectors having competitive potential (the demand-side of research).
Government Memorandum, 2009.  Doing Business 2013, World Bank Report for Romania
The number of taxes and tariffs in the area of para-fiscality has been reduced with 237 from 491 in 2009 to 254 in May 2011. The number of tax payments has been reduced from 113 in 2012 to 41.
Romania. Short Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme 2011-2013. March 2013. page 12
The technology base for research continued to be developed by finalizing 20 infrastructure projects (9 belonging to the public sector and 11 to the private sector), out of which 6 are large scale R&D infrastructures (amounting over 30 million Lei each).
Romania. National Reform Programme 2011-2013. Implementation Report. March 2012. Page 11  Romania. Short Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme 2011-2013. March 2013, page 13.
In order to encourage SMEs to invest in their own R&D activities, in the framework of the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation 2007-2014, the information package and the minimis aid scheme regarding the innovation voucher had been approved by the Decision of National Authority for Scientific Research (NASR) No 9039/01.03.2012 and the Decision of NASR No 9038/01.03.2012. The innovation voucher aims at accelerating the technological transfer between research institutes and SMEs and can be used in any economic or scientific field.  By March 2013, 148 vouchers (amounting 6.15 million Lei) were released.
Fiscal Code.  Government Ordinance No 15/2012 of 23/08/2012 for modifying and completing Law 571/2003 regarding Fiscal Code. Published in the Official Journal, 1st Part, No 621 of 29/08/2012 and entered into force at 1st September 2012. The Guide regarding the applicability of VAT system on reception was published in the Official Journal No 792 of 26/11/2012. The Guide entered into force at 1st January 2013.
The VAT rules have been changed so that VAT is payable on reception of payment (within 90 days) and deducted on payment of the received invoice.
Romania. Short Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme 2011-2013. March 2013, page 16.
In the school year 2012-2013 the ministry re-launched the 2 years Vocational Education and Training (VET) system based on contracts concluded with business enterprises/public bodies, the latter providing internships for VET students. By Government Decision No 1062/2012 the students are granted monthly scholarships (approx. 45 Euro/student). Roughly 12,500 students enrolled in the current VET school year).
For developing human resources for research, over 300 million Lei was spent for supporting more than 500 projects for post-doctoral and exploratory research. Following the 2012 call for proposals, over 1,600 projects have been selected for support under the programmes Ideas and Human Resources of the National  Plan for Research Development and Innovation (RDI) 2007-2014.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2013. Page 16
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2012. Page 12
The allocation method for subsidies for PhD scholarships changed: for existing full-time PhD students financial resources are committed for scholarships, while financial resources for new PhD students are not committed and it is up to individual schools to decide whether they will be spent on PhD scholarships or otherwise.The share of the tertiary school in the number of full-time PhD students after thesis examination was again introduced among research performance criteria. In the case of domestic grants, subsidies for research, development or artistic activities only take into account current transfers, and the guaranteed minimum mechanism is adjusted.
Legislative rules of the Government of Slovakia, as amended on 23 May 2012
Act 593/2003 on income tax - as amended on 04/12/2012; Act 461/2003 on social insurance - as amended on 10/08/2012; Labour Code 311/2001 - as amended on 10/08/2012
As a part of fiscal consolidation effors, the law on corporate income tax, the law on personal income tax, and the law social security, the tax rates were slightly increased and the tax base was broadened.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2013. Page 15
The action plan contains seven measures primarily focused on the quality and relevance of education, including vocational education and training. Priority activities include vocational education and training in companies, identification of sectoral demand for particular skills on the labour market, and the transfer of the description of skills into the vocational education and training curriculum.
Practical training should be linked to occupation for which the graduates were prepared. The introduction of this principle is estimated to improve effectiveness of the instrument and to strengthen components of vocational training. Applicants will have an opportunity to individually learn and train for the labour market in those areas where the Central Labour Office cannot provide training. Applicants may be refunded the costs (up to the amount of EUR 600) of individual education and training for the labour market which they have procured of their own initiative if they find a job owing to that training. The amendment also creates a legislative framework for the establishment of sectoral councils consisting of professional and expert associations, educational institutions, government authorities, local governments and social partners. The purpose of such councils is to identify sectoral demand for particular skills and qualified labour force.
Act 345/2012 on specific measures in local state administration   National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2013. Page 17
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2013. Page 17
The Ministry of Justice set up a Working Group for Asset Recovery Code with the goal of shortening the duration of court proceedings. The working group will prepare an amendment to the Asset Recovery Code and set up a Revision Committee for Civil Procedural Law to propose a revision of the Code of Civil Procedure
With the aim of reinforcing analytical capacities, the key ministries have set up their own analytical units. In addition to the already existing Institute for Financial Policy at the Ministry of Finance, similar units were established at the Ministry of the Environment (Department for Economic Instruments and Analyses), at the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (Analytical Centre), at the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development (Strategy Institute), at the Ministry of Health (Institute for Health Policy), at the Ministry of the Interior, and at the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport (Educational Policy Institute). Following the merger of the Institute for Economic Analyses with the Strategy Section at the Ministry of Economy, the Department for Economic Analyses was established to partially serve as an analytical unit. Once its personnel capacities are reinforced, the department may perform more complex analytical tasks as well.
Standardised templates of Memoranda of Incorporation were created and published by the Ministry of Justice, in order to lower costs for notary and legal advice for SMEs when starting up a bussiness; i.e. creating a private limited company or joint stock company by a single owner/shareholder
This reform aims at reinforcing the instruments to coordinate vocational education and training activities so that vocational education and training match the labour market demand. The amendment has introduced a new mechanism to determine the number of first grade classes at secondary schools; their number will primarily be determined by relevant local government. With effect from 1 September 2014, new conditions will apply to the admission of first grade students to four-year study programmes at grammar schools, bilingual study programmes and complete secondary vocational education programmes. One of the admission conditions will be that the average school report grades for the last two years at a primary school must be below a set threshold.
Act 222/2004 on VAT; Methodological decree no MF/9147/2011-73
Slovakia's government created and published clear manuals for the preparation and filing of VAT tax returns and is creating a comprehensive portal solution for handling essentials requested from business entities (in particular, the filing of tax returns and correction of errors in submitted data, if necessary).
Changes made in the selection of judges and court presidents and to the assignment, temporary assignment and transfer of judges, cancellation of court trainees, the obligation to publish a list of persons associated with a judge candidate and to provide a list of associated persons by judges, publication of court rulings (in particular those that has not become final) and changes in competences of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic have been subject to a constitutionality test in the proceedings before the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic.
The amendment to the Act on Employment Services have created conditions for effective short-term vocational education. It has aligned education and training for the labour market with further learning under the Act on Lifelong Learning, and placed more emphasis on counselling.
When opening places for full-time studies in the 2013/2014 academic year, a 20 per cent reduction in comparison to the 2012/2013 academic year in humanities and social studies must be observed by higher education institutions.
Transparent online publication of  information on conditions and procedures for performing activities and professions
Prevention of Restriction of Competition Act.  Or: Slovenia. Appendix 1. Report on measures for the implementation of country-specific recommendations (CSR) and on the main structural changes in 2012. Page 20
Independence of the body which manages competition; recruitment of expert staff: the number of employees increased.
More transparent and simpler IT-supported public procurement system, rationalization in health sector, merge of public tenders
In 2012, a new Law was approved (Law 12/2012), where it removes the licensing requirements for retail establishments with less than 300 square meters. This measure affects to almost 50 types of retailers and other services activities listed in the Annex of the Royal Decree Law (among others, food and beverages, textiles, footwear and leather goods, cosmetics and drug store items, furniture and decorative products, appliances and electronics, books, newspapers and stationary, travel agencies, frame services, photocopy services, hairdressers etc.). The license requirement is replaced by an expost control scheme based on a responsible declaration.
Royal Decree Law 4/2012, of 24 February, which sets out the obligations of information and procedures required for the establishment of a financing mechanism for the payment to suppliers of local entities  and Royal Decree Law 7/2012, of 9 March, which provides for the creation of the Fund for the financing of payments to suppliers. Royal Decree Law 4/2013, of 22 February.
Law establishing a mechanism to regularize the arrears to suppliers of regional and local governments built up before 1 January 2012. A fund is established to raise financing and pay arrears of territorial administrations. Total paid 28.5 bn to suppliers of regions and municipalities.   It is part of a plan to eliminate late payments to suppliers of the regional and local governments: fund to channel payments as exceptional measure and law on commercial debt and law on electronic billing as permanent measures to avoid new accumulation of arrears.
The Royal decree-law 20/2012 mainly regulates the opening hours, the sales period and the number of holidays that a commercial establishment could open. Nevertheless, the law sets the minimum requirements; it is up to the regional government to implement a more ambitious regulation.
NRP 2013, page 70 Orden FOM/1403/2013, de 19 de julio
La Moncloa. Council of Minsters http://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/consejodeministros/referencias/Paginas/2012/refc20120316.aspx#Ico
Total ICO credit availability for 2012 raised to EUR 22 billion (previously 19). In addition, some credit lines are reoriented: ICO-Investment Line, ICO-Internationalisation Line, ICO-Liquidity Line, ICO-Entrepreneurs Line, and ICO-Housing Line.
Programa Nacional de Reformas. Espana. 2012. Page 189  http://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2012-13846
Royal Decree-Law 2/2012, February 13th, of urgent measures to reform labor market
Legislation to introduce more flexibility in the labour market. Adopted measures include the creation of a contract of indefinite duration for business owners aimed at companies with less than 50 workers. Among its specific objectives are the following: 1) Favour internal flexibility in companies as an alternative to job destruction. 2) Modernise collective bargaining to bring it into line with the specific needs of companies and workers and to promote permanent dialogue within companies. 3) Improve the employability of workers through training and effective labour mediation. 4) Promote the creation of stable and quality jobs and reduce labour-market dualism. 5) Combat unjustified absence from work. 6) Strengthen the mechanisms for controlling and preventing fraud, protecting workers' rights and the fight against unfair competition between companies.
This includes introducing the requirement of written assessments starting in school year 1, marks starting in school year 6 in compulsory school and more national tests. The students' right to special support has also been strengthened. In addition, new curricula and syllabuses have been introduced in compulsory school. Furthermore, the Government has implemented a multi-year initiative for basic skills like reading, writing and arithmetic. The Government has also, starting in 2012, initiated a special measure targeting a number of compulsory schools in socially vulnerable areas with the aim of developing methods to support students in improving their knowledge and raising results. In addition, an evaluation function has been implemented in the area of  education.
Through proposals in the 2012 Budget Bill, three taxation measures have been implemented that will help stimulate research and development: 1) The right of companies to deduct research and development expenses that affect the company's core business is extended, 2) expert taxation is simplified, which will facilitate the recruitment of leading international experts and researchers to Sweden, 3) private individuals get tax credits for monetary gifts to non-profit activities, such as promoting scientific research.
In 2012, the Government further decided on new guidelines for Internet speed. The aim is that as many as possible should have access to at least 1 Mbit/s. The implementation of the telecom package with changed EU rules for the electronic communications sector means better functioning markets and competition that is sustainable in the long term. A bill was presented to the Swedish Parliament, Riksdag, on 17 March 2011. The new rules entered into force on 1 July 2011, and changes in the Electronic Communications Act (LEK) came into force on 1 July 2011. The provisions include increased requirements that operators shall be clear and inform their customers of any limitations to the service. Other provisions intended to protect consumers will be introduced, including a requirement on the longest allowable minimum term for a contract, limited contract terms, and accessibility for people with special needs.
Innovation priorities for the period 2013-2016.
VAT for restaurants was reduced from 25% to 12%.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 70
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 36
In April 2012, the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on innovation collaboration with China which provides a platform for the UK to work with the Chinese Government on understanding and addressing the barriers to collaboration, and putting in place new collaboration opportunities. The dialogue with key Chinese innovation bodies has increased significantly and the UK has also signed an official level MoU to continue to increase the impact of the annual Policy Dialogues. This will enable more UK businesses and universities to establish innovation partnerships that can drive expansion and accelerate innovation.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 37
Securing competition as a focus for financial regulation through the Financial Services Act 2012 which gives the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) an operational objective to promote effective competition in the interest of consumers, as well as giving the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) a responsibility to have regard to minimising any adverse impact of prudential regulation on competition
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 35
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 23   http://www.dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract/
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 37  or: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/seedeis/
Launched in April 2012 to help small, early-stage companies to raise equity finance, the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) , aimed at earlier stage start ups than EIS or VCTs, provides an upfront 50 per cent income tax relief to individuals who invest in qualifying seed companies and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption on disposal of shares. An additional incentive of a CGT holiday has been granted for 2012-13 investments in SEIS.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 58
In September 2012, the Northern Ireland Executive published Access to Success a new integrated regional strategy for widening participation in higher education, which includes: measures to target disadvantaged groups; a single co-ordinated approach in Northern Ireland to raising aspirations to progress into higher education; the development of non traditional routes into higher education through Adult Access Courses and increased part-time opportunities; and enhanced application procedures for stubborn pockets of under-representation.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 40  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-business-bank-to-boost-lending
The bank will be a wholesale provider of funds, created by consolidating existing schemes. It has been given over GBP 1 billion of new capital to provide the economy with more long-term financing and to increase the diversity of financing options.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 27
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 73  or: http://business.wales.gov.uk/growing-business/welsh-government-support-1/support-innovation-0
Smart Cymru is primarily aimed at SMEs already operating in Wales. Business finance is offered to help businesses carry out research and development work that will lead to technologically innovative products or processes. The Programme aims to provide support to 245 enterprises, which should lead to 125 new products processes or services launched. 249 projects are currently either underway or completed, with 38 products, processes or services launched and a further 25 projects in the immediate pipeline.
The programme caters for young people that are job ready but have had difficulty securing employment. The Jobs Growth Wales programme provides unemployed young people aged 16-24, with a job opportunity for a six month period.  period paid at national minimum wage. Participants will be paid at or above the national minimum wage for a minimum of 25 hours per week and a maximum of 40 hours per week.    Young people will be employed for the duration of the programme and the jobs created must be additional to, and not replace, positions that would otherwise be filled.   The private sector is where the majority of the jobs will be created. It will be supporting all aspects of the private sector from micro businesses to small and medium enterprises (SME) to the larger regionally important and anchor companies in Wales, to identify recruitment needs and match those employment opportunities with young people seeking work.
The government commits itself to make sure that the imposition of new regulatory burden should take place only when a burden causing costs twice as heavy is removed.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 73
The existing Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme has successfully facilitated the transfer of knowledge and ideas between Welsh businesses and higher and further education institutions. In 2012, Wales launched an enhanced KTP in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board, which will build on that success and allow key companies in Wales, particularly the anchor companies and their associated supply chains, to engage at high level with their international offices and overseas academic institutions. The enhanced KTP projects will be of three years duration at a PhD level. The anchor companies will benefit from a high level of knowledge transfer that will accelerate applied research, embed innovation and enhance business and specialist skills of recently qualified graduates.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 59
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 35  http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/markets/Pages/FLS/default.aspx
Incentivice lending through access to BoE credit at favourable conditions.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2012. Page 33  or: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/192088/seed_enterprise_investment_scheme.pdf
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 24  or: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/About-Us/National-Apprenticeship-Service.aspx
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships throughout England.   The National Apprenticeship Service Business Plan for April 2012 - March 2013 aims to ensure that the high ambitions for Apprenticeships by Government, employers and by everyone in the National Apprenticeship Service are delivered successfully.
Aims at making all public services available digitally (by default)
The Skilled Labour Grant, which will be awarded to workers or unemployed persons with low or midlevel qualifications for a period of up to three years if they complete a training programme for skilled workers in shortage occupations. This grant scheme is intended to provide income support while claimants are trained in skills shortage occupations (subsistence allowance). Moreover, this grant is supposed to give workers a chance to acquire missing additional qualifications in order to obtain recognised certificates in occupations with skills bottlenecks.
As of 1 January 2013, a new market model for the gas market was launched in Austria. The changes in the market model not only affect domestic gas undertakings but are also highly significant at the international level due to numerous new provisions on cross-border transport routes. All contract structures and the new interplay of market participants to ensure a single market region as well as the transition of network tariffs to the new entry-exit model have been implemented successfully. Due to changeover of all small customers to daily balancing, gas suppliers enjoy higher flexibility in their procurement portfolios.
2013 National Reform Programme, p. 13-14.
2013 National Reform Programme, p. 20-21.
Improve the competition procedures and foster collaboration between the price observatory and the new independent competition authority. New independent competition authority designed to reduce the length of procedures, through a simplified institutional structure and a newly created transaction procedure Improved collaboration with the reinforced price observatory.
The Cyprus Enterpreneurship Fund aims to facilitate access to finance for the Small and Medium Enterprises in Cyprus. The initiative has been developed jointly by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC).  A Finance Contract was signed between the EIB and the RoC in December 2013, for an initial loan allocation of 100 mln Euro to the RoC for the set up of the CYPEF.  A Mandate Agreement was then signed in February 2014, between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the RoC for the management of the CYPEF.  The first CYPEF loans (in the form of Portfolio Risk Sharing Loans) are expected to become available to the SMEs, by the selected financial intermediaries, in Sept-Oct 2014
Czech Republic.Annex 2. reporting table for the assessment of CSRs and key macro-structural reforms. 2013. CSR 5
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2013. Page 37
With the committee, the government will acquire expert recommendations within a number of general themes, including: high quality of teaching and intensive study programmes, teaching hours, labour market readiness, promotion of quality and relevance in the funding of higher education, transparency around the results of the higher education programmes, resource efficiency and coherence, as well as socio-economic return on higher education programmes.
A new accreditation system was introduced for all higher education programmes. The intention is to strengthen coherence in the education system, independent of the type of institution, in which a comprehensive accreditation system with common criteria and guidelines is established. The aim is to support the development of higher quality education study programmes and to ensure that the development within higher education is appropriate from a socio-economic and education policy perspective.
The establishment of three new centres of  nnovation in Seoul, Sao Paolo and Bangalore
In order to attract talented entrepreneurs with world class business ideas to Denmark, the Danish Government has initiated a pilot programme called LaunchPad Denmark. The goal is to attract high-growth startups from all over the world and accelerate their businesses in Denmark using it as a platform to go global.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2013. Page 21
- The state education grant is to be limited to the standard time limit if the student starts to study more than two years after gaining the entry qualification  - Increased demands on students regarding progress in their studies at higher education programme  -  Focusing of the state education grant for supplementary examination courses at upper secondary level  - A maximum of five youth education programmes with the state education grant  - Revised state education grant for students living with their parents  - The same regulation of the state education grant as transfer payments such as unemployment benefit and social security  - Higher income allowed while still receiving the state educational grant  - Bonus for faster completion of higher education than the standard time limit  - Higher travel reimbursement for students  - Follow-up on ECJ judgment in case C-46/12, L.N.
National Reform Programme - Denmark 2013
The DK Government launched a growth plan designed to create more jobs in the private sector, notably through tax cuts for businesses, but also enhanced public investments and education. A gradual reduction of the corporate tax rate from 25% in 2013 to 22% in 2016 is also foreseen.
The reform is based on a premise of the continued cost-effectiveness of an SU system which ensures young people the opportunity to obtain an education regardless of social background. Another key element of the reform is to ensure faster completion of studies. The individual initiatives in the reform are phased in from 1 January 2014 onwards.
National Reform Programme. Denmark, 2014, pp. 23
An action plan to strengthen internationalisation of higher education programmes. The action plan focuses both on strengthening the outward mobility of Danish students as well as strengthening recruitment and retention of the most talented international students in Denmark.
The National Reform Programme. Denmark 2013. Page 22
As part of the Finance Act Agreement for 2013,the Government entered an agreement concerning better vocational education and training programmes and a strengthened education guarantee. Among other things, the agreement is to contribute to reducing drop out in the vocational education and training programmes and increasing the number of pupils who enter in-company practical work experience. The agreement set priority DKK 3.1 billion over the period 2013-16. The agreement is the first phase of the effort concerning a better and fairer education guarantee in terms of a fundamental and long-term solution for better vocational education and training programmes and a strengthened education guarantee. The next step is to be negotiated between the parties to the agreement in 2013 when the vocational education committee has completed its phase II.
National Reform Programme - Denmark 2013  http://ec.europa.eu/competition/ecn/brief/01_2013/dk_act.pdf
A new Competition Act came into force in March 2013. The main changes brought about by the Act are the introduction of imprisonment and increased fines in cartel cases.
Estonia 2020. Overview of Implementation. (2013). Page 23
Amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act are at the second reading in the Riigikogu. From 2013 the components of education allowances given to local governments will have clear targets and the salaries meant for basic school and upper secondary school teachers will be clearly specified in the allocations.
Estonia 2020. Overview of Implementaiton. (2013). Page 18
The principles of the reform of the network in order to raise the quality of upper secondary education and provide better options have been agreed. The applications for infrastructure investments have been submitted and it is decided in April which buildings will be financed. The volume of the programme is EUR 23.67 million.
An international evaluation of SHOKs was published in February 2013. The operating model will be developed further on the basis of evaluation outcomes.
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 34
The research and development tax incentive supports product development aiming at growth. Limited companies and cooperatives with salary costs related to research and development activities are entitled to tax deduction. An additional deduction can be made for these salaries, however no more than EUR 400,000 and no less than EUR 15,000 annually. Tax relief or direct subsidies cannot be received for research and development on the basis of the same costs. The tax relief decreased central government tax revenue by approximately EUR 190 million annually.
The second step of the afore mentioned public research and innovation system structural development process. FIrst phase took effect 1.1.2014: Polytechnis operating operating licences and the educational responsibilities of polytechnics were revised. The criteria for granting the licences were demand for education, economical and functional preconditions for organising the regulated tasks. Educational responsibilities consists of degrees and degree titles. MoE will not decide on the degree programmes any more. Aim of the reform of the educational responsibilities is to strengthen the autonomy of the polytechnics and to build larger educational entities.  New performance based funding model for the polytechnics was introduced with emphasis on quality, impact and efficiency. The institution-specific funding will be primarily determined on the basis of degrees awarded, the quality and efficiency of study processes and R&D
Finalnds National Program, Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page
Programme National de Reforme. April 2013. Page 43
Eight technology research institutes (IRT) have been approved by the State under the framework of Future Investments. In order to support an industrial strategy in growth markets, the IRT is based on long-term partnerships between higher education and research institutions and enterprises. Its aim is to facilitate the dynamics between Industry, Research and Training. The total funding attributed is 2 Million Euros.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2013, www.bgbl.de   National Reform Programme Germany 2013 page 16
National Reform Programme 2013. Germany. Page 14
The Federal Government is committed to boosting free trade and healthy competition, two core strands of its economic policy. With the Amendment to the Act against Restraints on Competition (GWB), it is modernising competition law, in particular with regard to merger control and monitoring to prevent the abuse of market dominance. The Act against Restraints on Competition applies to all sectors, including the service sector.
Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2013 Teil I Nr. 9, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 25. Februar 2013, S. 285, www.bgbl.de   National Reform Programme Germany 2013 page 36
The law clarifies and simplifies the conditions for the recognition of a tax group and increases the admissable tax loss carryforward. It also further clarifies and simplifies the recognition of travel expenses for tax purposes and thereby contributies to reducting the administrative burden for businesses.
To provide further support to innovative small and medium-sized companies, the Federal Government is continuing the Central SME Innovation Programme (ZIM) in 2013 with funding of 500 million euros. Funding is provided, for example, for R&D projects carried out by individual companies or collaborative projects, and is not restricted to particular technologies or branches
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 112-114  http://www.avhga.hu/
In 2013 the Government introduced guarantee fee subsidy scheme for SMEs in the agricultural sector in order to promote access to finance under de minimis rules.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 113-117
The Programme was launched in 2013 to ensure preferential working capital loan for food processors.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 65
The tender is open to micro, small and medium enterprises which agree to employ as trainees young persons with secondary qualifications who have acquired the practical skills of their profession in the framework of a traineeship contract at the granted company or at another company.  The principle of the traineeship programme is to promote employment in a new job for 9 months with complete or partial wage and contribution support.  In the framework of the project, support may be given for the wages and contributions paid for and due to the apprentices, for the performance of administrative tasks, for the procurement of tools required for the creation of apprentice job(s) and for the procurement, renovation and restructuring required to guarantee adequate working conditions for apprentices. The amount requested is HUF 500,000-HUF 30,000,000.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 256
As a result of the reform of the Hungarian Energy Office, the Hungarian Office of Energy Management and Public Utility Regulation (hereinafter: Office) is set up as an independent regulatory body which is subordinated only to legal regulations. According to the relevant Act, the president of the Office issues the organisational and procedural rules of the Office. The Office's duties may only be determined by legal regulation, its budget forms a separate title within the Parliament Chapter. The Office continues to fulfil the official supervision and in part the operating regulation of fixed line energy supplying activities (gas, electricity and district heating) as well as water public utility. As a new duty it is responsible for the preparation of the tariff regulation of waste management as a public service.
National Reform Programme 2012 of Hungary, page 71
Reason of establishing the new Adult Education Law was raising the quality of provision. To this end a brand new licensing system was launched, but certain areas do not need central authorities approval moreover. This way the whole system is expected to become more flexibel and transparent.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 41
The new PPA - adopted in 2011, and entered into force on 1 January 2012 - was significantly amended in 2013, in force as of 1 July 2013 in order to reflect the experiences of the previous year. The main elements of the amendments are the followings: - the access to the procurement documentation has become free (only the winning tenderer may be required to pay); - the paper-based documents may be required from the tenderers (by the contracting authorities) ony in one copy; - an extensive online database has started to operate (on the website of the Public Procurement Authority) that contains all the relevant information and documents of all the public procedures, the access to this database is free of charge or registration; - other provisions aiming to reinforce the competition.
National Reform Programme 2013 of Hungary. April 2013. Page 8  Directive 2011/7/EU of the European parliament and of the council.  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:048:0001:0010:EN:PDF
The directive 2011/7/EU aims at harmonising the period for payment transactions by public authorities to businesses (G2B) as well as Business-to-Business (B2B). This directive states that public authorities generally must pay the goods and services they purchase within 30 days following the receipt of the invoice or within 30 days after the delivery of goods/services if the date of the receipt of the invoice is not clear. However, in some circumstances this deadline could be increased to 60 days. Some exceptions include public administrations carrying out economic activities of an industrial or commercial nature, public entities providing healthcare and in cases where two parties agree in the contractual terms but these terms should not be considered to be unfair for one of the members. On the other hand, enterprises are forced to pay their invoices within 60 days, unless they expressly agree otherwise and once again it is not evidently unfair for one of the parties. This EU directive states that enterprises are able to claim a monetary compensation for the costs associated with late payments.
Water sector reforms were implemented slowly early on in the programme but have gained significant momentum recently, including with the enactment of the interim Water Services Act 2013 in March and operational progress in installing meters for households, which is set to begin in July 2013.
The joint Government-Industry ICT Action Plan7 has been developed as a direct response to identified ICT skills shortages and contains a comprehensive range of short medium and long term measures to build the domestic supply of ICT graduates. As part of the Plan, in February 2013 more than 760 new places were made available on the second phase of ICT graduate conversion courses, designed and delivered in partnership with industry. This is in addition to the more than 700 places that were provided in 2012. 77% of participants on the 2012 programmes were male and 25% had been previously employed in the construction sector.
Amendments to the Civil Procedure Law with an aim to reduce the backlog of cases and provide access to persons
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 30
Progress report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme of Latvia within the "Europe 2020" strategy. April 2013. Page 19
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) announced  a programme to support job creation in SMEs. Support programme for Enterprises registered in Latvia that creates at least 50 new jobs and that invests more than 1 thousand Lats for each job. The programme will be implemented in 2013.
Amendments to the Civil Procedure Law which, among all, contains certain improvements of the insolvency regulation.
Decree of the Parliament (Seimas) No XII-745, 23/12/2013 (http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=463390&p_tr2=2)
The main strategic document for development of Education, covering all fields of life-long learning from early childhood until adult education and all levels from prie-primary until tertiary
In 2013, financial support will be provided under the Green Industry Innovation Programme funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. The goal of the Programme is to increase competitiveness of green enterprises, greening existing industries, green innovation and promotion of entrepreneurship. The total value of the Programme is LTL 28.7 million. 14 projects are planned to be implemented, during which innovative ecological products and new environmental technologies will be created, the implementation of environmental technologies in companies will increase
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 79
A revision of permits, licenses and authorization schemes is being performed, analysing the conditions for issuing licenses, looking for unjustified or disproportionate licensing requirements, outdated or unnecessary permits, checking authorisation schemes, licensing forms and conditions for regulatory fitness. Necessary legislative amendments  will be carried out based on the results of this revision.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 27
Measures promoting the creation of databases of the holders of production and rights, new models of licensing copyrights and related rights as well as the development of scientific research relevant to copyright and related rights will be created
The update of the National programme on development of research, technologies and innovations in the space sector for 2010-2015 and its action plan for 2013-2015
Minsitry of Economy  Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy XII-237 (O. J. 2013, No, 46-2245)  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=445354&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy: The Lithuanian Parliament adopted amendment which will help the court to identify fraudulent bankruptcy cases and encourage companies to act honestly and transparently. New provisions define the characteristics of fraudulent bankruptcy under which the court recognizes that the bankruptcy is intentional.  This amendment will enter into force on 1st of October 2013.
Ministry of Economy  Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy XII-208 (O. J. 2013, No. 36-1725)  http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=447184&p_query=&p_tr2=2
Amendment of Law on Enterprise Bankruptcy: The Lithuanian Parliament adopted amendment which enables the court to choose the bankruptcy administrator automatically by using special computer program. This amendment will enter into force on 1st of January 2015.
The pilot project on assessment of ex-ante impact of Regulated Professions List of Republic of Lithuania, approved by Minister of Economy 31th August 2010 order No. 668 (Official Gazette, 2010, No. 104-5419) on business is carried out. The aim is to establish the current impact of the said list on business environment, and to look for ways to improve this environment, and reduce regulatory burden.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 48
On 17 January 2013, the Seimas amended the Law on Public Procurement, pursuant to which the contracting authorities, except for diplomatic missions of the Republic of Lithuania, consular offices abroad and representative offices of the Republic of Lithuania, will be obliged to purchase goods, services and works from the central contracting authority or through it, when goods, services or works offered in the catalogue of central contracting authority meet the needs of a contracting authority and the contracting authority cannot perform them in any more efficient way by rationally using the funds allocated for this purpose.
Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2013. Page 22
The reorganization of the Lithuanian electricity sector is being performed following the provisions of the Third Energy Package of the European Union within the framework of the implementation of the principle of separation of transmission activities from distribution, supply and production activities. Shares of the vertically integrated company UAB Visagino atomine elektrine, which owns the electricity producer AB Lietuvos energija and electricity distributor AB LESTO, have been transferred to be held in trust by the Ministry of Economy (on 13 February 2013 the Government decided to transfer the shares to the Ministry of Finance), while the shares of the electricity transmission system operator AB Litgrid, which is also controlled by UAB Visagino atomine elektrine, have been transferred to the newly established company EPSO-G, which is acting under the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy.
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 42
Malta's National reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. 2013. Page 43
The full transition to electronic procurement will increase both visibility and accessibility of public procurement, thus increasing competitiveness and possibly generating savings to both Government and Economic Operators thus providing new sources of economic growth and jobs.
National Reform Programme 2013. The Netherlands. Page 17  or : http://english.agentschapnl.nl/subsidies-programmes/wbso-research-and-development-rd-tax-credit
WBSO is an Act that provides a fiscal facility for companies, knowledge centres and self-employed persons who perform R&D work.  In this context, R&D means technical scientific research, the development of technologically new physical products or physical production processes (or parts thereof) and the development of technologically new software (or parts thereof). Non-companies qualify only if they perform R&D on the instructions and at the expense of a Dutch company.  Under the Act, a contribution is paid towards the wage costs of employees directly involved in R&D. The contribution is in the form of the payroll tax reduction and social security contributions and an increase in the tax deductions available to self-employed persons. Applications must be received one month before the start of the period for which these facilities are required.
Kamerbrief: "Goed geregeld, een verantwoorde vermindering van regeldruk 2012 - 2017", 24 April 2013.  www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/regeldruk
In 2013 a new administrative burden reduction programme was launched, focusing not only on quantitative aspects but also qualitative elements. By 2017 a reduction of EUR 2.5 billion should be achieved in the regulatory burden on businesses, professionals and citizens, through the introduction of new regulations linked to the revision or scrapping of existing rules.
In 2014 the website "www.ondernemersplein.nl" has officially been launched. This site has been developed to be the main governmental portal for entrepreneurs. This is where entrepreneurs can find the relevant information concerning regulation, policy and other governmental information.  www.ondernemersplein.nl also provides entrepreneurs with relevant information, guidance and advice on starting and running a company. Different governmental partners are linked to ondernemersplein.nl.  The initiative is part of the new set-up of the Chambers of Commerce and the innovation agency Syntens. The restructuring of these bodies  started in 2011 and was completed in January 2014. There is now one Chamber of Commerce which is partly financed by the government and partly by generation of own income.
Official Jurnal of Laws of Republic of Poland from 23 of July 2013, position 829.   also:  National Reform Programme for Poland. Update 2014/2015 page: 73-74.
Decreasing the number of professions the practice of which conditioned upon the meeting of qualification requirements and conditions specified by the law.  The essence of these solutions is to remove the legal barriers for admission to professions, which will lead to fuller application of the rule of freedom of movement for workers in Poland.  The reform has been divided into three stages.  This is the first stage, which de-regulated 50 professions.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 62-A/2013, D. R. Series 1, n. 197 of 11-10-2013
Annex of the letter from Adjunt Secretary of State of Portuguese Prime Minister to the General Secretary of European Commission. http://dre.pt/pdfgratis/2013/06/12100.pdf
Changes to the Code of Civil Process, in order to reduce delays in trials, and increase agents of law accountability. More careful and rational scheduling of witnesses. Also includes the inability to pledge more than a third of the salary and, in respect of bank deposits, eliminates the need for court order. Amendment to executive action, which prevents the seizure of the amount equivalent to the minimum wage when the debtor has no other income.  To prevent the enforcement proceedings are prolonged in time, the reform establishes that three months after the beginning of efforts to garnishment, execution is terminated in the event of not being found seizable assets, without prejudice to renewal of the same, if the creditor will indicate assets that can be seized. Due to the increase in cases of over indebtedness, it is permitted a plan payments between creditors and debtor, involving, inter alia, moratoria or pardons, replacement, total or partial guarantees, with the consequent suspension of the execution. Introduction of a new model of the previous hearing (hearing to be held after the pleadings stage), based on a "principle of orality and concentration of debates, with active intervention of all stakeholders.
Ordinance n. 145/2013 of April 9; Decree-Law n. 35/2013 of February 28; Ordinance n. 85-A/2013 of February 27; Decree-Law n. 32/2013 of February 26.
In order to ensure the progressive reduction of costs associated with the tariff deficit, through: (i) the review of existing support mechanisms (power guarantee and special regime); (ii) renegotiation of contracts on production of electricity from ordinary regime (Power Purchase Agreements and Maintenance Costs of Contractual Balance); and (iii) by ensuring that decisions on investments in renewable and cogeneration are based in strict cost-benefit analysis.
establishes principles and standards by which the governing independent administrative bodies with regulatory, promotion and protection of competition functions
Law decree 62/2013 from 10/5 Commission Staff Working Document (2013) 372 final, p. 14
According to the Directive the period of payments in commercial transactions where the debtor is a public authority should not exceed 30 calendar days and should not exceed 60 calendar days in transactions between undertakings. These deadlines must apply to commercial transactions concluded after 16 March 2013 and should help to alleviate the liquidity constraints of companies. The directive 2011/7/EU aims at harmonising the period for payment transactions by public authorities to businesses (G2B) as well as Business-to-Business (B2B). This directive states that public authorities generally must pay the goods and services they purchase within 30 days following the receipt of the invoice or within 30 days after the delivery of goods/services if the date of the receipt of the invoice is not clear. However, in some circumstances this deadline could be increased to 60 days. Some exceptions include public administrations carrying out economic activities of an industrial or commercial nature, public entities providing healthcare and in cases where two parties agree in the contractual terms but these terms should not be considered to be unfair for one of the members. On the other hand, enterprises are forced to pay their invoices within 60 days, unless they expressly agree otherwise and once again it is not evidently unfair for one of the parties. This EU directive states that enterprises are able to claim a monetary compensation for the costs associated with late payments.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 7/2013, DR. 20, Series I of 01.29.2013
This Programme aims at promoting productive economic activity of local and regional basis in order to foster regional development that encourages sustainable economic growth, competitiveness and employment and business investment, in a scenario of territorial cohesion.
The National Rental Desk has exclusive jurisdiction to process the special procedure for eviction throughout the national territory. The Special Procedure for Eviction is a legal remedy that is intended to turn the termination of the lease effective if the tenant does not vacate the leased on the date prescribed by law or by the date set by the parties. The National Rental Desk is also available electronically.
Laws reviewing and reducing the number of regulated professions and eliminating reserves of activities.
It strengthens the independence and competencies of energy regulator (ERSE), thereby providing it with the means to effectively regulate a liberalized market.
Within the comprehensive reform of the corporate tax ("IRC"), measures were taken to simplify the tax system and streamlining of rules on the transfer of losses in connection with restructuring operations and/or business mergers.
The law aims at making the lowering wage costs and making the use of labor more flexible.
Law 3/2012 from 14/1 Law proposition 99/XII
Revision of the legal framework governing port work in order to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the ports and contribute to the sustainability of companies and job creation in the port sector
The extraordinary investment tax credit is a tax instrument consisting in a deduction of 20 percent of the eligible investment made, up to 70 percent of the annual taxable amount. In case of deficiency of the taxable amount, this tax credit can be deducted over a period of five years.
Ordinance n. 215-A/2013, of July 1; Decree-Law n. 74/2013, of June 4.
In order to complete the liberalization of electricity and gas markets (MIBEL and MIBGAS), by encouraging free competition among several suppliers, with potential competitiveness gains for the economy; to proceed to the elimination or significant reduction of pancaking (payment of various fees transmission of energy, resulting from the fragmentation of the market) in MIBGAS.
Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 73/2013. D. R. n. 224, Series I of 19.11.2013
Romania. Short Progress Report on the Implementation of the National Reform Programme 2011-2013. March 2013, page 13.  Government Ordinance No 8/2013 of January 23, 2013, amending and supplementing Law No 571/2003 regarding the Fiscal Code and the regulation of financial and fiscal measures. Last consolidated version: July, 1, 2013. Published in Official Journal, Part I, No 54 of January 23, 2013. The act came into force on January 26, 2013
For the R&D activities, the amendments to the Fiscal Code establish the increase of the additional deduction from 20% to 50% of the eligible expenses.
Fiscal Code. In the Official Journal, Part I, no. 54/23.01.2013, was published the Government Ordinance no. 8/2013 amending and supplementing Law no. 571/2003 regarding the Fiscal Code and the regulation of financial and fiscal measures.
Tax rules for microenterprises have been modified by having a single regime. All legal entities which fulfill the new criteria are liable for 3 % microenterprise tax.
As a part of the launch of the Jeremie scheme, the Slovak Guarantee and Development Fund has implemented (i) a first loss guarantee, and (ii) a risk capital instrument. The first guarantee agreements were signed in April 2013, allowing the participating banks to provide up to EUR 170 million of new loans to SMEs. The risk capital instrument should be launched later in 2013.
National Reform Programme of the Slovak Republic 2013. Page 15,16
From 2013 on, the tertiary schools are required to prepare and implement their internal education quality assurance systems. These quality assurance systems should be prepared in compliance with the standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area. The purpose is to underline the role that tertiary schools themselves play in assuring the quality of education they provide in compliance with formalised rules and pre-set procedures. The quality assurance systems and their implementation will be assessed by the Accreditation Commission in the upcoming comprehensive accreditation of activities performed by tertiary schools.   In order to enhance the quality of part-time study programmes, the amendment to the Act on Tertiary Schools has changed the approach to full-time and part-time study programmes so that they better correspond to what is commonly known as full-time and part-time study abroad. With effect from 1 January 2013, tertiary schools are only allowed to submit accreditation applications for part-time study programmes in the form corresponding to the new structure of credits under which a lower number of credits per year is required which, in turn, extends the standard duration of a part-time study programme. The scope of study programmes for part-time students should be the same as of those provided to full-time students; the only difference should be the scheduling of study programmes which should allow part-time students to work in regular employment alongside their studies.  The quality of tertiary schools should also be enhanced by reinforcing their international cooperation. In addition to changes in the provisions on joint study programmes, public tertiary schools will also be permitted to charge a tuition fee for study programmes provided in other than the official state language. The schools are expected to use this opportunity and take the necessary steps for their self-promotion abroad to help them attract foreign teachers as well as students.
Slovenia. Appendix 1. Report on measures for the implementation of country-specific recommendations (CSR) and on the main structural changes in 2012. Page 18
Development of models for more efficient transfer between education and work; promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives from vocational school students while being guided by their schools, whereby the impact of internationalisation, mobility and the transfer of best practices from the international environment are also achieved.
Measure establishing reduced taxation for newly created companies during the first two financial years of activity.
It will be introduced in the academic year 2014-2015 and its main objective is to reduce the rate of early school leaving to 15% by 2020, by offering a new basic path in the vocational training like an alternative to secondary compulsory education,  ending with obtaining a basic professional degree that allows to continue vocational studies, obtain graduate in secondary education after the corresponding evaluation, and enter the labor market having acquired not only appropriate skills to the learner profile but also skills for lifelong learning.
A proposal to reform the legislation on a variety of issues in order to boost the competitiveness, excellence and internationalisation of Spanish universities: - Improved procedures for admission to the university - Improved procedures for approval and recognition of qualifications  - Modification of the model of teacher accreditation  - Evaluation of universities  - Flexibility in the duration of university degrees - Instituccional accreditation  - Mobility between universities and research centers  - Regulation of the European Diploma Supplement  - Creating a map of employability
Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation Support Act (Law 14/2013)
Royal decree-law 4/2013 foresees the establishment of a more favourable tax system for the self employed who start a firm and creates incentives for the incorporation of young people into companies in the social economy. Apart from this measure, the Law 14/2013 of 27th September, to Support Entrepreneurs and their Internationalisation has adopted a new PIT deduction for business Angels aimed at promoting the attraction of equity by new or recently created companies
The government approved in December 2013 the Law on market unity, which aims at addressing the fragmentation of the domestic market, and increase competition in product markets and contribute to re-allocating resources across sectors. The Law is inspired by the EU's Services Directive, but it is broader in scope. It provides for principles favouring free establishment and movement of goods and services in Spain and for their application in practice. There was a need to rationalise overlapping legal texts issued at various general government levels providing for non-identical requirements on access to or on the pursuit of economic activities. In that sense, the government estimated at 6,500 the number of overlapping legal texts, of which, more than 40% require legal amendments to remove barriers to the free movement of goods, services and people in Spain
This reform will anticipate and set new paths for students in 3rd and 4rd class. The reform is aimed at reducing early school leaving since students have now more options to decide the best possible training course for their profile.
On 20 December, Organic Law 9/2013 on the control of commercial debt in the public sector was  approved. This legislation establishes indicators and procedures conducive to bringing payments by the various public entities into line with legal limits.  This Organic Law modifies the Organic Law 2/2012, of 27th April, on Budgetary Stability and Financial Sustainability, in order to incorporate within the financial sustainability principle, the fulfillment by all Public Administrations of the legal payment period regarding commercial transactions. And, it obliges Public Administrations to publish their average payment period to suppliers.  Moreover, it establishes that the non-fulfillment of the legal average payment period will trigger the preventive, corrective and coercive measures that the Organic Law on Budgetary Stability and Financial Sustainability foresees for a non-fulfillment of the public deficit and public debt objectives and of the expenditure rule, and may lead to withholdings of the territorial financing system resources to pay arrears.
Law establishing the last phase of the mechanims to regularize the arrears of regional and local governments with an allocation of 13.4 bn for arrears previous to May 2013. It is part of a plan to eliminate late payments to suppliers of the regional and local governments: fund to channel payments as a exceptional measure and law on commercial debt and law on electronic billing as permanent measures to avoid new accumulation of arrears.
The Strategy presents the conceptual framework for the design of RDI policies in Spain, the specific measures of which are implemented in the corresponding scientific and technical research and innovation plans.  The overall goal of the Spanish Strategy is to promote scientific, technological and business leadership in the country and to increase the capacities for innovation of Spanish society and the Spanish Economy.
This law generates positive effects from a permanent reduction of administrative burdens for the development of economic activity  and is expected to contribute additional growth to GDP.
Spain completed in December 2013 the  ransposition of the mediation directive   by adopting the remaining implementing provisions on training and registers of mediators and on electronic mediation.   The objective of this Directive is to facilitate access to alternative dispute resolution and to promote the amicable settlement of disputes by encouraging the use of mediation and by ensuring a balanced relationship between mediation and judicial proceedings.
Law transposing the Late Payments Directive. The directive 2011/7/EU aims at harmonising the period for payment transactions by public authorities to businesses (G2B) as well as Business-to-Business (B2B). This directive states that public authorities generally must pay the goods and services they purchase within 30 days following the receipt of the invoice or within 30 days after the delivery of goods/services if the date of the receipt of the invoice is not clear. However, in some circumstances this deadline could be increased to 60 days. Some exceptions include public administrations carrying out economic activities of an industrial or commercial nature, public entities providing healthcare and in cases where two parties agree in the contractual terms but these terms should not be considered to be unfair for one of the members. On the other hand, enterprises are forced to pay their invoices within 60 days, unless they expressly agree otherwise and once again it is not evidently unfair for one of the parties. This EU directive states that enterprises are able to claim a monetary compensation for the costs associated with late payments.   It should be pointed out that most of the content of this Directive was incorporated into the Spanish legislation in 2010, previously to the adoption of the Directive, through the Law 15/2010, of 5th July, modifying the Law 3/2004, of 29th December, establishing measures to fight against late payments in commercial transactions. In fact, this2010 Law defined the payment periods, including the ones applying to the public sector.   Recently, the Royal Decree-Law 4/2013, of 22nd February, of measures supporting entrepreneurs and growth and job creation, has improved the transposition of the Late Payments Directive. Indeed, it has simplified the payments period and has established the methodology to calculate them, among other things.
In 2013 the activity of ICO is further strenghtened, with an increase in credit availability and the creation of new credit lines: ICO-mutual guarantee companies Line, ICO-bonds and promissory notes Line, ICO- film production Line, ICO-retail commerce Line, ICO-domestic commerce Line, ICO- Exports short term Line, ICO-Exports medium and long term Line, ICO-International Guarantee and ICO- natural disasters Line.
with the aim of guaranteeing ex ante and ex post competition, it foresees the creation of a single body that will include the competition authority and the supervisory bodies of the network regulated sectors.
It provides for a rigorous framework for good regulation based on the principles of necessity and proportionality which is to be observed by all administrations when regulating economic activities.
Reduction of corporate tax rate from 26.3% to 22%.
Finlands National Programme. Spring 2013. Europe 2020 Strategy. Page 27
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 24  or: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/Steps-to-make-it-happen/Incentive.aspx
It will guarantee customers that their account will be switched in seven days from the opening of a new account and will be quick, secure, and hassle-free. This will make it easier and quicker for people to change bank account provider;
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/post16reform/bill  or: Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 59
With this framework schools can respond to meet the needs both of young people and the economy. Schools provide opportunities for young people to develop skills such as creativity, entrepreneurship, problem-solving and working with others in addition to the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy and ICT which employers demand in the workplace. Since September 2013, every pupil in every school has been entitled to access a range of courses, both applied and general, that are economically relevant and that have clear progression routes to education, training and employment. The Entitlement Framework is a key education policy for raising standards and is the counter balance to the reduced core of the 14+ curriculum in post primary schools in Northern Ireland. Learners who see their time at school as relevant to them are more likely to remain engaged with education and more likely to succeed and do well. This in turn contributes to raising standards, increasing staying on rates; improving life chances of individuals; and impacting positively on the economy.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 25  or: http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/qandlearning/programmes
Study Programmes are starting in September 2013 so that all young people aged 16-19 years are offered high quality study programmes to help them move on to higher education or into secure skilled employment. All students who are able to will take either Level 3, or a substantial qualification recognised by employers or a university place with work experience. Students who have not achieved a GCSE in English and maths at age 16 will continue to study these subjects.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 71
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 23
While Northern Ireland currently has the highest availability of superfast broadband services in the United Kingdom, the Northern Ireland Executive is continuing to consider ways in which access to and quality of services can be further improved with regard to fixed-line technology.  To that end, it has recently commenced implementation of a new initiative which, when completed, will mean access to basic fixed-line broadband services for 96% of premises and superfast fixed-line broadband for 85% of premises by 2015.  It is also seeking to maximise an offer of additional support from the UK Government by seeking to secure match funding for a further project which will expand coverage of superfast broadband services to 95% of premises by 2017.
Europe 2020: UK National Reform Programme 2013. Page 69