Going against the general tide of pro-European business, the Institute of Directors has historically been a bit sceptical about the EU. Not so in the latest policy paper from the UK's SME representatives, reviewing the Lisbon Strategy from the point of view of small and medium-sized enterprises. In fact, they make many constructive suggestions about how ministers and Parliament can improve the effectiveness of EU lawmaking:

It is imperative that individual member states implement EU legislation promptly if SMEs, in particular, are able to buy and sell goods and services across borders. The Commission must ensure even transposition across the EU and consistently take measures against member states that fail to comply with their obligations.

Review clauses should be built into EU legislation by the Commission. The Parliament must thereafter play a greatly enhanced role: re-examining the original aims of the legislation, assessing its effectiveness in meeting those aims and analysing any unintended consequences for SMEs and, indeed, other stakeholders.

It is business – employers and employees alike – that will ultimately deliver the economic dynamism necessary to meet European citizens’ social expectations and environmental obligations. However, responsibility lies with politicians and officials from the EU institutions downwards to create a legislative framework that encourages enterprise and innovation and allows SMEs to drive Europe’s growth and employment.