16. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 239/33 . COUNCIL DECISION of 28 July 1989 on the improvement of the business environment and-the promotion of the development of enterprises, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, in the Community (89/490/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (*) - Having .regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas on 3 November 1986 the Council adopted a resolution concerning the action programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (*) and on 30 June 1988 a resolution on the improvement of the business environment and action to promote the development of enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in the Community (%); Whereas the Commission has_submitted to the Council a communication on a-enterprise policy for the Community; -‘whereas the Community has already :developed certain initiatives in this field; Wherteas this Decision applies, inter alia, to all forms of small and medium-sized enterprises, for example craft, cooperative and mutual enterprises; Whereas the development of a European enterprise policy based upon the principle of effective competition is of great importance in increasing the competitiveness of  the European economy, “for employment growth and for. economic and social cohesion in the Community; Whereas it is necessary to strengthen this policy in the light of the completion of the internal market and the other means of action contained in the Single European Act and the Commission’s White Paper of June 1986; Whereas the opportunities for small and medium-sized. enterprises (SMEs) under the Structural ' Funds, in the (1) OJ No C 79, 30. 3. 1989, p. 5. (2) O No C 158, 26. 6. 1989. (3) O] No C 159, 26. 6. 1989, p. 38. (4) OJ No C 287, 14.11. 1986, p. 1. (5) OJ No C 197, 27. 7. 1988, p. 6. Community’s research and development programmes and in other Community programmes should be increased; Whereas measures at Community level should not duplicate those at-the level of the Member States; whereas they should as far as possible make use of existing structures rather than create new ones; Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the adoption of this Decision, powers other than those of Article 235, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 In order to improve the business environment and encourage the creation -and development of enterprises, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), measures shall be implemented at Community level. Article 2 The measures referred to in Article 1 shall include: — removal of undue administrative, financial and legal constraints which check the development and creation of enterprises,-and in particular SMEs, — information and assistance to enterprises, and in . particular ‘SMEs, on Community policies; regulations and activities and those of each Member State which concern or are likely to concern them, — encouragement of cooperation and partnership between enterprises, and in particular-SMEs, from different regions of the Community. ' Article 3- “In order to achieve the objectives and carry out the measures i referred to in Articles 1 and 2, the Commission will propose ‘the necessary action to the extent that it cannot be ‘undertaken better at Member State level.” Article 4 1 The Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.