A "more proactive enterprise policy" is needed across the European Union (EU), it has been claimed by the business community.

According to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Employers' Group, more needs to be invested in education and training, school curricula should include entrepreneurship and more action is needed to combat counterfeiting activities.

The body convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss addressing the impact of the financial and economic crisis in conjunction with the Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations.

However, president of the EESC Employers' Group Henri Malosse remarked: "Such a policy will only be meaningful if accompanied by an open European internal market and by the reduction of administrative burdens and barriers faced by businesses."

He called for greater coordination and responsiveness from the EU, following discussions by participants about the best way of assisting the region in recovering from the economic downturn.

Meanwhile, the EU Council recently reached a new €100 million agreement to create a European microfinance facility in order to increase employment opportunities and enhance social inclusion.