The action of this network was confirmed by the Third Multiannual Programme for SMEs in the European Union (1997-2000), which was adopted by the Council on 9 December 1996. In the process of realization of the Programme, was launched a partial renewal of the composition of the Euro Info Centre network: extension of the network to the Central and Eastern European Countries.

EIC-Sofia is hosted by the BCCI and will officially start functioning in November 1999.

The European Council has given EIC the task providing INFORMATION, ADVISE and ASSISTANCE to SMEs on all the subjects concerning EU enlargement, EU aquis and requirements of the process of Eurointegration. The EIC also provides feedback to the European Commission on all the matters, concerning Bulgarian SMEs.

This means that EIC should not only provide SMEs its resources and skills, but should also refer them to other specialized networks or organisations when very specific assistance is required.

The tasks of EICs:

• To inform
  The first contacts which SMEs have with EIC is often a request for information. The Centre povides information from the information sources of the EU, aiming at facilitation the process of EU accession, as currently informs the companies on all the matters, concerning the requirements of the pre-accession strategy and the opportunities for participation in programmes, initiatives and project of the EU, in all European financing schemes open to SMEs from the CEEC, public procurement, training, etc. EICs answer some 400,000 questions every year.
• To advise
  With the support of DG XXIII and other DG of the Commission, EIC assists the adaptation of SMEs to the requirements of the integrated European market by providing competent advise and consultancy on issues, immediately affecting SMEs, such as customs regulations and procedures, product certification, application of European environmental standards in SMEs, CE marking, public procurement, information society, etc.
• To assist
  EIC is helping SMEs to position themselves in the European market. EIC provides assistance to companies in establishing business contacts with partners from the EU and other countries through organizing their participartion in events and business forums which target SMEs (EUROPARTENARIAT and INTERPRISE) and providing information from the specialized information systems for business contacts. The Centre assists setting up and realization of Community programmes and projects open to SMEs, organizes workshops and round tables on matters concerning Eurointegration and particularly on the requirements of the process of accession.

Besides, the Euro Info Centre regularly studies the information needs of SMEs and particularly of those, members of the BCCI.

EIC provides assitance in the process of harmonization of the Bulgarian technological legislation with EU acquis and of the quality infrastructure of the export goods with that of EU. The Centre regularly informs the official authorities about the information on all the matters of Eurointegration, available in EIC.