A common criticism in Brussels is that the present Commission is short of ambition and vision.

The lack of a grand design is often lamented.

Certainly the Commission has been consumed over the last 12 months or so with its internal affairs.

However, the era of grand political design is giving way to a more pragmatic, business-like approach.

A number of key policy initiatives are being prepared which will have a direct impact on the way in which businesses operate.

One of these key policies is the introduction of a Europe-wide patent by the end of next year.

The European Patent Office was established but, despite its name, could not grant EU-wide patents.

Rather it was given the authority to group together national patents to provide cross-border coverage.

At present, translation is required in each EU-member state and, more importantly still, the patents are themselves enforced in national courts.

This system places European investors seeking European coverage for their work at a considerable disadvantage to their competitors in the U.S. and Japan.

One of the stated aims of EU policy is reducing administrative burdens and associated costs on business.

It is estimated the average cost of a European patent is around three to four times higher than that incurred in the U.S. or in Japan.

Translation fees account for a significant portion of this differentials.

Under the Commission proposal, the granting and publication of a Europe-wide patent would be required in only one of three working languages, English, French or German.

For such a patent to work effectively, an EU-wide infringement procedure would need to be established.

The Commission has put forward the idea of a centralised tribunal operating from the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

This proposal, however, requires Treaty amendments - a topic for the on-going inter-governmental conference charged with designing the future structure of the EU.

This, no doubt, will mean the end-2001 deadline for the introduction of the patent is going to be rather tight but one which in EU circles is regarded as realistic.