BRUSSELS:The EU bureaucracy is not famed for its creativity but as of 2008 the European Commission has decided it needs to take a role in the future of European design. The move comes after an initiative by the Bureau of European Design Associations (BEDA), an industry body based in Barcelona, Spain.

"Europe must maintain its position as the most competitive region in the world as far as design is concerned," said Commission vice-president Günter Verheugen.

The argument is that design is a highly fragmented industry, but it is crucial to innovation and risks being overlooked as the profession lacks a strong European voice.

The EU is to issue a Communication on design to be published during the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009.