The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has expressed concern that the agenda for Germany's presidency of the EU will take it in the wrong direction.

According to the FSB, the EU should not be focusing its attentions on the revival of the constitution, but should instead tackle a number of other issues, including a reduction in the level of red tape at the supranational and national level.

The FSB also believes that all legislative proposals should be withdrawn if not completed before the end of a parliamentary term, in addition to the creation of correlation tables for all member states to ensure the transparent implementation of legislation.

"We are disappointed that the German presidency has got its priorities all wrong," said Tina Sommer, European affairs chairman for the FSB.

"The presidency should be committed to addressing the concerns of the people of Europe, not those of the politicians," she added.

Germany will retain the presidency of the EU until July 1st, when the task will be taken over by Portugal.