EPP Group calls for a new strategy for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

"Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy and account for a vast majority of new jobs being created. The new SME strategy comes at a critical time; moreover, the strategy needs to live up to our expectations. We want EU regulation that helps our SMEs scale-up, thrive and expand. This is best done by cutting red tape, reducing regulatory barriers and improving market access," stated Henna Virkkunen MEP, Co-Chair of the SME Circle inside the EPP Group.

SMEs will be in focus in today’s late debate in the Strasbourg plenary session. The EPP Group will quiz the European Commission on its plan to strengthen SMEs.

“We want to make sure that the Commission follows up on its promise for an ‘SME Filter’ for EU legislation and that it pays special attention to SMEs when carrying out thorough impact assessments regarding the upcoming legislation - including the European Green Deal,” noted Jens Gieseke MEP, Co-Chair of the SME Circle.

“The problem of the over implementation (gold plating) of EU rules in some Member States has to be taken seriously. We would like the Commission to take action when gold plating leads to an excess of norms at national, regional and local levels,” Jens Gieseke MEP continued.

Other SME-related topics that will focus the attention of the EPP Group in today’s debate include:

* The importance of the ‘one-in-one-out’ principle

* The need to continue with the Better Regulation agenda

* ‘Late payments,’ which is a huge problems for SMEs

* Access to financing

* A special SME Envoy