Support the main drivers of our economies: SMEs

"European SMEs are the backbone of our economies and we remain committed to keeping them at the very top of our priorities”, said Jens Gieseke MEP, the EPP Group's negotiator of the EU's new strategy regarding Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

This afternoon, Members of the European Parliament will debate a Report laying out Parliament's demands for the strategy. The vote is set for Wednesday.

“This Report is a strong signal to the European Commission to support SMEs as they continue to face strong headwinds due to the pandemic and other factors as well. We need to drastically cut red tape and improve access to finance", stated Gieseke.

COVID-19 has hit SMEs all over Europe. On average, about 90% of SMEs report to be economically affected, with the most impacted sectors being services (60%-70%), construction and production.

The EPP Group has a long tradition of supporting and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit.

"We call for a binding target to reduce administrative burdens based on an impact assessment to be conducted by June 2021 at the latest. One-in, one-out is not enough. We also want a binding SME test. Before future legislative proposals are considered, the potential economic impact on SMEs must be assessed and properly taken into account”, stated Gieseke.

The EPP Group also called on the European Commission to remove barriers to obtaining financing by simplifying procedures.

“As for the digital skills needs, we should consider the creation of an SME voucher programme and finally, the European Commission should appoint an SME envoy in a central position under the President of the Commission in order to have a good oversight of SME-relevant initiatives coming from different Directorates-General within the European Commission”, concluded Gieseke.