EU elections show that Europe matters

28 May 2019
by smeunited -- last modified 28 May 2019

The results of the European Election are a call to act", said SMEunited President Ulrike Rabmer-Koller.

The significant increase in participation shows that more and more people in Europe understand that Europe counts and that current challenges need European solutions. Now the political centre has to come forward with a joint programme and a Strategic Agenda to make Europe stronger, united and more forward looking. This means especially for SMEs a policy allowing them to invest, innovate and create jobs.  Only a strong, competitive and growing European economy can deliver on welfare, environmental and digital transition as well as on social inclusion and stability.

"The current challenges, such as the upcoming Brexit and global political tensions, have made people in Europe more aware that only a strong Europe is able to cope with them" explained President Ulrike Rabmer-Koller in light of the significant increase in turnout for the European Parliament elections.

"However, the results also show that Europe is far away from a homogenous block and the outcome for many Member States is clearly dominated by the national political situation and discussions," Ms Rabmer-Koller added referring to the huge divergences in national results. 

"Even if the results for anti-European forces are lower than expected, European politicians have to reflect why a big group voted for Eurosceptic parties.  EU policy makers have to come forward with reforms and have to offer  citizens new perspectives for the future. ", stated President Rabmer-Koller.

"New perspectives are also important for the 24 million SMEs in Europe, which are confronted with unfair practices in B2B relations (i.e. late payment, platforms), unbalanced consumer and labour protection regulations or unbearable administrative procedures. Therefore, I call for a new holistic SME strategy with a concrete action plan which should become a priority in the new EU Strategic Agenda", the President concluded.

SMEunited is the association of Crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 70 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited represents national cross-sectoral Craft and SME federations, European SME branch organisations and associate members. Combined, it represents more than 12 million enterprises with around 55 million employees across Europe. SMEunited is also a recognised employers' organisation and European Social Partner. SMEunited was formally known as UEAPME.

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