SMEs need an ambitious Recovery Strategy

18 May 2020
by smeunited -- last modified 18 May 2020

During its e-meeting, SMEunited's Board of Directors addressed the current challenges SMEs face and highlighted the importance of a bold, forward looking and targeted Recovery Strategy including a European Recovery Fund.

SMEs in Europe have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis and many of them lost more than 80% of turnover during the last months. Ahead of the European Commission's Recovery Plan, European SMEs published a Declaration, which asks for a Recovery Strategy based on the following principles:

The strategy should use the twin transition to create stimulus for a recovery, increasing the competitiveness and resilience of Europe's economy at the same time. However, the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation should respect the capacity of SMEs to adapt. Therefore, a reinforcement of SME Policy through a strong and effective SME Strategy is required.

A European Recovery Fund and a revamped MFF should support the twin transition, putting forward massive investment, which is based on the principles of solidarity and responsibility. It should aim to crowd-in private investment and to support the solvency of companies having suffered most from the crisis. The strategy should also cater for a reinforced cohesion and development policy.

Recovery will profit from a full functioning of the Single Market, which requires a level playing field for all companies. In this regard, measures must be taken to guarantee an effective implementation and enforcement of single market rules.

The European institutions have to ensure a flexible regulatory environment for SMEs and should avoid introducing new burdensome legislation. Applying the Better Regulation principles and avoiding gold plating are more important than ever.

Mr. Alban Maggiar, President of SMEunited said: "The strategy needs a strong focus on SMEs, allowing them to recover, to preserve and create jobs and skills to stay solvent and to be resilient in the future. We are willing to cooperate with all European Institutions and other stakeholders to make the recovery of Europe successful."

SMEunited, formally known as UEAPME, is the association of crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 70 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited is a recognised employers' organisation and European Social Partner and acts on behalf of crafts and SMEs in the European Social Dialogue and in discussions with the EU institutions.

SMEunited