“The Fair Labour Mobility Package addresses certain concerns of SME employers. It proposes measures to reduce burdens such as stronger interoperability of social security systems. However, further clarification is needed on the added value of certain proposals such as the Common Training Frameworks”, stated SMEunited President Davide Galli.
“SMEs require predictable rules to send staff across borders without unnecessary complexity. Before creating new obligations, the EU must improve the application and enforcement of existing rules, supported by practical, multilingual, and accessible guidance for SME employers”, stated Mr Galli.
Mr Galli emphasised that digitalisation must be part of the solution. “Digital tools should follow the once-only principle, meaning companies provide information once to competent authorities, who then reuse it efficiently. The e-Declaration and the accelerated digitalisation of social security coordination, including A1 procedures and the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI), can significantly reduce administrative burdens”, he continued.
To deliver these benefits, national and European systems must be interoperable. Digital solutions must be user-friendly, multilingual, and designed with the reality and capabilities of SMEs in mind. “The European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) proposed today is a positive step forward. SME employers count on its swift deployment”, Mr Galli added.
“SMEunited calls for stronger cooperation among Member States and a reinforced practical role for the European Labour Authority. This authority should provide clear SME-oriented information, helpdesk services, and coordinated enforcement to promote compliance and fair competition across Europe”, he stressed.
Finally, the Skills Portability Initiative must prioritise support and coordination over further legislation. “To really work for SMEs, the initiative must build mutual trust in professional qualifications within the Single Market. It should enable more transparent recognition procedures without interfering with national competences in education or imposing additional burdens on SMEs. We will carefully assess the European Commission’s proposals and provide guidance on how they can be most beneficial for SMEs”, Mr Galli concluded.
