“SMEs contribute to resilient local ecosystems where they invest, provide quality jobs and safeguard resilience for our eastern border region, while supporting social cohesion”, stated SMEunited Secretary General Véronique Willems in reaction to the European Commission’s Communication on Eastern border regions.
“SMEunited repeatedly raised the key role SMEs play in ensuring lively and attractive rural and remote regions. They provide products and services for daily life, training opportunities, employment and contribute to a vibrant community life”, Ms Willems continued. SMEunited supports dedicated policies to be developed and calls to ensure the involvement of SME organisations to strengthen preparedness and promote cross-border cooperation.
Investing in SMEs in these regions is therefore highly relevant to strengthen our Eastern border regions and increase their resilience. SMEunited supports the idea to crowed in private investments by providing guarantees financed by regional and cohesion funds.
For SMEs, turning the ‘freedom to stay’ into a reality in eastern border regions means addressing structural issues such as insufficient transport links, limited access to training centres, limited public services, and restricted access to finance. Targeted investment in infrastructure, local services and digital connectivity is essential to prevent a downward spiral. At the same time, EU support must respect the ‘think small first’ principle to ensure measures are accessible to local entrepreneurs who foster social cohesion and regional identity.
SMEunited, formerly known as UEAPME, is the association of crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 65 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.
