SMEs in the EU

News and information about the European Union's policies for small and medium-sized businesses.

75 start-ups, SMEs selected for EU innovation funding pilot

'Blended' grant and equity financing formed part of a funding package for 75 promising start-ups and smaller businesses announced Thursday, in a pilot offer from the new European Innovation Council.

A new start for Europe, and need for new push for sustainable market solutions

Retailers and wholesalers in Europe expressed their support for the new Commission under Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking today after the convincing European Parliament vote in favour of the new team, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

SMEs Crucial for Success of New European Commission

SMEunited welcomes the von der Leyen Commission and offers cooperation to make a stronger Europe a reality

ESBA consortium wins contract to reinvigorate WEgate, the EC platform for women entrepreneurs

Today the European Commission announced that the European Small Business Alliance (ESBA) won the contract to reinvigorate WEgate, the EC women entrepreneurship platform.

SMEs are key to a greener Europe

Today SMEunited together with the European Commission is organising a workshop on the Green Deal and SMEs in Helsinki during the 2019 SME Assembly.

Company restructuring in EU made easier

The EU Council adopted Monday a Directive on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions providing harmonised procedures for companies to merge, divide or move within the EU Single Market.

The Energy Globe World Awards 2019: actions needed

"European companies are global pioneers in environmental protection and resource efficiency. This is underlined by the nomination of many European initiatives among the finalists for the Energy Globe World Award," says Ulrike Rabmer-Koller, President of SMEunited, after yesterday's award ceremony in Espoo, Finland.

EuroCommerce and the European Retail Round Table to join forces

EuroCommerce and the European Retail Round Table (ERRT) have agreed to join forces, creating a stronger and more united retail organisation to safeguard and promote the sector’s interests on the European stage.

EU SME funding needs better management: auditors

With Brussels allocating over EUR 3.3 bn investment in innovative start-ups through venture capital funds between 2014 and 2022, a comprehensive investment strategy is needed, say EU auditors.

SME Strategy To Make EU Fit For Future

Call for a strong European SME Strategy combining competitiveness, fairness and sustainability

Wake-up call: Europe Must Not Fall Behind

Call for a strong European SME Strategy combining competitiveness, fairness and sustainability

"We need to work with the unions for the future of retail and wholesale"

Speaking today at the annual UNI Europa Commerce sector Conference in Bucharest, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren underlined the importance of social partners working together to ensure that the 29 million Europeans working in retail and wholesale are equipped to have sustainable and rewarding jobs in this rapidly-changing commercial environment.

Downward Trend Continues, But Less Than Expected

SMEunited President Ulrike Rabmer-Koller presents the latest EU SME Barometer results for Autumn 2019 as being above previous expectations.

EuroCommerce calls for rapid global agreement on OECD digital tax proposals

Commenting on the presentation yesterday of the OECD Secretariat's proposals on tax challenges from digitalisation of the economy, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren commented:

EuroCommerce joins the Circular Plastics Alliance as retailers & wholesalers contribute to a more sustainable future

EuroCommerce today joined the Circular Plastics Alliance.

Fighting Climate Change Must Be A Worldwide Effort

Ahead of the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, SMEunited insists on how crucial it is that the European Union’s new efforts to cut GHG emissions be mirrored by all industrialised nations.

Business Organisations Voice Strong Support For A New EU SME Strategy

Today, SMEunited, EUROCHAMBRES and BusinessEurope reiterate the call of the European SME Envoy Network for a new and dedicated European SME strategy, at a joint event in the European Parliament.

Brexit preparedness checklist

This checklist has been developed for information purposes and is meant to help companies doing business in the EU and/or in the United Kingdom (UK) to double-check their state of preparedness for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

GDPR one year in - working well, but care needed on burdens for SMEs

Speaking after the European Commission today published its report on the first year of implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren commented:

GDPR working, but not well enough: EU report

While most EU Member States have set up the legal framework for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), more is needed if the new data protection regime is to be fully effective, says a new report.

An easier consumer journey when buying online - Business presents new tool to improve consumer information

Today the European business community is presenting its voluntary tool to better inform consumers when they're shopping online. The aim is to help companies find good ways to present their information to consumers including standard terms and conditions.

E-commerce still vulnerable to VAT and customs duty evasion: EU auditors

Many challenges in collecting correct amounts of VAT and customs duties on e-commerce remain to be resolved, according to a report from the European Court of Auditors published on Tuesday.

SMEunited Supports New Von Der Leyen Agenda

SMEunited embraces the election of Ursula von der Leyen and offers the support of SMEs to make a stronger Europe a reality

SMEunited Presents A Detailed New SME Policy Agenda For Europe

Ahead of the newly elected European Parliament’s first Plenary meeting, SMEunited presents its suggestions for a renewed European policy agenda for SMEs.

Industry Policy 2030: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

The European High-Level Industrial Roundtable presented its final report summarising the recommendations for a renewed European industrial policy until 2030 and beyond.