SMEs in the EU

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

European SMEs further join forces

In November 2018, UEAPME rebranded to SMEunited and set out to shape Europe for SMEs and to strengthen SMEs in Europe.

SMEs say GDPR needs reality check

SMEunited calls on the European Commission to make a reality check of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Ahead of the stocktaking event organised by the Commission on 13th June, SMEunited surveyed its member organisations and their message is clear: the new Commission should work on a reality tested design for the GDPR.

New EU shareholders' rights rules enter into force

The new Shareholder Rights Directive, which entered into force on Monday, addresses corporate governance shortcomings that contributed to the financial crisis, says the EU Commission.

EuroCommerce and GS1 in Europe agree to strengthen cooperation

EuroCommerce and GS1 in Europe signed on 29 May a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work more intensively together in the field of supply chain cooperation, standards, and technologies.

EU elections show that Europe matters

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

Retailers and wholesalers welcome adoption of Single Use Plastics Directive, but ask for more robust waste management infrastructure

Speaking today at the formal adoption by the Council of the text of the Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastics on the environment, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

Calling Entrepreneurs to Vote for a Stronger Europe

The European Union is more than just economic integration and Single Market. It has offered long-lasting peace across the European continent and has brought a community together that shares fundamental values of democracy, human rights, freedom, equality and rule of law.

Shaping Europe for SMEs

The European Union is at a crossroads. The upcoming elections of the European Parliament will be decisive, including for SMEs and the environment they do business in.

"This time I'm voting" - EuroCommerce supports campaign to mobilise citizens to vote in European elections

Speaking today on the occasion of Schuman Day, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said: "On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman issued the declaration which laid the foundations of what, some 70 years later, has grown into today's European Union. This is indeed an achievement we should all celebrate today. The EU has brought all of us immense benefits, which it is sometimes easy to take for granted."

A More Entrepreneurial Europe Should Drive the Global Agenda

The European Union should set the global agenda in innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Improving the Single Market for SMEs

SMEs in Europe enjoy the freedoms of the Single Market and recognise its added value for the European Union, an added value that goes beyond boosting the economy. However, the Single Market has been built over several decades, there is therefore still room for improvement to make it deeper and fairer as well as to make it function seamlessly.

Avi Ben Ezra explains why European countries now embrace Chatbots

Europe is one of the regions that benefited the most from Chatbots - with more SMEs than ever starting to migrate towards full adoption of AI and Chatbots.

EU Rules Must Provide a level playing field for SMEs

Crafts and SMEs in Europe demand equal footing and effective enforcement of existing legislation to ensure fair competition in the Single Market.

EU auditors review innovation support for SMEs

The European Court of Auditors is conducting an audit of EU's innovation support scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups, it announced Thursday.

BarTender 2019 Introduces Innovative, Powerful Features for Enterprise Labeling

Seagull Scientific has announced the immediate availability of BarTender 2019, the latest version of the world's most trusted software for transforming business information into the labels, barcodes, RFID tags, smartcards, documents, packing slips and pallet labels that drive all companies - from microbusinesses to global enterprises.

Skills Shortage Holds SMEs Back

Crafts and SMEs in Europe are eagerly looking for skilled staff. Due to the digital and green transformations, they are already facing a serious skills gap and mismatch in the labour market.

Retailers commend European Commission for swift action against discriminatory Slovak tax

Commenting today on the European Commission announcement of an in-depth investigation into to the Slovak Retail Tax Law and an injunction suspending the application of the law, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

SMEs require an appropriate framework to internationalise

Crafts and SMEs in Europe lead commercial activities within the EU but still do not fully benefit from international opportunities. The right framework conditions and better information about global opportunities are the key to facilitating SMEs' access to international markets.

SMEs are Fundamental for Sustainability

SMEs need to be fully integrated in the strategies to make the EU more sustainable and to fight climate change for them to succeed. This is the message highlighted by SMEunited on the 5th week of its campaign for the EU elections.

SMEs call for a stronger Europe

At the Tripartite Social Summit on Growth and Employment, ahead of the European Council, SMEunited President Ulrike Rabmer-Koller called for a stronger, united and forward looking Europe, truly shaped for SMEs.

SMEs drive social progress despite new challenges

SMEs are the main source of jobs and the main social driver in Europe despite substantial challenges.

SMEs business confidence fades out

Today, ahead of next week's Tripartite Social Summit and European Council, SMEunited President Ulrike Rabmer-Koller presented the latest EU SME Barometer.

Agreement paves way for better VAT collection on online sales

EU Member States reached agreement Tuesday on detailed measures needed to simplify VAT rules for sales of goods online, also ensuring that online marketplaces play their part in the fight against tax fraud.

Modernising VAT for cross-border e-commerce

European Commission DG TAXUD page on VAT for e-commerce including legal texts

Access to finance is still a concern for SMEs

Accessing finance to fund their projects is still an important concern for Europe’s SMEs.