SMEs in the EU

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

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.

Single Market for Services remains a top priority for retail and wholesale

The digital revolution is forcing fundamental change to the retail and wholesale sector. It depends on free movement of goods and services around Europe and the world, and therefore shares with the whole EU economy the imperative of resisting populist pressure to break up the Single Market.

SMEs Are Key To Reach Climate Targets

Following the European Summit and ahead of the Energy and Environmental Councils, SMEunited reiterates its support for the ambitious targets of the Paris agreement.

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:

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."