SMEs in the EU

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

EU Trade Policy: Open markets essential for post-COVID recovery

Commenting on the launch of the EU Trade Policy Review, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

Keep Europe safe, but keep goods flowing

Speaking today about decisions in some EU countries to close a number of their borders, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

MEPs greenlight EU's EUR 672.5 bn stimulus funding

The European Parliament gave the green light Wednesday to EUR 672.5 billion in grants and loans from a 'Recovery and Resilience' fund to help EU countries tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brussels mulls changes to VAT rules for financial and insurance services

The EU Commission launched a public consultation Tuesday to gather views on the current VAT rules for financial and insurance services, and to seek ideas on possible improvements.

Circularity by design - the best path to sustainable consumption

Noting the European Parliament's adoption today of the own-initiative report drafted by Jan Huitema MEP (Renew, NL) on the Circular Economy Action Plan, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren underlined the retail and wholesale sector's commitment to the circular economy and the important role which Eco-design can play in this:

EUR 20m to help European SMEs maximise IP assets

As of Monday, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) were able to apply for financing under a EUR 20 million grant scheme to help EU companies to make better use of intellectual property rights.

SME definition

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent 99 per cent of all businesses in the European Union. The definition of an SME is seen as important for access to finance and EU support programmes targeted specifically at these enterprises.

A properly working single market for sourcing consumer products would save consumers €14 billion

Speaking today ahead of the Commission workshop on the results of their study on Territorial Supply Constraints (TSCs), EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

New ranking guidelines to make online search more transparent

New ranking guidelines for online searches, published Monday by the EU Commission, allow online platforms to improve the transparency of their ranking parameters and help businesses to compete fairly online.

Benefit of Interchange Fee Regulation now nullified by fee increases

EuroCommerce today released a study by retail payments consultancy CMSPI and antitrust and economics advisers Zephyre on the rise since the adoption of the EU Interchange Fee Regulation (IFR) in the fees paid by merchants accepting card payments.

European SMEs call for support to realise EU goal

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission addressed the SMEunited General Assembly today. She highlighted the EU funds that will be invested in the recovery and transition. SME representatives from around Europe issued a Declaration demanding a speedy approval of Next Generation EU and a focus on solvency support.

New Brussels plan for recovery of media sector

The EU Commission unveiled Thursday an action plan for recovery of the media/audiovisual sector, hit badly by the coronavirus crisis, and seen as essential for democracy, diversity and digital autonomy.

New skills and new ways of working crucial for future resilience

At its 2020 flagship conference today, EuroCommerce is bringing together high-level speakers from the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, senior retail HR executives, and trade unions representatives, for an exchange on how retailers and wholesalers are keeping pace with the rapidly changing world of work.

Geoblocking - sensible to keep unchanged for now

EuroCommerce Director-General expressed support for the conclusions in the Commission report on the working of the Geoblocking regulation issued yesterday:

Brussels signals overhaul of EU intellectual property system

The EU Commission published an action pan on Intellectual Property Wednesday, to help smaller firms in particular make the most of their inventions and creations and ensure Europe benefits fully from them.

Retailers and wholesalers need competitive, secure data spaces to drive digital growth

EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren spoke today on the publication of the Commission draft Data Governance Act, which promotes data sharing and a common European Data space:

High time for Europe's consumers to benefit from the single market

Speaking today on the publication of a study by the European Commission on supply restrictions imposed by manufacturers which prevent retailers buying products in one country and selling them in another, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

SME Assembly marks cooperation for sustainable and resilient SME future

SMEunited highlights SME demands at the start of the SME Assembly. Once a year, the European "SME community" gathers to exchange views on SME policy and actions to be taken. This year the focus is on "building a sustainable and resilient future together".

Stronger consumer engagement helps drive the green and digital transition - Retailers will make it happen

Speaking today on the launch of the Commission New Consumer Agenda, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said:

SMEs prepare for Brexit in 50 days

SMEunited calls on its member organisations to step up preparatory actions for new EU - UK relations as of 1st January.

SMEunited disagrees with the EC proposal for a directive on minimum wage

SMEunited is strongly disappointed by the Commission’s choice to adopt a Directive for tackling the issue of fair minimum wages in Europe.

Covid crisis needs adequate minimum wages, says EC

The European Commission proposed Wednesday a new directive to ensure that EU workers are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living during the COVID crisis.

Adequate minimum wages - background guide

The European Commission proposes on 28 October an EU Directive to ensure that the workers in the Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living wherever they work.

Recovery and Resilience Plans must fully integrate SMEs needs

Solvency support, digitalisation, green transformation, employability and fast deployment of recovery funds are the five key issues raised by SMEunited President Maggiar at the Tripartite Social Summit. He also underlined the importance of involving social partners in developing National Recovery and Resilience Plans.

Auditors look into effectiveness of EU funding for SMEs

The European Court of Auditors launched a new audit Wednesday to examine whether EU funding for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is helping to make them more competitive and future-proof.