Improving the effectiveness of EU policies for SMEs (own-initiative opinion)

In its Opinion, the EESC draws attention to significant inefficiencies still existing in both the formulation and implementation of SME policies, warns against a bureaucratic approach still prevalent in EU policies and calls for a visible, coordinated and consistent horizontal policy for SMEs, based on a multiannual action plan. The EESC also proposes that the Commission assess whether the current definition of SMEs corresponds to their heterogeneity, sectoral dynamics, specific features and diversity during the last decade.

Other relevant EESC opinions:

• Smart regulation - SME's (INT/692)
• An action plan to improve access to finance for SMEs (INT/632)
• Competitiveness Programme (INT/619)
• Access to finance for SMEs (ECO/372)

European Parliament briefings:

• Barriers to SME growth in Europe (Briefing – May 2016)
• Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs (COSME) (Briefing – June 2016)
• SME support in EU regions (Briefing – October 2015)

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat