The EESC supports the general principles of this program but believes it should also strengthen the support and advice to SMEs in consultation with all professional organizations. The Committee also considers that promoting access to finance and encouraging an entrepreneurial culture should be the core issues of this new regulation.
The EU plans to extend the EGF from 2014-2020. Inclusion of farmers and withdrawal of EGF use to combat social consequences of the economic crisis are among other major changes introduced in the Commission proposal and are opposed by the EESC.
According to the EESC, the renewed EGF will generally accrue to industry and services, whereas agriculture will have to pay the bill. Farmers must be compensated, but that should be done with a tailor-made solution for the sector. Furthermore, the EESC wants to make it absolutely clear that the social dimension is taken into consideration.
