Business in Europe, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Wide-ranging discussions concluded that the main issues that SMEs in Europe face are: access to finance, access to other markets (especially outside the EU), skills and reduction of administrative burden.

Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship commented:

“I have heard much to inspire and encourage me during the SME Assembly.  SMEs as well as the organisations and governments that support them are finding some exciting ways to encourage the growth of small businesses in their countries.  There is however much to do, particularly in ensuring that SMEs can find sufficient financing and trade effectively across borders both within and especially beyond the EU.”

European Parliament Vice President Othmar Karas and Luc Van den Brande, Vice President of the Committee of the Regions addressed the Assembly and underlined the importance of continuous and decisive support for SMEs.

Daniel Calleja, Director General of DG Enterprise and EU SME Envoy concluded the two-day conference.

Speaking out for small business interests in their countries, the delegates underlined the key role that SMEs play in Europe. They are the engines of growth and must find creative ways to thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.  SMEs account for 99.8% of all companies, and 85% of all the new jobs created over the past 10 years in the EU.

The Assembly also appealed to the Member States of the EU to ensure that the future EU budget provides the necessary funding to support SME growth and jobs. Ensuring access to sufficient finance to support SMEs has never been more urgent. In particular the Assembly believed that the COSME Programme (the Programme for the Competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs) should be strengthened.

The SME Assembly recognised the importance of the European Union’s commitment to SMEs and its success in rolling out the Small Business Act, the SME policy framework, at member state level. Delegates to the Assembly took part in dynamic and interactive discussions and workshops which included a video message from EC President José Manuel Barroso through to a ‘Big Debate’ with contributions from Jan Barnes of eBay EU and Arnaldo Abruzzini of EUROCHAMBRES among many others.

The EU SME Envoy reported to the Assembly on the positive progress of actions implemented by the Small Business Act in 2012, during the first year of its activities. The SME Envoys of the 27 Member States agreed the work programme and key objectives to be achieved in 2013.

The Assembly culminated in the annual European Enterprise Promotion Awards ceremony, celebrating organisations that have helped to promote entrepreneurship at national, regional or local level over the past year.