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19 Sep, 2023

SME relief package must be adopted before EU elections

Renew Europe is pleased by the European Commission’s long overdue presentation of the SME Relief Package, which includes several of the Group’s proposals for SMEs.  

These include a new Regulation on combatting late payments, especially by public authorities, the recognition of the role of an ‘SME Envoy’, the strict application of the SME Test and initiatives related to tax simplification.  

Martina Dlabajová MEP (ANO, CZ), chair of Renew Europe's SME Taskforce and Renew Europe coordinator in the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, argued that the package must be adopted and implemented before the European elections next year. 

“Renew Europe has tirelessly supported and listened to SMEs in various forums and formats over the past years to be able to legislate in line with their priorities and challenges. We welcome the Commission’s proposal on SMEs Relief Package as a positive first step, though it arrives late and could be more ambitious. It still falls short of delivering the much-needed relief for SMEs. We will only be satisfied if these proposals are approved prior to the European elections,” she said. 

“SMEs are in desperate need of assistance to alleviate the growing cumulative burden of legislation, to cut red tape, to reduce reporting obligations, to support upskilling and reskilling of their staff and to get more opportunities for funding. We can no longer afford to abandon the main engine of employment, growth and social cohesion in Europe. Let’s deliver!” 

SMEs account for more than 95% of all businesses in the EU, so they are a key driver for growth, employment and competitiveness across the EU.  

Renew Europe is the only political group in the European Parliament that has made the challenges and needs of SMEs a political priority throughout this mandate, holding an SME Taskforce and the Renew Europe Business Days earlier this year. 

Photo: EP 2023

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