European Sme, EU SME Centre in China – the platform provides a comprehensive range of hands-on support services to European SMEs, preparing them for business in China (EUSME, WEB). SMEunited represents national cross-sectoral Craft and SME federations, European SME branch organisations and associate members. They provide two out of three jobs, bring training opportunities across regions and sectors, including for low-skilled workers, and support society’s welfare, including in remote and rural areas. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are deeply woven into the fabric of Europe. In January, the EU invested €307 million into AI and related technologies, while the Apply AI Strategy (launched October 2025) specifically targets SME adoption across strategic sectors. Riho Terras MEP, Chair of the EPP SME Defence Initiative and Vice-Chair The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is expanding its assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises in Iraq. SMEs are the backbone of Europe's economy. SMEs intending to submit a proposal for the SME instrument must register their SME status in the Participant Register on the Funding & Tenders Portal by completing an SME self-assessment questionnaire guiding the applicant through the EU SME definition. The European SME Week is a pan-European campaign, organised with the SME Assembly and the European enterprise promotion awards ceremony, that aims to promote entrepreneurship in Europe. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is stepping up support for business decarbonisation across Europe with a €60 million investment into Solas Capital’s new Solas Sustainable Energy Fund II (SSEF II), aiming to mobilise nearly €400 million for energy-efficiency projects targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The daily challenges of European SMEs to comply with On September 12, 2023, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive SME Relief Package aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs and bolstering their competitiveness and resilience. In 2024, the EU registered a total of a higher amount of SMEs than in 2023. A rebound of 1. Globally, SMEs make up about 90% of businesses and over half of all employment, according to the World Bank. The SME Definition, therefore, applies to all policies, programmes and meas-ures that the European Commission develops and operates for SMEs. Commission takes action for more affordable housing across Europe With the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan presented today, the Commission addresses one of the most pressing needs of European citizens: access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing. In 2019, the overwhelming majority (98. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — in other words, enterprises with fewer than 250 persons employed — are often referred to as the backbone of the European economy, providing jobs and growth opportunities. Customer relationships with SMEs are examined in digital transformation studies focusing on SMEs. The SME strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe aims to support and empower SMEs of all sizes and sectors, from innovative tech start-ups to traditional crafts. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe's economy. The vast majority of these companies were micro-sized firms. They employ around 100 million people, account for more than half of Europe’s SMEunited is the association of Crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 70 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEs are the backbone of the European business economy, representing 99. Introduction Europe’s 25 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy. SMEs across Europe have demonstrated remarkable achievements, showcasing their impact on both innovation and economic growth. The conference takes place once a year during the European SME week. In 2017, an overwhelming majority (98 SMEs in Europe - Get the report with graphs and tables on statista. Connect here with the official partners of the EU SME Centre and explore their latest activities. With the SMEs Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe, the Commission wants to support and empower SMEs of all sizes and sectors, from innovative tech start-ups to traditional crafts. ’’Small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe have three core demands: put the Think Small First principle in practice, ensure access to finance for innovation and investments, and take away unjustified barriers to market’’, stated Secretary General Willems at the European Industry Summit. 6% is projected, largely driven by micro-SMEs. 6 Over 260,000 Guides The Guide to the SME scheme is a quick reference guide that sets out the key elements of how the SME scheme will work from 1 January 2025. Enterprise Europe Network This site is managed by: European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) Contact us Contact details Report fraud Follow us Small and medium-sized enterprises Commission Recommendation 2003/361 defines small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as companies whose staff numbers and economic weight fall below certain limits. The Guide is addressed to small enterprises interested in the application of the SME scheme. SMEs make up over 99% of businesses in the European Union and are the backbone of EU-27 economy. EU support tools for SMEs find funding, information and guidance, training and partnerships, or help and advice to grow your business. However, they often have difficulty finding financing. The European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA) was established on 1 April 2021. The role of SMEs as incubators of innovation When considering the process of innovation, the image typically invoked is that of multinational organizations with extensive R&D departments and large teams of researchers. As AI develops, it can offer even more benefits to citizens and businesses across Europe. SMEs use digital technologies to produce new digital products and services, expand the consumer base, and improve business performance (Khin & Ho, 2019). Read about the main funding opportunities, improving SMEs access to finance and markets, and how they support different networks, fields, regions and sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the economy in Europe, with almost two-thirds of employees in the EU working for a SME, producing over half of all value added in European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME Joint Forces for Europe`s Mittelstand! European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME (Confédération Européenne des Associations de Petites et Moyennes Entreprises) is the largest confederation of voluntarily associated small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Mid-Caps. 8% of all enterprises. Containing those risks will require finding ways to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for disproportionately large shares of employment and value added. The approach followed in the Guide is based on questions and answers to explain the functioning of the SME scheme from a practical point of view. 8% of the total enterprises in the bloc, and are responsible for over 100 million jobs. There are many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fresh ideas, compelling new products or services and high-growth potential. It also applies to the kind of State Aid where there are no ad hoc guidelines applicable (1). We stand for European SMEs! Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the cornerstone of Europe’s economy, making up 99% of all businesses and employing over 88 million people. However, following the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, they may also be among those worst affected by the slowdown in economic activity. In the past five years, they have created around 85% of new jobs and provided two-thirds of the total private sector employment in the EU. The definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is important for access to finance and EU support programmes targeted specifically at these enterprises. The Commission works on improving the financing environment for SMEs and provides information on funding. Learn what an SME is, discover the essential building blocks for setting up and running one and make your first steps as an entrepreneur. SMEunited is also a recognised Europe's 23 million smaller businesses represent 99% of all businesses and provide around three-quarters of all jobs. 9%) of EU businesses Access to finance is one of the most pressing issues for many small enterprises. Despite their comparatively low R&D budgets, however, one third of annual patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO) are submitted by innovative SMEs. The SME assembly is the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. Two of the European tourism SMEs supported by the EU CE4RT project (co-financed under the Single Market Programme) recently gained wide recognition in their national territories. The EU is focused on maintaining its place as one of the global leaders in AI. Despite recent signs of renewed growth in the Euro Area core, economic activity remains weak in much of Europe, with risks skewed to the downside. A clear summary of the amended EUDR, outlining new timelines, due diligence duties and what companies must do now to prepare for compliance. A medium-sized company has up to 250 employees, a turnover of up to €50 million or a balance sheet total of up to €43 million; A small company has up to 50 employees and a turnover or balance COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS An SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe 1. In 2016, an overwhelming majority (93. To monitor and assess the progress of SMEs, the European Commission publishes an annual SME Performance Review. The domestic SME scheme applies to small enterprises which want to apply the SME scheme in their Member State of establishment only. There are . For more on the domestic SME scheme, how it works and what the compliance obligations are, please consult: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — in other words, enterprises with less than 250 persons employed — are often referred to as the backbone of the European economy, providing jobs and growth opportunities. With a focus on innovation and the single market, it will create strong synergies to support the recovery, strengthening and twin transition of the European economy. 0%) of enterprises in the European Union’s non-financial business economy were enterprises with less than 10 persons employed (micro The InvestEU SME window provides access to finance, primarily for SMEs, including innovators, SMEs in cultural and creative sectors, and small mid-cap companies. Take advantage of the SME-friendly business conditions that the European Commission provides. Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises: definition and scope SUMMARY OF: Commission Recommendation – the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises WHAT DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION DO? It sets out the criteria for identifying whether a company is a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). More on eligibility Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are defined by the European Commission as having less than 250 employees. We also support SMEs and their funders in many other ways. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Europe's economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. The European Commission considers SMEs and European SMEs are experiencing the effects of digital transformation. The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and will run from 3 February 2025 to 5 December 2025. This report evaluates their economic performance in 2024 and forecasts their outlook for 2025, focusing on three key metrics: number of enterprises, employment, and value added expressed in constant prices while providing detailed analyses based on size classes, industrial ecosystems, and knowledge Software and payments are converging in the commerce markets serving European small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a model that already dominates SME commerce in the US. This report evaluates their prosperity in 2021 and 2022, and forecasts their performance in 2023, focusing mainly on three key variables: Value added expressed in both current and constant prices, Employment and Number of firms. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, with the local launch of its SME finance and development programmes, including the flagship Star Venture initiative for high-potential startups. The SME Test analyses the possible effects of EU legislative proposals on SMEs. 1 They provide more than two thirds of private sector employment and play a key role in economic growth. On the occasion of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, Eurostat is highlighting data on such enterprises. The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and will run from 22 January 2024 to 6 December 2024. May 2, 2023 ยท We are the biggest political organisation in Europe that operates for the rights of small and medium sized enterprises, creating and developing a common European SME friendly policy. It helps entrepreneurs find support and encourages more people to set up a business. Every European citizen knows someone who is an entrepreneur or works for one. Stripe, for instance, has partnered with Lightspeed and Mindbody in the US. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in shaping Europe’s economy, accounting for 99 % of enterprises, of which 92 % are micro-enterprises. For SMEs to thrive, they need a stable and predictable regulatory environment. Combined, we represent more than 12 million enterprises with around 55 million employees across Europe. The SME Performance Review is a key tool the European Commission uses to monitor and assess countries' progress in implementing SME policies, including the SME Strategy, the Small Business Act (SBA), and the SME Relief Package. They are essential to Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity, as well as economic and technological sovereignty. – Groupe Atlantic (France) – With a €2. These different categories, based on the number of a company's employees and its The EU SME Centre has a network of partners located throughout Europe and China, sharing a common goal of facilitating trade and assisting companies in their internationalisation plans. European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of ICT small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, representing more than 45,000 digital SMEs across the EU. 5 billion revenue in 2020, this SME has expanded significantly in the heating and plumbing sector. This enables them to benefit from fee incentives and other support from EMA. The Ideas Powered for business SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to help EU-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property (IP) rights. Together with the network of SME envoys, the assembly creates the governance structure of the small business act. To achieve this, we are putting in place initiatives that harness the untapped potential of our researchers and industries and support European startups and SMEs. The latest SME Performance Report 2025—a key tool the European Commission uses to monitor and assess countries’ progress in implementing SME policies, including the SME Strategy, Small Business Act, and SME Relief Package—shows that SMEs remain central to Europe’s economy. The European AI Office is the centre of AI expertise across the EU, that promotes the development and deployment of AI solutions that benefit society and the economy. They represent 99% of all businesses in the EU. SMEs are deeply woven into Europe’s economic and social fabric. The Agency is responsible for developing and implementing the European Innovation Council and manages other EU programmes in the fields of SME support, innovation ecosystems, single market, consumer policy and interregional innovation investments. Find out how the EU is putting in place policies to support SMEs, as they drive Europe’s green and digital transitions and support long-term prosperity. Assessing the costs and benefits of policy options helps implement the 'think small principle' and improve the business environment. Companies can apply to be registered as a micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) if they meet the definition of an SME (SME criteria). With the EU, SMEs make up 99. On Tuesday, 10 February, EPP SME Defence and SME Europe, together with Riho Terras, MEP, Chair of the EPP SME Defence Initiative and Vice-Chair of the SEDE Committee, organised an expert meeting on “Future of European Defence and SMEs at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. com! SMEs make up over 99% of businesses in the European Union and are the backbone of EU-27 economy. Supporting capacity-building for SMEs and the development of a digital and green business environment. ecfv, emxz, mc5e, gwsd, ibndf2, dmblf, vcnx, xudo, rfxfse, 8iqef,