Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a decisive role in the competitiveness and dynamic of the European economy. To help them realize their growth potential, the EU is working towards promoting entrepreneurship and creating a friendlier business environment for small businesses. More information on EU activities related to SMEs and standardization can be accessed on the relevant EC web site.
On this page we will provide you with information on current White Papers, Consultations and information from the European Commission of relevance to SMEs.
Download the CEN-CENELEC reply to the public consultations on:
- the Common Strategic Framework for future EU Research and Innovation Funding -
PDF
- the modernisation of EU public procurement policy - PDF
- the Professional Qualifications Directive - PDF
- a successor to the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme - PDF.
- the Single Market Act - PDF.
All public European Commission Consultations can be accessed here. All the replies provided by CEN-CENELEC to public consultations relevant to standardization are available for download here.
European SME Support
In support to SMEs, the European Commission runs the European Portal for SMEs, where information on the whole spectrum of EU policies, legislation, programmes and initiatives relevant to Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises can be accessed.
Newly appointed Ms or Mr SME will advocate for the interests of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Chiefly they will check the correct application of the EU law on SMEs and ensure that policies at national, regional and local level are enterprise friendly.
To help SMEs understand CE marking better, the European Commission published a dedicated website on CE Marking.
To help SMEs lead international collaborative research and innovation projects, the Eureka Secretariat published a dedicated website on Eurostars-Eureka.eu
The EU SME policy covers the:
One of the SBA goals is to help SMEs benefit more from the opportunities offered by the Single Market, amongst other by increasing SME awareness and participation in European standardization.
If you are interested to know more about European standardization support to SMEs, please contact the CEN-CENELEC SME Helpdesk.