Ensuring SME access to public procurement is essential for #competitiveness and a level playing field. The upcoming revision of the Procurement Directive must focus on how to procure - clarity, accessibility, fairness and best value for money. ➡️More: smeunited.eu/publications...

“Proportionality and SME concerns must be properly addressed - this is becoming part of the @ec.europa.eu's regulatory culture”. In our Vision 2040 conference interview, EVP @valdisdombrovskis.ec.europa.eu explained how the SME Test is increasingly shaping #EU lawmaking. #SMEVision2040 #SMEs

“EU #competitiveness starts with micro-companies - not as an afterthought, but as the starting point”. In an interview with @euractiv.com, SMEunited President @petrisalminen.bsky.social calls for a true #ThinkSmallFirst approach in every step of #EU lawmaking.

“Think small first means smarter regulation. Simple rules that empower entrepreneurs”, said SMEunited Sec Gen @veroniquewillems.bsky.social in a new @euractiv.com article. Together with President Petri Salminen, Ms Willems explains why #EU rules must start from the reality of small businesses.

“If policymakers want a prosperous society in 2040, they must finally and consistently ‘Think Small First’.” In a new article by @brusselstimes.com, SMEunited President @petrisalminen.bsky.social sets out our Vision 2040 for crafts & #SMEs and why EU rules must start from the SME perspective.

📣 Our #SME recap: ✅ Davide Galli elected SMEunited President ✅ Vision 2040 for #Crafts & #SMEs ✅ Smart #simplification for the Green Transition ✅ Empowering #consumers responsibly ✅ Statement on EP’s INL on #AI ▶️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne... @eesc.bsky.social #ThinkSmallFirst #SMEvision2040

SMEunited welcomes progress on #Omnibus1. A strong value chain cap, market acceptance of EFRAG #VSME and simple interoperable tools applying the #onceonly principle are essential to cut reporting burdens and give #SMEs legal clarity with a risk-based focus.

When #SMEs thrive, regions thrive. When entrepreneurs grow, Europe grows. A Europe that #ThinksSmallFirst is a Europe of shared, sustainable growth. That’s why signing the Charter matters - a commitment to inclusive, #SME driven progress. ➡️Sign the Charter: smevision2040.eu/charter @ec.europa.eu

26.1M #SMEs drive Europe’s economy #ThinkSmallFirst must be embedded from the start, not added later through exemptions. 📝 Read the op-ed by Petri Salminen and Veronique Willems: www.euractiv.com/opinion/thin... ➡️ Sign the Charter: smevision2040.eu/charter @euractiv.com #SMEvision2040

📣 SMEunited elects Davide Galli as new President (2026–2028) Davide Galli, mechanical engineer and #SME owner, succeeds @petrisalminen.bsky.social following today’s General Assembly. ▶️ Read more: www.smeunited.eu/news/smeunit... #ThinkSmallFirst

📣 Our weekly #SME recap: ✅ Quality Jobs Roadmap: putting #ThinkSmallFirst into action ✅ #DataAct: #SMEs need reliable opportunities ✅ Climate #resilience & adaptation as a business case for #SMEs ✅ US/EU labour productivity divergence ▶️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne... @digitalsme.eu @ec.europa.eu

“SMEs will only be able to invest in climate resilience if it becomes a business case", said @gerhardhuemer.bsky.social in discussion with Commissioner @wopkehoekstra.ec.europa.eu. SMEunited calls for: ✅ financial incentives ✅ access to data & tools ✅ national solutions tailored to SMEs

26.1M #SMEs across Europe wake up daily to build our economy. Policies must start from their reality - not make it adjust later. I signed the #ThinkSmallFirst Charter: a commitment to policies made with SMEs in mind from the start. ➡️ Sign the Charter: smevision2040.eu/charter #SMEvision2040

There is no Europe without its #SMEs. SMEs drive #innovation, ensure #resilience and sustain communities. The #ThinkSmallFirst Charter demands better policy by design. 👉 Sign the Charter: smevision2040.eu/charter @ec.europa.eu @europarl.europa.eu @consilium.europa.eu #SMEvision2040

2026 must be the year when Think Small First moves from a principle on paper to a real practice in policymaking. ➡️ Join the shift. Sign the Charter: smevision2040.eu/charter @ec.europa.eu @europarl.europa.eu @consilium.europa.eu @nielsflemming.konservative.dk #ThinkSmallFirst #SMEvision2040

📣 Our weekly #SME recap: ✅ #ConsumerAgenda 2030 – protect compliant businesses ✅ #GreenDeal – SME-friendly insights ✅ EU #VET Strategy – SMEunited priorities ✅ #AffordableHousing – #SMEs driving local solutions ✅ GLEAM NSR in Rotterdam ➡️ Enjoy the read: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne... @ec.europa.eu

"Delaying certain #AIAct provisions until standards & guidance are ready shows #SMEs must have clear, stable rules to comply" - President Salminen. SMEunited supports: ✔ single-entry point for cybersecurity reporting ✔ strong #DataAct implementation ✔ interoperable Digital Business Wallet More ⤵️

📣 Weekly #SME recap: ✅ EU Digital Package & #SMEs ✅ Future Surfaces 2025 ✅ Boost vocational education ✅ Replicate SME-friendly policies ✅ Civil & company law - real solutions ✅ Maximise #MFF impact ✅ Standards: powering #competitiveness ➡️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne... @sbs-sme.bsky.social

SMEs see the value of the reformed #MFF, but key improvements are needed. SME priorities include: ✅ SME involvement in programming ✅ Ringfenced funding & dedicated calls ✅ Access for all SME types ✅ Support services for better uptake ✅ Long-term financing for key initiatives

📣Our weekly #SME recap: ✅ #ThinkSmallFirst in action ✅ Single Market & SME Envoys ✅ #Preparedness & resilience ✅ #LatePayment: change needed ✅ Labour reforms & competitiveness ✅ Standardisation ROI ✅ #COP30: SME support ✅ #MeetingStandards: 17–21 Nov ▶️ More: bit.ly/3JW09V5 #MEDPOL #SMEAssembly2025

Closing #SMEAssembly2025 after workshops, exchanges with policymakers and a great gathering of SMEunited Members. It’s time for the EU to #ThinkSmallFirst for its SMEs. ➡️ Explore our key insights: www.smeunited.eu/news?label=n...

“Labour market & human-capital reforms are key for #EU #competitiveness”, said @gerhardhuemer.bsky.social at the Macroeconomic Dialogue. ✅ Boost participation & mobility ✅ Align skills with labour market needs ✅ Create incentives through fair #taxation

"After all these years, the Think Small First principle is still not a reality. Policy is still too based on one-size-fits-all, often designed for large companies, with either exemptions or adjustments added for smaller ones afterwards" - SG Willems at #SMEAssembly2025.

#SMEs are vital for resilient supply chains and crisis #preparedness, from natural disasters to hybrid attacks, and go hand in hand with #competitiveness - President @petrisalminen.bsky.social at #SMEAssembly2025. ▶️ More: www.smeunited.eu/news/towards...

💬 Making #ViDA work for all means putting #SMEs at the centre. At the Implementation Dialogue on ViDA with @wopkehoekstra.ec.europa.eu, SMEunited called for: ✅ Free e-invoicing tools ✅ Harmonised formats across borders ✅ Clear info in all #EU languages

💬 Long-term funding & SME involvement will be key in the next #MFF. At the SMEunited Economic & Finance Committee, members discussed: ✅ Stable SME project financing ✅ SME role in Competitiveness Fund ✅ Stronger consultations ➡️More: smeunited.eu/news/sme-pri...

🚀 “Think Small First” Charter launched! “A Europe that thinks small first is a Europe that grows stronger together”. President Salminen presented the Charter at the #TSS. 👉 Be part of this commitment - sign the Charter today smevision2040.eu/charter #ThinkSmallFirst #SMEvision2040

📣 Our #SME recap: ✅ #ThinkSmallFirst Charter launched ✅ SME employers = Europe’s prosperity ✅ #Simplification report ✅ Roadmap for Women’s Rights endorsement ✅ Public Employment Services & #SMEs ✅ SME priorities for next MFF ✅ SMEs turning risks into resilience ▶️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne...

Simpler, clearer & better-enforced rules are key for #SMEs #competitiveness & trust in the #SingleMarket. "2026 must be the year of delivery, when #simplification is finally felt on the ground by small businesses", President @petrisalminen.bsky.social ▶️ More: www.smeunited.eu/news/continu...

📢 Hear from SMEunited President @petrisalminen.bsky.social, ahead of the #TSS

“Stable and predictable regulatory environments”, Mr Salminen stressed “are the foundation for investment and confidence in Europe’s future”. SMEunited launched the #ThinkSmallFirst Charter to gather support for smart legislation implementable by SMEs: smevision2040.eu/charter

📢 The role of SME employers as creators of economic prosperity, quality jobs, and social cohesion must be fully and better recognised - President @petrisalminen.bsky.social at the #TSS. Time to rethink old mindsets & act together. #SMEs #SocialDialogue

“Wage increases have become the main driver of the remaining inflation”, said Gerhard Huemer at the Macroeconomic Dialogue. ✅ Income growth boosts SME recovery ⚠️ Wage pressures drive inflation ✅ Labour & education reforms needed for competitiveness

📣 Our latest results for the SME Business Climate Index and the EU Craft and SME Barometer are out! ➡️ More: smeunited.eu/news/smes-bu... 📈 Read the full EU Craft and SME Barometer here: www.smeunited.eu/admin/storag...

Are you interested in how SMEs in Europe are developing? On Thursday, 16th October at 10.00, I will present the results of the latest EU SME Barometer Autumn 2025 at an online event on behalf of @SMEunited. Joint us by registrating at: smeunited.eu/events/present…

On 7 Oct, DG GROW presented the SME Survey on #LatePayment: over 3,500 firms warned #EU institutions. ✅ 73% face late payment issues ✅ Lack of sanctions & enforcement ✅ Impact on investment & growth ✅ Unfairly long payment terms ✅ 63% call for a cap on terms

“The #VSME can make a real difference for SMEs by cutting admin burden”, said Sophia Zakari at the EFRAG outreach event. ✅ Less questionnaires ✅ Training & tools needed ✅ Market acceptance key ✅ Stable framework essential ➡️Read more: smeunited.eu/news/efrag-v...

📣Our #SME recap: ✅ Boosting #AI use among #SMEs ✅ 73% SMEs face #LatePayment ✅ #VSME Outreach: market support ✅ Sector & Digital policy priorities ✅ 70 steps for #SingleMarket Strategy ✅ Making #Omnibus VI & #28thRegime work for SMEs ❇️ #MeetingStandards 2025 ➡️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne...

Late payments are rising across the #EU: ✅Highest increase in 5 years ✅21/27 Member States see deterioration ✅Larger companies often pay late SMEunited urges the Council to act now - every day of delay pushes #SMEs closer to the edge. ➡️More: smeunited.eu/news/smes-ur... #Sejourné #COMPET

📣 Our #SME recap: ✅ EU Work Programme must reflect #SMEs ✅ SME-friendly #simplification in green rules ✅ Bigger ambition for the #SingleMarket ✅ EU Semester ✅ Tackle late payments ✅ Input on #SkillsPortability ✳️ #MeetingStandards 2025 ➡️ More: bit.ly/3WjiPAG #EuropeanSemester #LatePAyment

“SMEs must access meaningful support and a level playing field”, said @veroniquewillems.bsky.social on the #EUWorkProgramme2026. ✅ Proportionate approach for all companies ✅ Concrete & monitored SME support ✅ Inclusive 28 Regime ✅ Meaningful social dialogue

SMEunited publishes 70 actionable suggestions to make the #SingleMarket work for SMEs: ✅ Simplify rules & boost Member States' ownership ✅ Easier cross-border business & transfers ✅ Better recognition of professional qualifications ✅ Inclusive goods & raw material standards

The #DigitalEuro can transform #EU payments - but only if it works for merchants. We call for: ✅ 4 cent fee cap ✅ Offline wallet first ✅ In-store & e-com priority ✅ Open EU infrastructure ➡️More: www.smeunited.eu/news/make-th... #SingleMarket #Finance #Competition

📣 EU #Traineeship Directive: SMEunited urges MEPs to consider the impact on #SMEs "The proposal is counterproductive. By adding requirements, it goes against the #simplification SMEs require" - Secretary General @veroniquewillems.bsky.social ▶️ More: bit.ly/46w5Mkh @europarl.europa.eu

At the #PortoSocialForum, SMEunited stressed workplace policies that support #SMEs while promoting inclusive growth: ✅ Tailored SME solutions ✅ Flexible work & care support ✅ Gender equality & social partner involvement Focus on #EPSR implementation, not new targets. #SocialRights

“We must move beyond confrontation towards understanding that inspires action. Flexibility empowers #SMEs to adapt, innovate, and thrive”, said SMEunited President @petrisalminen.bsky.social. Tailored solutions, skills development, and inclusive policies are essential for social progress.

“Aligning deadlines & certifications isn’t lowering #cybersecurity - it’s about making it work for #SMEs, 99% of #EU companies”, said SMEunited President Salminen. ✅ Harmonised deadlines ✅ Mutual recognition ✅ Reusable documentation @petrisalminen.bsky.social @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social

Thank you to our members and the team for joining the #EUBack2Business reception! A memorable evening of dialogue, exchange and cooperation in Brussels! @petrisalminen.bsky.social @veroniquewillems.bsky.social @politico.eu @jesperbeinov.bsky.social @valeguerra.bsky.social

📣 Our #SME recap 🔹 Cybersecurity dialogue with EVP Virkkunen 🔹 #VET & Herning Declaration 🔹 Fair labour mobility made simple 🔹 #EUBack2Business shaping 🇪🇺’s future 🔹 Rural Pact Conference 🔹 Social Affairs exchange 🔹 EU–US productivity gap ➡️ More: mailchi.mp/smeunited/ne... #RuralVisionEU