Boosting the competitiveness of SMEs through the Structural and Investment Funds

SMEs play an important role in the EU economy as they account for 99% of all businesses and provide about two thirds of employment. In the 2014-2020 period, funding from the European Structural and Investment Funds focuses on 11 thematic objectives, with one of them dedicated to strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs.

The own-initiative report adopted in April 2016 by the Committee on Regional Development (rapporteur: Rosa D’Amato, EFDD, Italy) on the implementation of the thematic objective 'enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs' was scheduled for plenary debate in September 2016.

It called for increased involvement of local and regional authorities along with other stakeholders, in line with the principle of partnership. It highlights the importance of increasing absorption of ESIF among SMEs, reducing administrative burdens and easing access to finance. It encourages focusing on projects with 'sustainable growth and quality job creation potential', including in the area of resource efficiency and internationalisation. It also encourages synergy of ESIF with other funding sources, such as financial instruments, which are to be used with transparency.

Author: Agnieszka Widuto

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