Ensuring Sound Economic Recovery for SMEs

The aim of this event (webinar) organised by the European Enterprise Alliance will be to address the most significant obstacles and red tape that hamper economic recovery for the most vulnerable businesses. The purpose of this event is to facilitate an open debate with European stakeholders and representatives of governments, ensuring that any government-led support programme will address the actual needs of businesses and support their growth.

In the first part of this event, policy and regulatory experts and practitioners will present the current state of economic performance among small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe. They will provide an overview of administrative and regulatory burdens that hamper economic recovery for SMEs. Subjects of employment and tax regulations, administrative processes, and licensing, among others, will be discussed. Additionally, speakers will provide a European perspective by discussing barriers existing within the European Single Market area.

The second part of this event will be a Q&A session with the participants on the European legislation and policies proposals, including the Next Generation SME Strategy. This section would include advice on the effective use of the available funding and grants. The discussion will engage the stakeholders and participants to exchange good practices and advise policy-makers on the strategic importance of having clear rules and specific policies that reduce the burdens and reassure SMEs prosperity.

Speakers:

Mr. Kosma Złotowski, Member of the European Parliament, European Conservatives and Reformists Group, Poland

Ms. Milena Angelova, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Rapporteur on SMEs, Vice-President of SGI Europe and Secretary-General of Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA)

Ms. Mira-Maria Kontkanen, Head of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises (Suomen Yrittäjät) EU-office in Brussels, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee

Mr. Dražen Oreščanin, Executive Director, the Voice of Entrepreneurs, Croatia

Dr. Horst Heitz, Chair SME Connect Steering Committee; Executive Director SME Europe of the EPP

Mr. Damir Filipovic, Secretary-General, the European Enterprise Alliance

Moderation: Ms. Kamila Sotomska, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, Poland

This event is part of the SME WEEK, a pan-European campaign to support SMEs and promote entrepreneurship! Learn more here.