"SMEs in all our regions are the backbone of our communities and the backbone of our regional economy. They are responsible for many jobs, they are engaged in networks of education, training and innovation. They are our allies in digitalisation and to ensure a more sustainable future." Eddy van Hijum Commissioner from the Province of Overijssel made these remarks ahead of the European Committee of the Regions Plenary during which session his opinion on the SME Strategy will be presented and voted.
The rapporteur said that SMEs have been hardly-hit by the covid-19 crisis especially in segments like tourism, retail and manufacturing. He emphasised that Europe cannot recover unless SMEs recover. "Our SME strategy opinion is a call for action when it comes to supporting our SMEs to really think small first and deliver to this promise and also to act regional first."
Proposals made in the opinion include:
1) More equity support;
2) Regional Hubs enabling green and digital transitions;
3) SME-friendly tendering for investment in regions;
4) Get tough on unfair competition from outside the EU and enable a level playing field in trade agreements
Van Hijum remarked that one cannot overlook the role of cities and regions when it comes to made to measure support to help SMEs insisting on the key role of regions and cities in Europe's recovery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rr8_q7DK6Y