ACT small first
The European SME lobby
agenda for 2017
2
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
SMES MUST BE THE MEASURE OF ALL THINGS, ALSO IN EUROPE
3
NL NEXT LEVEL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
As regards the matter of what is needed at EU level, this
If we wish to ensure the growth of entrepreneurship and
lobby agenda indicates the priorities. Just as important is to
The European Union is an important market for Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs do most of their busi-
therefore our prosperity, more will be needed. More opportu-
exploit the resources, organisations and institutions available
ness with EU countries, with uniform European rules and the single market providing a tremendous boost. Effective European
nities can be created and capitalised on at EU level. But that
to us in order to ensure that the lobby is effective.
rules can offer SMEs support. But just like any other public authority, the European Union is capable of entangling us in bureau-
will require change and innovation, and those aspects will
cracy. That is something we have to avoid. This booklet contains a series of obstacles that SMEs may be confronted by. We are
be determined more than ever before by the speed at which
BASIS FOR SME POLICY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
calling on the European institutions
digitisation and globalisation are taking place.
SME policy in the European Union is based on the ten princi-
– Parliament, Council and Commission – to prioritise tackling these obstacles, with the support of the Dutch government and
ples of the Small Business Act (SBA).
politicians.
New rules are being introduced all the time and I shudder at the idea that we may still be issuing publications like this in 2025.
That is why we have - successfully - launched the SME Assessment in the Netherlands. SMEs must be the measure for new
THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF THE SBA
rules. The SME Assessment must determine whether a law can or cannot be applied to SMEs. In the Netherlands and in Europe, SMEs are dominant: 99 percent of businesses are SMEs, which is why I am arguing for an SME Assessment at EU level.
1. Create an environment in which entrepreneurs and family businesses can thrive and entrepreneurship is rewarded.
In 2008, the European Union introduced the Small Business Act: a framework to ensure that all EU policy is based on the
2. Ensure that honest entrepreneurs who have faced bankruptcy quickly get a second chance.
notion that it must be sustainable for SMEs. That was an important initial measure. But now, a subsequent measure is required.
3. Design rules according to the “Think Small First” principle.
We must progress from ‘Think small first’ to ‘Act small first’. That is also the aim of the REFIT Programme that has been set up
4. Make public administrations responsive to SMEs’ needs.
by the EU under the chairpersonship of EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans. An advisory and driver role has been assigned to
5. Adapt public policy tools to SME needs: facilitate SMEs’ participation in public procurement and better use
the REFIT Platform, of which I am a member and where I will put forward these proposals.
State Aid possibilities for SMEs.
6. Facilitate SMEs’ access to finance and develop a legal and business environment supportive to timely payments
The need for such is underlined by the fact that in the next twelve months we will see the start of a process that has never been
in commercial transactions.
followed within the EU: Brexit. For Dutch SMEs – that are very actively engaged in and with the UK – it is vital that no new ob-
7. Help SMEs to benefit more from the opportunities offered by the Single Market.
stacles result and that a level playing field is maintained. MKB-Nederland will be strongly arguing for this too in 2017.
8. Promote the upgrading of skills in SMEs and all forms of innovation.
9. Enable SMEs to turn environmental challenges into opportunities.
Michaël van Straalen
10. Encourage and support SMEs to benefit from the growth of markets.
President of MKB-Nederland (Dutch Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)
The SBA principles must be reflected in EU SME policy.
Less and better legislation is one of the priorities of the
In June 2016, MKB-Nederland, together with VNO-NCW (Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers) and
In concrete terms, that means implementing the fourteen
current Commission. That is partly the result of years of
LTO Nederland (Dutch Federation of Agricultural and Horticultural Organisations), launched the Nederland Next Level
priorities listed below. The corresponding lobby objectives of
lobbying by MKB-Nederland and the European umbrella
campaign (www.nl-nextlevel.nl). The three central employers’ organisations wish to use this campaign to bring about a
MKB-Nederland are also stated.
organisation UEAPME. A great deal has already been
new level of public prosperity. Prosperity is not achieved automatically, it is the result of entrepreneurship facilitated
by an enterprising society. Driven by ambition and the freedom and opportunities offered to entrepreneurs, our econo-
initiated in this area. In 2016, MKB-Nederland submitted
PRIORITIES
a list of proposals for REFIT.
my can grow.
1. Reducing administrative burdens (REFIT)
We are not talking just about the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs
be exploited sufficiently. In this 2017 SME lobby agenda for
are continually looking for new sales markets and suppliers.
the EU, MKB-Nederland indicates the measures that must be
called REFIT (Regulatory Fitness and Performance Pro-
Not only at home, but also across borders in the EU and
taken to further increase the opportunities for entrepreneur-
gramme) for ongoing dialogue with EU Member States
beyond. Smaller businesses are flexible and can quickly adapt
ship and the barriers that need to be removed.
and other parties about improving EU legislation. The
to new and changing markets. In the EU, in particular, many
The European Commission (EC) has set up a platform
Lobby objective 2017
• Identifying and reporting unbalanced administrative
burdens that can serve as input for the REFIT annual
programme for 2017.
• Ensuring that European Commission consultation
president of MKB-Nederland, Michaël van Straalen, is a
procedures regarding new legislative proposals are
rules are laid down and measures taken that determine the
An excellent and leading principle is ‘Think small first’:
member of this platform. The REFIT platform discusses
better tailored to SMEs.
business climate in the Netherlands and the access to other
adopt a rule only if it is workable for small businesses.
which disproportionately burdensome rules must be
European markets.
scrapped.
That is one of the three core objectives of EU SME policy,
• A sector-based approach is required.
There are many business opportunities in micro, small and
together with recognising entrepreneurship and encouraging
• The quality of legislation and the processes involved
medium-sized enterprises. But growth in prosperity and
the growth and competitiveness of SMEs.
employment can be achieved only if those opportunities can
can be strengthened by analysing and influencing the
consequences of the intended legislation at an early
stage.
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THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
CIVIL-LAW NOTARIES
The notarial profession is being involved in legislation
regulation must be stripped of those disproportional
workers will result in shortages of qualified staff in the
CIVIL-LAW NOTARIES
administrative burdens for SMEs.
Netherlands. Our lobby is focusing on a proactive EU
The European Commission regularly issues calls for
policy to attract workers also from outside the EU. Recent
proposals. In that context, European civil-law notaries
touching on the working areas of civil-law notaries,
Commission wishes to extend this directive to include
proposals by the European Commission for a review of
receive funding from the EU for major projects to pro-
such as inheritance law, matrimonial property law
more substances. This has consequences for both the
the Blue Card Directive should result in the maintenance
vide further training for the notarial profession in new
and company law. The European notarial profession
administrative burdens in connection with the regis-
of the Dutch knowledge migrant procedure.
European legislation. For instance, the Royal Dutch
is represented by the Council of the Notariats of
tration obligations, and for the level of the limit values
the European Union (CNUE). This organisation has
to be imposed for those substances because of the
Lobby objective 2017
preciated cross-border seminars and workshops for
working groups in all these areas which can contribute
related implementation costs. Our lobby is focusing
• Guaranteeing the free movement of workers.
civil-law notaries from the Netherlands, Belgium,
their expertise. Examples include the Regulation (EU)
on a level playing field in the EU with the most feasi-
• Maintaining the Dutch knowledge migrant procedure.
Germany, Poland and France.
on matters of succession, which took effect last year,
ble limit value.
• CMD (Carcinogens and Mutagens). The European
Association of Civil-Law Notaries organises much-ap-
5. Ensuring sufficient modern skills
and the Council Decisions (EU) covering both matters
of matrimonial property regimes and the property
5
consequences of registered partnerships, which will
take effect in early 2019. As various aspects of interna-
Lobby objective 2017
SMEs are likely to suffer a shortage of well-trained and
• Stripping REACH of disproportional administrative
competent workers. The development of new techno-
6. Cross-border entrepreneurship in the single market
• Entrepreneurs that perform work in other EU Member
logies and digitisation require a focused extension of
States are regularly having to deal with extra national
training programmes in order to ensure the skills and
financial and implementation burdens. These in-
competence needed. Education and training are mainly a
volve, for instance, daily reporting to local or regional
national responsibility of the EU Member States. But the
inspectorates or the obligatory payment of a premium
3. More ‘end provisions’ regarding working conditions
EU must encourage Member States to gear their national
(intended as a payment for a thirteenth month for pro-
Dutch legislation relating to working conditions can be
systems to the needs of the future. Consequently, a skills
ject employees) when executing construction projects
increasingly stricter anti-money laundering legislation
deregulated if the EU directives relating to health and
agenda should be introduced at EU level.
continues to be difficult for professionals, with all the
safety at work are deregulated. This is a possibility now
administrative burdens that this involves for compa-
that those directives have been evaluated on the instruc-
Lobby objective 2017
across borders, the possibilities for such must be
nies. In addition, the stricter rules are having hardly
tions of the European Commission. Our lobby is focusing
• Introducing an EU skills agenda that encourages Mem-
clarified at EU level by means of easily available infor-
any extra effect. As regards this point, the civil-law
on the introduction of ‘end provisions’ with the simulta-
ber States to gear their education and training systems
mation about sectors, funding regulations, investment
notaries have achieved less.
neous scrapping of ‘means provisions’.
to the needs of the future.
conditions, tax-related regulations, etc.
burdens.
tional private law have been harmonised as a result,
• Achieving a level playing field in the EU with the most
the settlement of an inheritance has become far easier
feasible limit value.
for European citizens.
However, more work is required. Implementing
LEISURE INDUSTRY
In the revised Package Travel Directive, more leisure
suppliers are covered by the term travel operators.
This is a point of concern. When an entrepreneur
offers accommodation and transport and has a link
Lobby objective 2017
• Restructuring EU health and safety legislation based
on ‘end provisions’.
• Scrapping stricter national provisions in European
legislation.
on the website to fun activities at a local outdoor
sports centre, this will be regarded from 2018 as an
in Belgium.
• To encourage SMEs to provide services and to trade
TRADE IN ANIMALS
As regards the transport of domestic animals, the legislation is inadequate in some
cases. For the transport of exceptional types of animals, health certificates have to be
issued. These are valid for a limited period. Furthermore, import and export licences
have to be arranged, with the destination country determining the appearance of the
4. Free movement on the European labour market
licence. A licence containing accurate information may therefore by rejected because
arrangement. Every small entrepreneur who does so
The free movement of workers is essential to bring labour
a logo or an open box has been treated in a non-standard manner. If this procedure
must then comply with strict legislation intended for
to those places where it is needed. The EU Labour Mobili-
takes too long, health certificates may expire, so that the animals may no longer be
large travel operators: the relatively strict requirement
ty Package must secure that aim.
transported.
of insolvency protection.
Furthermore, an ageing population and fewer young
Three types of texts can be used on veterinary certificates: binding, public and request texts.
Problems may occur with the request texts. Once adopted, these texts are valid for
2. No unnecessary burdens in the case of substances
legislation
three years. However, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority
TRADE IN ANIMALS
(NVWA) wants to endorse those texts (renewed approval) in each case, which results
When it comes to substances, two directives are particular-
The Animal Holders Decree (2015) contains provi-
in unnecessary costs.
ly important for SMEs:
sions relating to mandatory professional competence
for the sale of animals (dogs/cats, other mammals,
INFLUENZA
Restriction of Chemical substances). This European
fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians (terrarium
If influenza is discovered, trading must he halted for three months. If there are no new cases within those three
regulation concerning the production of and trade in
animals)). In the Netherlands, there are various rules
months, the trading ban is lifted. However, some importing countries demand longer periods.
chemical substances affects manufacturers/importers,
(e.g. welfare) that go further than in the rest of
Belgium deals with reports of new cases differently. As a result, it may be that Belgium does not report new cases or
distributors and users. The implementation of REACH
Europe.
reports them only at a much later stage. Consequently, the trade ban takes effect later in Belgium, or even not at all.
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and
involves huge administrative burdens for SMEs. The
6
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
• Digitisation is the perfect means for SMEs to internationalise their activities and to increase their accessibility. However, the cross-border offering and supply
of goods and services is complex due to the many
Lobby objective 2017
competition. In addition, such products may damage
• Implementing the proposals of the VAT Expert Group
consumer confidence.
relating to the harmonisation of VAT rules.
• Both businesses and consumers within the European
• Extending the Mini One Stop Shop to e-commerce
Protection Regulation included the appointment by all
with the introduction of a uniform threshold for in-
playing field within the EU. All products must be
businesses of a data protection officer. That would have
tra-EU e-commerce for smaller businesses.
placed on the market in accordance with European
resulted in unreasonable burdens for SMEs. As a result
legislation.
of the lobbying by UEAPME this obligation does not
with doing business in other countries deter many
SME entrepreneurs from working across borders.
Lobby objective 2017
• Creating an EU VAT web portal containing all up-todate information.
• Digitisation creates huge opportunities. At the same
• Maximising the European standardisation of the VAT
Gateway’ and the ‘European Services Card’) where
information about doing business across borders is
clearly presented.
therefore deterred from making the most of digital
manner of submitting the return (digitally) and the
possibilities. Random software, hijacking of data, vio-
time of submission.
lation of IP rights, stolen identities, etc. are practices
• Improving compliance with the single market rules by
the European Commission to prevent SME entrepre-
8. A digital single market that takes account of SMEs
that must be tackled at EU level with a coordinated
confidence is crucial for the development of online
approach between Member States.
sales channels. The digital single market is inseparable from the physical single market. The removal of
• A properly functioning digital single market is in the
interests of SMEs, because SMEs can then use ICT
applications and therefore contribute to innovation.
• Facilitating full digital accessibility of outlying areas in
apply to SMEs.
time, cyber crime is increasing and entrepreneurs are
return: the process for obtaining a VAT number, the
• Creating a web portal (the ‘European Single Digital
Lobby objective 2017
trade barriers on the physical single market results in
• Creating a digital single market that SMEs can use.
a boost to growth, which in turn results in more online
• Ensuring in the context of the new European ge-
activities.
neurship being hindered by unfair competition, e.g.
Europe is vital to ensure that SMEs do not leave such
oblocking rules that consumers from the entire EU
because the ingredients for French sausage may be
areas and the quality of life in outlying areas does
have access to a website. It is only logical that a sup-
sourced only from within France.
not deteriorate. European competition rules mean
plier must be able to sell. However, having to supply
• Harmonising the rules relating to consumer purchasing
that boosting high-speed Internet in outlying areas is
to all Member States must be prevented. This would
to remove trade barriers that are caused by different
obstructed. In areas where there is just one telecom
result in excessive costs and uncertainty. Obstacles
statutory guarantee periods within the EU.
provider (‘grey areas’), the government is not allowed
must be removed in competition rules to facilitate
NOTARIAL PROFESSION
high-speed Internet in outlying areas.
In the context of the digital single market, the
to facilitate the construction of digital infrastructure.
7. Easier implementation of the VAT rules
The Commission’s proposal for the General Data
Union attach a great deal of importance to a level
tection, labelling requirements, product requirements,
the administrative and financial burdens associated
• The level playing field within the European Union
• The detailing of the objectives of the Accessibility Act
European notarial profession is helping to link up
As regards tax-related matters, three objectives are
must be safeguarded. The European Union has a high
must be brought into line with the possibilities and the
registers, such as commercial registers, land registers
important:
level of consumer protection and high product quality:
feasibility.
and, particularly, registers of wills. As a consequence,
• For SMEs, differences in VAT rules in the EU is a
products have to meet strict requirements relating to
• A digital single market can only be successful if it is
it is now far easier, for instance, to check whether a
serious obstacle to benefiting from the single market.
safety, eco-friendliness and health. However, there
accompanied by a uniform enforcement of rules for
deceased person made a will in another Member
For instance, there is a lack of clear and uniform rules
are a growing number of products on the European
businesses that sell products within the EU, irrespec-
State. Go to www.ARERT.eu
regarding the evidence that an entrepreneur must
market that do not conform. These include products
tive of the origins of those businesses. Products that
Via the website of the Council of the Notariats of the
provide to apply the zero percent rate on deliveries
imported directly by consumers online from third
are sold directly to European consumers from within
European Union (www.cnue.be) and via the e-Justice
to an entrepreneur in another EU country. Our lobby
countries (sometimes without realising from which
third countries must meet the same strict European
portal, civil-law notaries have made a great deal of
is aimed at implementing the proposals of the VAT
country a product is being ordered). Many consumers
product and safety requirements as those that are ob-
information available (with the help of EU funding)
Expert Group set up by the European Commission.
are unaware of the risks. Businesses have misgiving
tained within the European market. After all, consumer
relating to inheritance law, matrimonial property law,
• On 1 January 2015, the Mini One Stop Shop was intro-
buying a house, etc.
because non-conforming products result in unfair
duced for providing electronic services, etc. to private
parties. Our lobby is aimed at extending this facility to
e-commerce. The introduction of the Mini One Stop
RECREATION AND TOURISM
Shop means that a VAT registration, submitting a re-
In the leisure and tourism industry, access to high-
turn and paying VAT in all countries where purchasers
speed Internet has also become a basic facility. In many
reside, has become superfluous. Those VAT issues can
cases, leisure companies cannot now meet the
now be dealt with by a one-stop shop in the country
demands of guests. In outlying areas in particular,
of registration. At the same time, a uniform threshold
where digital accessibility is problematic, the local
must be introduced for smaller businesses for intra-EU
economy (shopkeepers, cultural facilities, etc.),
e-commerce. Below that threshold, they can continue
depends on tourists. If tourists fail to visit these ‘grey’
to invoice the VAT rate of their own country.
areas because of limited digital possibilities, the quality
• SMEs need an EU VAT web portal with up-to-date
information about the VAT rules in all countries.
7
LOBBY SUCCESS
differences in national rules relating to consumer prowaste processing, etc. At present, this complexity and
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
of life in outlying areas may be threatened.
8
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
9
10.European rules for budgets must promote growth
ACCESSIBILITY ACT
The Stability and Growth Pact prescribes rules for na-
In December 2015, the European Commission put
tional budgets. Those rules make no distinction between
forward proposals for an Accessibility Act. The aim is
growth-promoting investments by the government and
to allow people with an impairment to easily access
redistributive spending. The result is that in times of
goods and services. E-commerce websites are
austerity, growth-promoting spending is the first to suffer,
included in the proposals. All e-commerce websites
e.g. investments in infrastructure or innovation.
must be easily accessible, as regards both reading
the texts and understanding the figures. The directive
is, however, unclear about the obligations for
Lobby objective 2017
• Making a distinction between redistributive and
entrepreneurs or about exceptions. The financial
revenue-based spending. This ensures that austerity
consequences for entrepreneurs may be
measures affect not only investments, and shortfalls as
considerable.
a result of higher expenditure are eliminated.
Improved financing for SMEs
The European Commission proposals for a capital market union can expand the capital market and therefore
contribute to greater possibilities for financing SMEs and
9. Exploiting opportunities in the circular economy
economic growth.
• At present, European businesses are very dependent
SME entrepreneurs are often insufficiently aware of the
significance of a circular economy for doing business. En-
on banks. As a result of the capital market union pro-
to create space on their balance sheet for SME credit
of people and to the bio-based economy. Europe sup-
trepreneurs are frequently faced with a limited consumer
posals, more funds from sources other than banks will
provision.
ports the development of sustainable and liveable cities
demand and an increase in investment costs. In order to
enter the capital market.
cope with those obstacles, targeted information must be
• When the EFSI European investment fund is expan-
in which green plays a major role. Supported by the EU
• Connecting the supply of and demand for capital for
Green Infrastructures programme, more green is being
made available to entrepreneurs by means of a web por-
ded, an SME facility must again be created, similar to
SMEs by means of a platform, which may supplement
introduced in the built environment. Horizon 2020 offers
tal information system to be created at European level.
the existing credit facility of EUR 100 million.
national initiatives.
possibilities for scientific research and the development
By encouraging close
• Simpler European rules for information about capital
cooperation between
sources (a prospectus) will make access to the capital
policymakers and
market less expensive for SMEs. Furthermore, a liquid
businesses with the
(marketable) capital market will reduce the cost of
aim of self-regulation,
financing for businesses, which will make investing
the costs associated
more attractive.
with the transition to a
market and sell them as an investment product, there
be minimised and the
will be more scope on the balance sheet for credit
advantages can be ex-
provision.
of showcases for nature solutions in cities, which are, for
• Holding consultations between European bank
instance, a response to climate change.
federations and business organisations to improve
the feedback relating to rejected credit applications.
• Sharing best practices when it comes to alternative
financing for SMEs.
• Private placements. The Commission will be encour-
• If banks can securitise their mortgages and loans and
circular economy can
ploited to the full. Any
Lobby objective
• Optimising opportunities for green SMEs to latch on
to these programme and to develop useful green in
aging good practices concerning the standardisation
cooperation with other stakeholders, in gardens, in
of private placements.
public spaces and in and on buildings.
11.More European support for green infrastructure and
nature solutions in cities
• Investing in European projects will become more
12.Consumer law: contract rules for online purchasing
• To ensure that digital trade in Europe is boosted,
Green is no longer a decoration, it contributes to the
the European Commission has submitted a proposal
quality of the living environment, biodiversity, the health
relating to contract rules for online purchasing. This
new measures must be
attractive for institutional investors. This has the
justified, proportio-
advantage that the capital available from insurers and
nal and in accordance
pension funds in particular can be used more produc-
proposal should offer solutions for legal fragmenta-
with the objectives for
tively than is now the case
tion when it comes to consumer contract law, and the
Lobby objective 2017
• The new European rules for the circular economy
must not result in prohibitive provisions, but rather
resulting high costs for businesses (particularly SMEs)
improved legislation.
• Encouraging venture capital and risk-bearing capital.
Lobby objective 2017
and the low confidence level of consumers in online
Increasing the possibilities for non-bank-based financing
purchasing in other countries.
in the EU by:
• Review of the prospectus directive. It must become
• MKB-Nederland is supporting the proposal, which
offers clear opportunities for SMEs, such as a harmo-
encourage innovation and new earnings models.
easier for businesses to draw up a prospectus (and
nised guarantee period of two years. However, it also
• Creating an EU web portal containing targeted infor-
have it approved), so that businesses can enter the
contains several problem areas, the most important of
capital market more readily.
which is the extension of the reversed burden of proof
mation for entrepreneurs about the practical significance and possibilities of the circular economy.
• New EU rules for securitisations must enable banks
(for the entrepreneur) to two years.
10
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
Lobby objective 2017
• The Dutch business community is a strong advocate of
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
Lobby objective 2017
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NETHERLANDS
• Viable businesses should be given help to avoid the
a harmonised guarantee period of two years.
unnecessary destruction of capital and the loss of jobs.
Entrepreneurship is flourishing in the Netherlands. In late 2015, 1,777,183 businesses were listed in the commercial
A European guarantee period of two years ensures
However, the directive must also take account of the
registers. That is almost 400,000 more than in 2010.
clarity for both consumers and retailers. In addition,
major differences in national legislation and the inter-
the harmonisation of rules relating to consumer
connectedness of insolvency with other legal areas
Entrepreneurship in the Netherlands consists for 99.9 percent of SMEs. More than 75 percent are one-person businesses.
purchasing is the most effective way of boosting
such as tax and employment law. Drastic intervention
Twenty-four percent of businesses in the Netherlands have 2 to 249 staff, and only 0.1 percent of businesses have more than
cross-border e-commerce.
increases the risk of undesirable effects resulting from
250 staff and can therefore be classified as a large company.
• The reversed burden of proof may be extended to no
more than one year, with an exception for plants and
the proposals.
• It must be clear that only bona fide entrepreneurs are
domestic animals for which the current period of six
given access to the restructuring possibilities or dis-
months must be maintained.
charge. The right conditions must be put in place for
• Consumers should be obliged to report a defect
11
that purpose. It must be possible to distinguish bona
within a certain period in order to retain the right to
fide entrepreneurs. Only if fraud is dealt with effective-
guarantee.
ly will it be possible to remove the stigma that stands
SMES ARE THE KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH
RESOURCES FOR AN EFFECTIVE LOBBY
At EU level, the central entrepreneurs’ and employers’
NUMBER OF BUSINESSES (X 1000)
organisation UEAPME (www.ueapme.com, the European
umbrella organisation for skilled trades and SMEs such as
in the way of a second chance.
The great majority of
MKB-Nederland) is actively lobbying for the interests of
small businesses are micro
entrepreneurs. In order to speak with a single voice, the
chance for bona fide entrepreneurs and an effective
proposed restructuring possibilities such as an extra-
businesses with less than
following will be necessary:
restructuring
judicial compulsory composition or a pre-pack, it must
10 staff and a turnover
• in cooperation and interaction between the central
• The European Commission aims to hold out pros-
be demonstrated that all creditors are likely to receive
and/or balance sheet of
organisations and their members, the conditions for SME
pects for the successful restructuring of businesses in
more of their outstanding claim than after a bankrupt-
EUR 2 million per year at
policy must be formulated and clearly communicated.
financial problems. It is doing so by, for instance, more
cy.
the most.
This will be the task of the committees and working
13.New EU insolvency directive. Focus on a second
accessible and effective early warning systems in the
• The proposals should state that, in the case of the
groups of UEAPME;
• Measures such as a compulsory composition or a sus-
case of payment problems, an extrajudicial com-
pension of payments, etc. can be taken only if there is
pulsory composition, a cooling off period, sufficient
a reasonable prospect of a successful restructuring.
• targeted input (specific examples and practices) must be
STAFF (X MILLION)
submitted to the committees and working groups, but
confidentiality rules, protection for new financing
also for the personal contacts between staff of
possibilities and rules that determine the actions of
MKB-Nederland with policymakers in Brussels and in
administrators when preparing a composition.
The Hague.
SMEs account for two-
• In addition, bona fide entrepreneurs should quickly be
thirds of all jobs in the EU.
given a second chance, because the facts demonstrate
What applies to UEAPME also applies to EuroCommerce
that they should be more successful the second time.
(www.eurocommerce.eu). EuroCommerce is the face of
Discharge is an important requirement in this respect.
retail at EU level and lobbies effectively, often together with
UEAPME.
The SME Envoy Network is also part of the lobby. This
network ensures that, in European legislation and policy
ADDED VALUE (X EUR BILLION)
proposals, there is enough focus on the consequences for
SMEs. It is a link between the European Commission and
national policymakers and issues information about national
and regional legislation and policy. The network also
SMEs account for more
exchanges best practices. In the Netherlands, the Ministry of
than half the added value
Economic Affairs is responsible for the network.
in the EU economy.
The Brussels office of MKB-Nederland coordinates the lobby
in Brussels, maintains contacts with UEAPME and
EuroCommerce and is the contact for members trying to
find their way in Brussels.
Source: European Commission.
12
THE EUROPEAN SME LOBBY AGENDA FOR 2017
“Our SMEs are having to deal with European rules on a daily
“I see many splendid businesses with innovative products
basis. As MKB-Nederland and affiliated sectors, it is our task
that are ready for the global market and are vital to a sustai-
to be the voice of SMEs in Brussels and to search together for
nable and circular economy. Unfortunately, outdated legisla-
links leading to solutions and possibilities. I think it’s fantastic
tion stands in the way of progress. If we all want to achieve a
to search for those links together with sector colleagues in
sustainable world in the long term, SMEs will have a crucial
the European Information Exchange Working Group and to
role to play. If we want to keep our economy on the move,
reinforce one another in the lobbying process. This lobby
the rest of the Netherlands will have keep pace by contribu-
agenda is the result of what we all find important, and of
ting constructively and participating. If we in the Netherlands
the opportunities we see. We wish to use this agenda to put
wish to remain at the forefront of innovation, facilitating
SMEs on the map in Europe.
measures will be needed. FEWER, BETTER and MORE
Egbert Roozen, chair of the European Information
PROGRESSIVE laws and rules!!”
Exchange Working Group and director of the VHG sector
Trudie Timmerman, president of MKB Friesland, owner of
association
LED Factory BV
“SME retailers contribute much to the quality of life in residential areas. They provide significant added value. Their
desire for a level playing field between the various types of
suppliers (online, offline and multichannel) must therefore
be respected. To serve customers effectively and to avoid
running hidden risks, consumer rights in the Member States
should be unambiguous. Retailers are keen to contribute to
sustainability. Making them increasingly responsible for the
origins and contents of all articles is going too far. Improving
administrative burdens, access to financing and European
funds continue to be focus areas that need to be addressed!”
Patricia Hoogstraaten, director of the Vakcentrum sector
association
PUBLISHER’S INFORMATION
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by Koninklijke Vereniging
MKB-Nederland, March 2017
Contact:
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