EU & BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Creating a business friendly environment for existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and potential entrepreneurs is one of the EU's main objectives. The European Commission is working together with the EU countries on developing SME-friendly policies, monitoring the progress in their implementation and sharing best practices.

WHAT DOES THE COMMISSION DO ABOUT IT?

The Small Business Act (SBA)

The Small Business Act (SBA) is an overarching framework for the EU policy on SMEs. It aims to improve the approach to entrepreneurship in Europe, simplify the regulatory and policy environment for SMEs, and remove the remaining barriers to their development. Learn more about the Small Business Act.

The SME Performance Review

The SME Performance Review is one of the main tools the Commission uses to monitor and assess countries' progress in implementing the Small Business Act (SBA). The review brings information on the performance of SMEs in EU countries and other partner countries. Learn more about the SME Performance Review.

The Green Action Plan for SMEs

The Green Action Plan (GAP) aims to help SMEs take advantage of opportunities offered by the transition to a green economy. It presents ways for SMEs to turn environmental challenges into business opportunities. Learn more about the Green Action Plan for SMEs.

Regional SME policies

Maintaining a broad base of SMEs is very important for economic development of a region, its wealth and sustainability. To help create a business friendly environment and boost SMEs' competitiveness on a regional level, the Commission provides analysis, shares best practices, programmes and policy initiatives. Learn more about the regional SME policies.

Taxation and SMEs

Most EU SMEs consider taxation matters to be the most burdensome policy area that affects them. The Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs carries out studies and projects in the field of SME taxation to find out how their tax situation could be improved.

Accounting and SMEs

The importance of internal and external accounting as a source of information for owners and managers of small enterprises and their stakeholders is steadily growing. It is of crucial importance that the accounting systems applied by small enterprises meet their needs, providing necessary information while avoiding unjustified administrative burden. The Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs carries out studies and projects on accounting legislation applicable to SMEs to find ways to improve the legislative environment.