Listening to SMEs

The opinions of SMEs are important when developing new EU legislation or programmes that have a direct impact on their operations. This is why the Commission, through the Enterprise Europe Network, operates two mechanisms to test the impact of EU legislation and programmes.

In advance via SME panels

SME Panels are organised to consult SMEs about forthcoming EU legislation and policies. The Enterprise Europe Network partners will select suitable SME participants, run the SME panels and provide the Commission with the results. The result will be used when preparing new legislative or policy proposals. SME panels will be operated in liaison with the SME Envoy to ensure that the needs of SMEs are continuously taken into account in EU lawmaking.

Retrospectively via the SME feedback mechanism

The SME feedback mechanism allows the Enterprise Europe Network partners to collect the views and feedback from SMEs on a broad range of EU policy initiatives, actions, legislation or programmes related to the internal market.

Typical policy areas where feedback will be requested include the environment, sustainability, employment and social affairs, innovation support, taxation and customs and, in more general terms, better regulation and simplification.

Please visit the Enterprise Europe Network website, get in contact with your local partner, and give your opinion on existing and upcoming legislation and programmes.

For more information on how the European Commission consults SMEs, please also visit our pages on SME consultation and the SME Envoy.