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SME Envoy

Policy-making at any level of government is most effective when those affected by the policies are consulted in advance. SMEs have traditionally found it difficult to get their views across to policy-makers, and at EU level there are additional challenges for them doing so. To reverse this historic weakness, the European Commission has opened up specific channels to canvass SMEs views, integrating them into its policy development process.

For SMEs - often the largest group of enterprises to be affected by new policy - there are clear difficulties in putting their views across to policy-makers. First, both individually and collectively, SMEs do not have the resources which large firms dedicate to influencing policy-making, or lobbying. Second, it is very difficult for a large number of SMEs to decide on and put forward a common viewpoint on a proposal, so their input may carry less weight with policy-makers than it deserves. Third, since the earlier the input in the policy-making process, the more effective it is, SMEs are at a particular disadvantage in comparison to larger firms which can act more quickly.

In recognising these problems, the Commission has appointed an SME Envoy: its role is to open up channels of communication between the Commission and SMEs, and their representative organisations. Information should flow in both directions, making it quicker and easier for the Commission to provide information to SMEs as well as to seek their views. Through regular, often informal, consultations, both SME stakeholders and the Commission will grow to understand each other's position better. Furthermore, the SME Envoy acts as the promoter of SMEs' interests throughout the whole Commission, ensuring in particular that the 'Think small first' principle is being applied effectively.

The Commission is also encouraging Member States and regions to adopt similar measures, ensuring greater representation of SME interests at all levels of policy-making. To this end, it has sought to identify and share examples of effective SME consultation and involvement in policy-making.