Report from the "Think Small First" expert group - Considering SMEs' interests in policy-making

The "Think Small First" principle requires that legislation takes SMEs' interests into account at the very early stages of policy making. Various tools and techniques could lead to an effective implementation of the principle. These include the application of an SME test to forthcoming legislative proposals, the consultation of the SME stakeholders, the work of the SME Envoy, the use of specific SME provisions in legislation in view of avoiding disproportionate burden on SMEs etc.

In accordance with its mission to promote the sharing of knowledge and experience among the Member States, the Commission has formed an expert group from national administrations with a view to promoting the application of the "Think Small First" principle.

The group has now issued its report, which presents a number of good practices at national and EU level on how to "Think Small First" in order to implement the "Small Business Act" for Europe.