SMEs Meet Politics: Election Aftermath –
Analyzing the Landscape, Exploring Future Directions, and Addressing SME Expectations

On Wednesday, 20 November, SME Connect organised a roundtable event titled “SMEs Meet Politics: Election Aftermath – Analyzing the Landscape, Exploring Future Directions, and Addressing SME Expectations” in the European Parliament in Brussels.

The event was hosted by KOSMA ZŁOTOWSKI MEP and convened a diverse group of participants, including representatives of OPCs and self-employed professionals, to discuss the pressing challenges they face. This gathering served as a continuation of the SME Connect interview series, where self-employed individuals and OPC representatives had previously presented their concerns to European Parliament candidates.

The discussion began with a focus on the regulatory and bureaucratic obstacles that impede the operations of self-employed individuals, OPCs, and SMEs across Europe. Participants highlighted how complex administrative requirements and fragmented regulations create significant barriers to cross-border business activities and innovation, thereby limiting the potential of Europe’s entrepreneurial community.

Emphasizing the need for streamlined regulatory frameworks, attendees pointed out that excessive bureaucracy hampers both new and established businesses, making it challenging to initiate or expand ventures. This issue is particularly acute for service-oriented professionals, who often find themselves without access to tailored programs and funding opportunities that are more readily available to product-based businesses.

Another critical topic was the need for improved access to capital and resources. Attendees underscored the importance of developing funding mechanisms and support structures that are inclusive and designed to meet the diverse needs of small-scale businesses and independent professionals. They also called for more coordinated efforts at the EU level to address these challenges, noting that fragmented national approaches often lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

The value of entrepreneurial networks and collaborative ecosystems was a recurring theme. Participants advocated for more accessible pathways to self-employment, suggesting that such initiatives could empower aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on new ventures with reduced risk, thereby fostering a more dynamic and resilient economy.

This event provided a platform for self-employed professionals, OPCs, and SME representatives to voice their concerns, share experiences, and propose actionable solutions aimed at creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship in Europe. The delegation was lead by Jasmin Leheta, Chair of the SME Connect Working Group on Entrepreneurship, One-Person Companies and Self-Employment; OPC-Entrepreneur, Owner of “Jasmin Leheta Styling”.