Empowering SME Success:
Driving Growth through a Strengthened
EU Single Market
Despite the advantages offered by the Single Market, many SMEs face significant challenges, such as regulatory complexity, access to funding, and market fragmentation, which can limit their ability to scale and compete effectively. This discussion will explore actionable strategies to reduce barriers, harmonize regulations, and unlock cross-border opportunities for SMEs. We will also introduce some insights gathered through a recent survey, offering fresh perspectives on the current experiences, challenges, and expectations of SMEs operating within the EU Single Market. The survey findings will be further reflected upon in light of key insights from both the Letta and Draghi reports, which provide important considerations for strengthening the Single Market to support SMEs more effectively.
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WELCOME & MODERATION
Horst HeitzChair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect
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Opening & Conclusion
Lukas Mandl MEPDEVE, JURI Committees, Board Member of SME Connect
Maria Grapini MEPVice-Chair IMCO; Board Member of SME Connect
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KEYNOTE
Amaryllis VerhoevenActing Director, Tourism, Textiles, Digital Transformation of Industry and Social Economy, at European Commission, DG GROW
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Presentation
Eva Rytter SunesenPartner and co-founder of Implement Economics
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Statements by the partners of the study
Alien MulykPublic Affairs Manager Europe & International at bevh – der E-Commerce Verband
Antje GersteinManaging Director at the German Retail Federation (HDE)
Karolina OpielewiczMember of the Board at the Polish National Chamber of CommercePeter DohrSenior Expert for Single Market at Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Elisa VitellaHead of Office at CNA Brussels, CNA – Italian Confederation of Craft and SMEs
Simone SkovshovedHead of Policy at Danish Entrepreneurs