In its feedback to the roadmap on the long-term vision for rural areas, SMEunited asks for a truly holistic and inclusive approach to rural development. In practice, like urban development, rural development policy should be based on a territorial approach and not on a pure sectored vision. It must provide the right tools for all players in rural areas, as agricultural and non-agricultural.
SMEs, craft and micro enterprises ensure social cohesion in rural areas and contribute to economic stability with creating and maintaining jobs. Rural areas need a supportive ecosystem for all enterprises.
SMEunited highlights that while the major challenges, such as demographic change, limited accessibility, lack of access to public services, training etc., are well known, the characteristics differ considerably from one rural region to another. Hence, to adequately respond to the specific needs, measures must be designed in real partnership with local and regional stakeholders. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions.
To unlock the potential of rural areas, we are calling for a long-term strategy that mobilises and integrates all key actors, ensures access to public and private services and infrastructure and guarantees a better and more sustainable management of natural resources.
Response to the Roadmap on the Long term vision for rural areas
Response to the Roadmap on the Long term vision for rural areas
Smart legislation and less red tape: A must for SME competitiveness
Brussels, 06/06/2025 – “Entrepreneurs tell us the same thing every day: they feel overwhelmed, unheard, and overlooked”, said SMEunited President Petri Salminen, opening today’s SMEunited General Assembly. “SMEs welcome the Commission’s pledge to cut red tape — but now it’s time to turn promises into action”.
Putting SMEs at the centre of a just and effective ETS2 implementation
“The decarbonisation of road transport and buildings must be fair and effective - SMEs are not just participants, but essential enablers of this transition”, stated Andreas Brieger, Director Climate, Energy and Environment at SMEunited, at the Implementation Dialogue with Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on Road Transport and Buildings Decarbonisation. If we want a Green Deal that works for people and businesses alike, SMEs need to be empowered, not sidelined.
Boosting SMEs’ resilience and competitiveness in energy-intensive industries and beyond
“SMEs will make or break the EU’s decarbonisation targets. They represent 87% of businesses in energy-intensive sectors and are responsible for over 60% of enterprise CO2 emissions”, said Andreas Brieger, Director for Climate, Energy and Environment Policy at SMEunited, during the Renew Europe Stakeholder Roundtable on Energy-Intensive Industries.