Meeting of SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Envoys

The Meeting of SME Envoys acts as a key link between the EU and the SME business community, representing their specific interests and needs in EU programmes and policies. The main aim of this role is to establish a close, direct connection between the European Commission, SMEs, and their representatives.

Thanks to the SME Envoy, SME interests can be identified earlier and highlighted to the relevant departments, helping ensure their concerns are taken into account. This supports the development of appropriate and effective measures, making both EU and national policies more SME-friendly. The SME Envoy pays particular attention to the craft sector, small businesses, and sole traders, recognising their unique needs.

Since 2014, the Network of SME Envoys reports annually to the Competitiveness Council (COMPET).

Each Member State nominates a national SME Envoy and the European Commission acts as chair and secretariat of the Network. European business representative bodies participate as observers to the Network.

The SME Envoy serves as a visible point of contact for small and medium-sized businesses and SME organisations in a broad sense, including business groups, sectoral federations, chambers of commerce, and chambers of crafts. This involves

• holding direct discussions with SME organisations through meetings and visits at EU, national, and regional levels

• keeping SMEs and their representatives informed about new legislative proposals and programmes that may affect or interest them

• acting as a contact point for complaints from SMEs and helping to respond with the support of other public services

• gathering feedback from SMEs on issues important to them, especially regarding legislation and access to support programmes

• helping SMEs find and access relevant information on programmes and initiatives