Strengthening the internal market - easing the burden on SMEs

"The new internal market strategy points in the right direction in many areas, but there is a lack of focus on the many often small businesses in the skilled crafts sector. It is true that Member States must consider the impact on the internal market when enacting laws. The definition for larger medium-sized enterprises, so-called mid-caps, which was presented at the same time, is also to be welcomed. Overall, however, there was a failure to focus on the many small craft businesses and SMEs. With around 25 million businesses and enterprises, they make a decisive contribution to economic and social stability in Europe. SMEs are the backbone of the internal market. 

Many of these enterprises have already reached their limits. Therefore, new regulations must not overburden functioning structures. Proven national systems such as vocational training or quality assurance must not be weakened by European harmonisation. 

The planned strengthening of harmonised standards can bring benefits. It increases legal certainty, access to new technologies and competitiveness. However, standards must not be politically driven, but must continue to be developed by industry in order to reflect the recognised state of the art. The digitalisation of processes can increase efficiency. The proposed eDeclaration is therefore in principle positive, as it could simplify and speed up the posting of workers.  

The single market will only become stronger if it actually helps to simplify the day-to-day work of craft businesses. This is why the skilled crafts sector is calling for all new initiatives at EU level to be carefully scrutinised to determine whether they really strengthen businesses or put them under further pressure. The aim of all measures must be to ease the burden on businesses, but never to overburden them. This is the only way to ensure that the internal market remains economically viable and can be realistically used by businesses of all sizes."