SFA addresses the EU SME
Last week, SFA Director David Broderick and SFA Chair Geraldine Magnier represented you on the European stage. Geraldine had the honour of giving the keynote address at the annual EU SME Assembly in Copenhagen. This honour should not be underestimated and is a testament to the level of influence the SFA has, not just on a national level, but also on the European stage. This level of influence will become more and more important as the EU works towards the single market.
The event is the primary SME conference in the EU calendar and takes place in the Member State that holds the EU presidency in the latter half of the year. The event is attended by hundreds of entrepreneurs, politicians, and key EU policy makers. This was a unique opportunity for the SFA to communicates its message on the issues impacting small businesses in Ireland and across the EU.
In Geraldine’s address, she stated that if the EU is serious about improving competitiveness and the viability of SMEs, then it must develop a partnership approach to tackle current policy challenges. Furthermore, Geraldine stated that SMEs that they need a partnership with the EU that is practical, predictable, and purpose driven.
Crucially, Geraldine stated that the European Commission's simplification agenda must be fast tracked and cautioned against the noticeable fragmentation of the Single Market which limits opportunities for small businesses.
