Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002124/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kosma Złotowski (ECR)
Micro-enterprises, which make up over 90 % of all businesses in the EU, play a key role in creating jobs, supporting local economies and preserving traditional crafts and services. In many regions – particularly rural, mountainous and remote regions – they are at the heart of local economic activity, employing not only their owners, but often entire families and communities.
However, micro-enterprises, especially those in traditional sectors such as skilled crafts, vehicle mechanics, local trade and small-scale production, face significant barriers in accessing EU funds, including the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and national programmes co-financed with the EU. Issues include complicated application processes, high entry thresholds, the cost of project documents and a lack of systemic advisory support.
- 1.What steps will the Commission take to simplify processes and criteria for micro-enterprises to access EU funds, especially in traditional sectors of the economy that do not directly relate to innovation, digitalisation and the green transition, but are still hugely important at social and local level?
- 2.Is the Commission considering introducing special financial support instruments and simplified funding routes aimed exclusively at micro-enterprises that have limited access to advisory services and professional companies supporting the application process?
- 3.What monitoring and analysis mechanisms are used to assess whether support from EU funds is also fairly reaching micro-enterprises?
Submitted: 27.5.2025