In 2023, SMEunited has been actively working to represent the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. One key success was in occupational health and safety, where we successfully backed the European Commission’s proposed limit values for lead over those suggested by the European Parliament. We also secured a transition period to support SMEs in implementing these values.

Negotiations on telework and the right to disconnect were challenging, and while a final agreement wasn’t reached, we made significant efforts to communicate the difficulties SMEs face in meeting extensive union demands. We appreciate the dedication of our negotiating teams and the Social Affairs Committee in this process.

Negotiations on the Platform Work Directive in trilogues are presenting challenges, with the Spanish Presidency aiming for an agreement with the Parliament. We’re advocating to protect genuine self-employed individuals and seek your support as negotiations continue.

A potential revision of the occupational health and safety directive, focusing on substances like cobalt, is in discussion. We emphasize the need to lower limit values with appropriate transition measures and guidance and seek your support on this front.

Our collaboration with the Belgian Presidency is ongoing, focusing on their ambitious social agenda. We’re actively involved in high-level conferences and summits to ensure proposed ambitions align with practical implementation for entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, we’ll address key policy issues like traineeships and monitor proposals on European Works Councils. On migration, we’re engaging with the EU Talent Pool regulation, seeing it as a potential solution for SMEs facing labor shortages.

In summary, 2023 has seen SMEunited navigating European policymaking, advocating for SMEs, and ensuring decisions align with the practical realities faced by businesses.

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