TTIP and SMEs

29.6.2016

Question for written answer E-005220-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georg Mayer (ENF)

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy in Austria and indeed Europe. Approximately 99% of all undertakings in Europe are SMEs, and they provide some 65 million people with jobs. TTIP is intended to cut red tape for SMEs in relation to both exports and imports. According to the Commission's website, this should create advantages for SMEs. However, some studies, for example by the IfM, on the potential impact of the TTIP free trade agreement on SMEs show that that they are more likely to be outcompeted by big businesses.

How does the Commission account for the fact that it simply ignores numerous citizens' initiatives from SMEs opposing TTIP?

How are SMEs to prevail against big businesses in securing contracts, from the point of view of pricing, marketing and financial resources?

Why are the criticisms not quoted on the Commission's website?