The impact of COVID-19 on SMEs

6.4.2020

Question for written answer  E-002122/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE)

The Commission has recently proposed the creation of a new instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE), with the aim of safeguarding jobs and workers across the EU that are currently affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This is a vital short-term measure to contain unemployment, but it does not address the real problem that SMEs are currently facing, namely their own viability. SMEs are crucial for economic growth and social development and constitute the backbone of Member States’ national economies.

• 1.Can the Commission clearly outline the projected implications of coronavirus on the long-term viability of SMEs?
• 2.Will the Commission consider a significant enhancement of measures and economic instruments to support SMEs so that they can survive and adapt in the post-coronavirus era?