SMEs post-Brexit and price rises
27.9.2022
Question for written answer E-003189/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Angelo Ciocca (ID)
The Scimex Group, a long-time European leader in the field of active materials for optoelectronic systems for space and telemetry, is just one of many manufacturers to date facing the possibility of having to wind up their business.
This is due to the fact that, with the cost of iridium having shot up from EUR 20 to EUR 180 per gram, replacing worn-out tools that are however essential to production has become impossible. Furthermore, delivery of materials now takes much longer after Brexit and VAT is levied twice, on entry to and exit from the United Kingdom. And then, of course, there are the costs linked to the recent energy crisis.
This is yet one more SME being forced into closure because its turnover has fallen following a drop in production dictated by external factors. In addition, banks and credit schemes are finding it difficult to access financing to support current rates.
In light of this:
- 1.How will the Commission help the many businesses that have been hit not just by price rises but also by the unfavourable post-Brexit conditions?
- 2.Is it planning, through the circular economy, to recover rare earths through recycling of technological waste in Europe and Italy?