European Competitiveness Fund: will it deliver for SMEs?
The European Competitiveness Fund is set to become the EU's principal investment vehicle to boost Europe's innovation, resilience, and global competitiveness for the years ahead. Yet as negotiations progress, a critical question remains: will the European Competitiveness Fund truly deliver for the small and medium-sized enterprises that represent 99.8% of Europe's businesses?
Eurochambres and SMEunited are joining forces to host a high-level exchange, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the business community. The "European Competitiveness Fund: will it deliver for SMEs?" discussion will focus on the state of play of the legislative negotiations and, crucially, on what the European Competitiveness Fund means in practice for Europe's SMEs.
The European Competitiveness Fund, a centrepiece of the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, carries significant promise for SMEs, from streamlined access to funding and dedicated business advisory services to the future EU for Business Network. At the same time, key questions remain open: will the new single rulebook genuinely translate into simpler access for SMEs, or will administrative complexity simply be reshuffled rather than reduced? Will the Fund support Europe’s industrial fabric and remain flexible enough to support the full diversity of SME-driven innovation? And will the Fund's implementation ensure that SMEs across all EU regions can meaningfully participate and benefit? This event is an opportunity for the business community to engage directly with policymakers shaping the European Competitiveness Fund and to ensure that SME interests remain at the heart of Europe's competitiveness agenda.
Secure your seat by registering here by 27 May
📍 Brussels | AT60 – the House of Austrian Economy – Avenue de Cortenbergh 60, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
🗓️ 2 June 2026 | 12:30 – 14:00
AGENDA
12:30 – 13:30 | Registration and networking lunch
13:30 – 13:40 | Opening remarks
13:40 – 14:30 | Panel discussion
- Christian EHLER, Member of the European Parliament and co-rapporteur for the European Competitiveness Fund
- Maive RUTE, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission (tbc)
- Ben BUTTERS, Eurochambres CEO
- Véronique WILLEMS, Secretary General of SMEunited
14:30 – 14:50 | Q&A session
14:50 – 15:00 | Closing remarks
