SME access to finance issues surged during the pandemic but stabilised thereafter, highlighting persistent structural challenges. The share of SMEs reporting access to finance as a significant problem has remained relatively steady at around 25% in recent years, underscoring the ongoing need for targeted policy measures to address structural barriers in SME financing. The Draghi report also underlined the importance of competitiveness to deliver on the social promise to citizens, as well as in terms of economic security and strategic autonomy.

That’s why we have been working with partners across the EU to make sure that European businesses have the support they need to remain competitive and pursue their growth ambitions, while also contributing to strengthening financing ecosystems at both local and European level more broadly.