During the SME2B Business Forum Europe 2026 in Brussels, European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME launched a new Agenda for Growth to strengthen SMEs and respond to the slowdown affecting Europe’s manufacturing sector. The forum brought together representatives from European institutions, businesses and member associations, including Confapi and BVMW, to discuss the main challenges facing smaller companies.
The agenda called for a more connected Single Market, fewer administrative burdens and better access to finance and skilled workers. It also highlighted the need for policies that give ambitious SMEs more room to invest, expand and grow into strong Mid-Cap companies.
The discussion also covered high energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, AI and EU rules affecting manufacturers. Particular attention was given to the Packaging Regulation, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Industrial Accelerator Act, with European Entrepreneurs calling for simpler rules that protect the environment without weakening the competitiveness of European SMEs.
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