Kristian Vigenin in Brussels: Consistent support for small and medium-sized enterprises is needed

„Consistent support for small and medium-sized enterprises is needed. In Bulgaria they are the backbone of the economy, providing more than 75% of employment and creating 65% of the added value in the country. Despite their important role, these enterprises face many challenges such as regulatory burdens, inflation and rising operating costs.“ With this message the head of the Delegation of the Socialists and Democrats in the EP Kristian Vigenin continues to demonstrate his commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises. He welcomed in Brussels the participants in an event for small and medium-sized enterprises from the retail trade sector, organised by SME Connect, a broad network of organisations aiming to increase the influence and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Kristian Vigenin became a member of the board of SME Connect, undertaking to continue working to create a favourable environment for the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The working group on agriculture, food and consumers

The head of the Delegation of the Socialists and Democrats in the EP also took the lead of the organisation’s working group on Agriculture, Food and Consumers. It aims to support farmers and agri-food businesses in creating a competitive and environmentally sound future for Europe. The group’s work is in step with the new Common Agricultural Policy and the Farm to Fork strategy, defending farmers and agri-food enterprises and raising quality standards across the EU.

As a member of the European Parliament and through his new role at SME Connect, Kristian Vigenin is committed to ensuring that the voice of small and medium-sized enterprises and their associations is heard in the EU legislative process. He stressed the need for policymakers to recognise the specific needs of SMEs and to guarantee that EU policies work in their favour and not against them.

The head of the Delegation of the Socialists and Democrats in the EP expressed his support for the new EU initiatives on sustainability and competitiveness, noting that environmental regulations must not cause restrictive damage to small and medium-sized enterprises.