Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a very important economic reality in the EU and therefore are the focal point in shaping company policy in the European Union.

SMEs are around 22 million in Europe and employ 35 million people. The EU considers SMEs to be the key to ensuring economic growth, innovation, job creation and social integration in the EU.
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SMEs are considered to be companies with fewer than 250 people employed; it is a large category and includes companies with different ownership structures and varying numbers of employees and levels of economic activity.

Given the economic importance of SMEs, the EU provides several instruments, an executive Agency (EASME) and priorities in many fields.
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Enterprise Europe Network

EU microfinance support

EISMEA: EU Agency

Expanding outside the EU

Access to finance for SMEs

SME Associations