SME Europe Board Meeting, 23 April 2025
On 23 April 2025, SME Europe held a Board Meeting chaired by President Jörgen Warborn in a hybrid format with members attending in Brussels and online. The meeting focused on final preparations for the upcoming EPP Congress in Valencia, including the event structure, outreach, and communication strategy.
Members approved the final format of the SME Europe Economic Leadership Forum, which will feature three thematic panels and a European Commission keynote, with “panel hosts” replacing moderators to encourage a more open discussion format. Attention was given to ensuring that current global trade tensions and their impact on SMEs would be reflected in the debates. To improve visibility, the Board agreed to intensify outreach through targeted email invitations, while the Congress stand will focus on presenting SME Europe’s strategic paper, short video interviews, and real-time social media engagement.
The Board then discussed the draft Strategic Paper, which aims to strengthen SME Europe’s position as a key policy hub within the EPP. President Jörgen Warborn and Secretary General Horst Heitz underlined the need for greater coordination with national business organisations, the SME Circle, and the Committee of the Regions. The paper proposes the creation of an Entrepreneurs’ Advisory Board, hybrid working groups, and an expanded network of SME Europe Senators.
Members also endorsed the idea of a biennial “Davos for SMEs” event to raise SME Europe’s international profile, alongside ambitious visibility goals through podcasts and multilingual digital content. Discussion also addressed the establishment of an “Early Opportunities” platform to identify competitiveness openings across Europe and a clearer engagement process with future EU Presidencies.
In the second part of the meeting, the Board reviewed options for a reformed membership fee system. The Board concluded by endorsing the 2024 activities report and confirming that the updated Strategic Paper and membership model would return for adoption at the next meeting in Valencia.
