Europharm’s proposal for enhancing SMEs’ competitiveness and viability

Europharm SMC supports and defends the interests of its members, in achieving a legal and political framework compatible with the interest of SMEs in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Europharm aims at working towards improving economic frame conditions specifically oriented to company size and less to pharmaceutical fields of activity (e.g. general matters of taxation, co-operation with companies and institutions representing the interests of mid-sized businesses).

Key challenges that SMEs face in all phases of their lifecycle with regards to funding, cost of regulation and reduction of regulatory burden, identified in SMEs stakeholders’ consultations have been addressed through actions planned at EU level. The measures aim to promote innovation, unlock potential investments and help small and medium-sized enterprises to grow.

However, under the current circumstances and particularly due to the economic consequences of the pandemic, SMEs are the most vulnerable companies, and therefore, further active measures need to take place to support SMEs with financial and regulatory measures to ensure economic survival and support of SMEs in all stages of medicines' development, and in the manufacturing and distribution activities.

This position paper presents Europharm’s proposal for enhancing SMEs’ competitiveness and viability.