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Thorsten Gerber, CEO of the Gerber Group, has once again voiced strong support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU during a session at the European Parliament on Wednesday. Gerber highlighted the challenges faced by the metalworking industry due to the influence of the European steel lobby, EUROFER, and urged immediate measures to counteract its detrimental effects on SMEs' competitiveness.
An increasing number of EU parliamentarians are beginning to acknowledge the concerns of SMEs, particularly their struggles with excessive bureaucracy, soaring costs, and stringent market protection measures. These factors have undermined the competitiveness of many SMEs, often leaving them unable to thrive in an increasingly challenging market environment.
Gerber emphasized: “It is unacceptable that the economic foundation of the EU, represented by millions of small and medium-sized enterprises, is being sacrificed for the benefit of a few large multinational corporations. This undermines the principle of a fair and level playing field and must stop immediately.”
The Gerber Group is set to advocate once again for the interests of SMEs and their competitiveness in the European Parliament on Thursday.
Adding to the challenges, former US President Donald Trump has threatened the EU with new tariffs, citing a significant trade deficit between the two economic powers. These tariffs, potentially set to take effect on February 1, aim to address the perceived imbalance in trade.
The EU’s reaction to the tariff threat has been met with criticism. Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, stated: “If there is a need to defend our economic interests, we will respond in a proportionate way.” However, his statement, made during an interview with CNBC, was criticized as lacking a constructive approach.
Observers have pointed out that the European Commission's reliance on retaliatory threats fails to address the core issues. Instead of fostering dialogue and seeking competitive, pragmatic solutions, the EU appears to be perpetuating a cycle of confrontation that risks further harming SMEs.
As the debate unfolds, the call for a more balanced and SME-friendly approach within the EU becomes increasingly urgent. Both internal policies and international trade strategies must prioritize fostering growth and resilience for the millions of small businesses that form the backbone of the European economy.