PIMEC calls for the approval and application of the European Regulation against late payments at the immediate start of the new European legislature

Minister Albares emphasizes that the result of the European elections will directly affect Catalan companies, many of which export, and the unity of the internal market which consolidates our growth Councilor Serret considers that the challenge of the elections is to “guarantee a Europe capable of responding and becoming stronger, contributing to the green transition and boosting international relations”, among other issues Barcelona, ​​May 24, 2024. On the occasion of the elections to the European Parliament, PIMEC has once again called for the approval and application of the European regulation against late payments at the start of the new European legislature; and wishes that its amendments for improvement in areas such as means of payment can prosper. In an event under the title “PIMEC proposals for the European mandate 2024-2029”, the president of the employers’ association, Antoni Cañete, highlighted the achievements in the European sphere through business activism: “the package of measures for SMEs within the SME Relief Package, the recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the EU that has favoured our entry into the Spanish Economic and Social Council, and today the Council of the European Union is debating whether the Regulation on late payments becomes a directive to prevent more company closures, which harms their viability”. Likewise, Cañete has asked the consular body present in the event to help to convey to their governments the importance of the regulation against late payments, since “SMEs are the driving force of Catalonia, Spain and the European Union”. In addition – after emphasizing that PIMEC is the only economic and social agent with its own structure in Brussels – he referred to the political representatives: “Promote that legislation to be made thinking small first to make our economy bigger for the benefit of social progress”. In his speech, José Manuel Albares, the spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, emphasized that “the Europe that is coming is the Europe that we will decide with our vote on June 9” and considers that “European values ​​are at stake, since we are putting in risk whether we want to continue on the path of union and progress or if we want individualism, division and extremism”. “The result and its consequences will directly affect Catalan companies, many of which export, and the unity of the internal market which consolidates our growth”, he warned before adding that it will be necessary to guarantee “European funding that helps us solve digital, green and social transitions”, with instruments of coordination and solidarity. For her part, Meritxell Serret, the Catalan Councillor of Foreign Affairs and the European Union, has assured that “we face the European elections in the midst of tensions that affect our economy, such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the Gaza conflict, the climate crisis…”. Then, he pointed out that “the challenge is to guarantee a Europe capable of responding and becoming stronger, contributing to the green transition, to the principle of subsidiarity, strengthening reforms in line with European principles, and promoting international relations and the multilateral role of Europe”. During his speech, Pierre-Emmanuel Brusselmans, general consul of Belgium, said that “the European elections are the great encounter of democracy and an opportunity to strengthen the debate in Europe and defend values ​​such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression”. He then explained the actions of the Belgian Presidency mandate and how they have tried to finish as many legislative files as possible and prepare Europe for the challenges of the future. On the other hand, Jacint Soler, director of International Relations at PIMEC, explained the challenges that Europe continues to face, such as Brexit, the effects of the pandemic, inflation, the energy crisis, the lack of raw materials and the different war conflicts. For all these facts, he highlighted the need for a next legislature that works for a resilient and competitive Europe. PIMEC’s ​​proposals for the 2024-2029 European mandate The permanent delegate of PIMEC in Brussels, Rosa Solanes, has been in charge of presenting the 45 proposals of the Catalan SMEs organisation for a competitive, green, fair Europe, with talent and employment, integrated in the world and, above all, adapted to SMEs: “PIMEC and SME United defend a legislature focused on business competitiveness and the internal market, placing the interests of SMEs at the centre”. Finally, he explained some of these proposals. “We want the application of the think small first principle and the impact assessment of the legislation on SMEs, as well as the division into lots of public procurement to increase the participation of smaller companies and we emphasize the importance of positive administrative silence after 3 months for projects presented by SMEs”.