Irish SMEs Urge More Urgent Action from EU Institutions to Support Growth
A delegation of Irish SMEs led by Chambers Ireland, who attended the European Parliament of Enterprises in Brussels on 16 October, has called for more urgent action from EU institutions to support growth.
The EPE provided delegates from 45 European countries, with an opportunity to debate the issues which face companies across the continent. Limerick Chamber member Fiona Connolly of Lyons of Limerick was invited to join the Chambers Ireland delegation at this year’s event and represent businesses in the mid west region.
Debates and voting sessions took places throughout the day centring on the issues of internationalisation, skills, finance and energy.
Fiona Connolly, Lyons of Limerick & Network Ireland Business Woman of the Year said, “It was a privilege to be part of the Irish delegation and I was delighted to represent SMEs in the mid-west. Being a ‘member’ of the European Parliament was hugely insightful. Not only did I get to participate in the debating and voting of some crucial topics, I also had the opportunity to engage with international media, policy makers and numerous companies across Europe, to have a voice for small business represented”
“Businesses in Ireland have absorbed massive economic shocks over the last few years and don’t need more crippling European legislation; there was a massive call from all the businesses in the Hemicylce for streamlining of any future legislation to ensure no additional burdens on SMEs, and I called for European Investment in R&D in the energy sector to stimulate innovation to ensure the security of a safe and sustainable energy supply for businesses locally,” she concluded.
Órlaith Borthwick, Interim CEO at Limerick Chamber said, “We were delighted to have been represented through Fiona at this event. EU regulation and legislation has a significant impact on SMEs, however, the majority of small businesses know very little about how these regulations are developed. The European Parliament of Enterprises gives SMEs a unique opportunity to experience firsthand how important decisions are made at the highest level and raise any concerns they may have. The Irish delegation raised the importance of EU investment for energy and infrastructure programmes and highlighted the potential Ireland had to be at the forefront of the development of the energy sector.”
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For further information please contact Edwina Gore on 061 415180 or email egore@limerickchamber.ie
Notes to Editors
About the European Parliament of Enterprises
The European Parliament of Enterprises (EPE) is an initiative developed by Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The event allows business people from all over Europe to become Members of the European Parliament of Enterprises (MEPEs) for one day and get a unique look at how one of the most powerful bodies in the world goes about their decision making process. The first event took place in 2008 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Eurochambres.
751 entrepreneurs, or MEPEs, from EU countries, gather in the symbolic location of the Hemicycle of the European Parliament. The composition of the EPE reflects the number of Members of the European Parliament per member state. Additionally, 53 seats have been allocated for entrepreneurs coming from the 18 non-EU EUROCHAMBRES members. The EPE recreates a parliamentary session and gives the floor to European entrepreneurs. This highlights the “economic democracy” of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry through their representation and their structure.
On the day, MEPEs will hear a range of presentations from key EU personnel and take part in debates on topics of significance to the business community. This year, the major topics are internationalisation, skills, finance and energy. There will also be voting sessions which will allow participants to vote on issues and see the decision making process first hand.
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