Benelux, Economy

Benelux SMEs Day Focused on Simplification

18 Dec. 2025

Representatives of SME organisations and employers’ organisations from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg met in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border cooperation aimed at facilitating the development of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.

The Benelux countries’ “SME Envoys,” the European Commission, the Secretary-General of the Benelux, Frans Weekers, and the Deputy Secretaries-General, Michel-Etienne Tilemans and Jean-Claude Meyer, took part in the event.

The day focused on three themes: SME financing, the simplification of administrative procedures, and the improvement of business transfers.

Financing Opportunities

During the round-table discussion, Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), recalled how the EIB supports SMEs through direct financing to small businesses and outlined future financing opportunities at the Benelux level.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs presented the European electronic business wallet and the opportunities it offers for the Benelux to simplify business activities.

Finally, the Luxembourg Presidency highlighted recommendations aimed at supporting business transfers within the Benelux and the European Union. A visit to Maison Oberweis also illustrated a family business that has successfully developed across three generations.