Photo by Maxim Ilyahov on Unsplash
For preparedness for future crises, such as another pandemic, to be truly effective, SMEs must be fully engaged because Europe’s security and crisis response depends on strong, resilient businesses.
That is the message from SMEunited, the body representing SME’s at EU level, in their reaction to the launch of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy.
The EU Strategy aims to enhance Europe’s readiness against various crises, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.
As key economic actors, SMEs say they are essential for ensuring supply chain resilience, maintaining critical services and supporting local communities in times of crisis.
The strategy emphasises the importance of early warning systems, maintaining essential services, and recommends that citizens stockpile essential supplies for 72 hours to bolster individual preparedness.
This comes as the European Union is facing increasingly complex crises and challenges that the commission says cannot be ignored.
“From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life,” said an EC spokesman.
Concretely, the Strategy includes 30 key actions and a detailed Action Plan to advance the Preparedness Union’s objectives, as well as developing a ‘preparedness by design culture’ across all EU policies.
EC president Ursula von der Leyen said: “New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe.”
“Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits.”
“Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in the neighbourhood to save lives and livelihoods.”
SMEunited now calls for a structured approach that actively involves SMEs in the Preparedness Union Strategy.
Better coordination between businesses, authorities, and civil society is, it says, needed to create a robust system that enhances security while avoiding excessive administrative burdens. In particular, SMEunited highlights the importance of tailored support to allow SMEs mitigate cyber threats, navigate disruptions, and adapt to climate risks.
“Preparedness is not just about institutions – it is about ensuring that Europe’s businesses and communities can withstand and recover from crises. SMEs must be given the tools and support to do so effectively,” it states.
SMEunited says it remains committed to working with EU Institutions to ensure SMEs can fully play their role as key partners in Europe’s resilience and security framework.
