In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE), Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen outlined the European Commission's plans to simplify digital financing mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The response aims to address low SME participation in the Digital Europe Programme, where only 17% of funding currently reaches SMEs, by introducing a single work programme, a single rulebook, and a common set of instruments for the entire digital leadership window.
Answer to parliamentary question The answer, dated 23 April 2026, responds to Tsiodras' question submitted on 6 March 2026. Tsiodras had highlighted that SMEs face extensive administrative requirements, double reporting obligations, and co-financing hurdles that hinder their access to EU digital funding. The Commission's proposal for the next MFF, adopted in July 2025, seeks to address these issues through an integrated approach combining the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and the successor of Horizon Europe.
Concrete proposals and policy direction Virkkunen's answer contains several concrete proposals: dedicated actions to increase SME participation, business support, and the establishment of an 'EU for Business' Network. The ECF will include a scale-up facility under its InvestEU instrument and support for advanced skills development. The Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 will serve as a policy framework, with State of the Digital Decade reports tracking progress and issuing semester-like recommendations. The answer signals a clear policy direction towards simplification, integration, and leveraging private investments through the European Innovation Council (EIC).
Expected institutional follow-up The proposals are part of the broader MFF negotiations, which require approval by the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission's communication on the next MFF (COM(2025) 570) and the legislative proposals for the ECF and Horizon Europe are now under consideration by co-legislators. The timeline for adoption is expected to align with the MFF negotiations, with implementation foreseen from 2028.
← Atlas › News › Digital & Communication