COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION of Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (2003/361/EC...

EUROPEAN COMMISSION COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION Brussels, 28.9.2021 SWD(2021) 280 final of Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (2003/361/EC) {SWD(2021) 279 final} EN EN COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION of Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (2003/361/EC) 1. BACKGROUND The EU SME Definition (hereafter ‘the Definition’) is the structural tool to identify enterprises that are confronted with market failure and particular challenges due to their size, and are therefore allowed to receive preferential treatment in public support. It has become a key instrument in the EU SME policy and is referenced in a large number of legal acts. The purpose of this Staff Working Document is to evaluate to what extent the Definition remains fit for its purpose, delivers on its objectives, is relevant, coherent and has EU added value. 2. METHODOLOGY This evaluation is based on a number of sources: an external study1, a targeted survey of SMEs across all EU Member States2, in-depth interviews with stakeholders at EU and national level, a Public Consultation3, desktop analysis, statistical review, and analysis of EU legal acts applying the Definition as well as case law of the Union Courts. 3. FINDINGS a) Relevance: The...