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Citizens and businesses may only thrive if the economy, and its growth, work for them.\u00a0<\/span>This sentiment is central to the new European Commission\u2019s plans to ensure a Europe where social fairness and prosperity are at the centre of\u00a0<\/span>economic policy<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, it is useless striving towards constant growth when the economy itself is not reaching every part of society. As such, there is a strong need for Europe to continue supporting small businesses, particularly through a planned SME strategy to improve their\u00a0<\/span>market access<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Small businesses have the potential of becoming key innovators, thereby contributing towards a stronger and fairer economy. This is ultimately the backbone of the European economy and must go hand-in-hand with not just the needs of competitive industries, but also Europe\u2019s goals towards climate neutrality and social justice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A fair and just economy centred on citizens is one of the first priorities outlined by Ursula von der\u00a0<\/span>Leyen<\/span>, the new President of the European Commission<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>This includes a fair minimum wage across the EU and a strategy to combat poverty in Member States<\/span>, amongst other initiatives<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n