As the 2024 European elections approach, political parties across the spectrum are unveiling their manifestos outlining their vision for the future of the European Union. Among the various priorities outlined in these manifestos, the promotion of inclusive entrepreneurship and related issues stands out as a crucial aspect of fostering economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation within the EU.
With less than one month left until elections for the European Parliament take place across the EU, we’re rating the manifestos of the five biggest groups in the European Parliament on how committed they are to inclusive entrepreneurship.
Renew Europe
Renew Europe’s manifesto emphasises the importance of trade, investment agreements, and cutting administrative burdens to support industries of all sizes. They advocate for facilitating legal pathways for labour migration, and integration policies, and prioritising sustainable and digital transformation. While their manifesto touches on aspects that can benefit entrepreneurship, such as simplifying regulations and supporting industry growth, it lacks specific measures targeting inclusive entrepreneurship or social enterprises.
Rating: 3.5/5
Greens
The Greens’ manifesto presents a comprehensive approach to fostering a dynamic, circular economy where small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can thrive alongside new models of community, social, and collaborative economies. They prioritise supporting SMEs, promoting digital tools for compliance, unlocking the power of sustainable public procurement, and enabling alternative economic models. Additionally, their focus on fair migration policies and social rights aligns with inclusive entrepreneurship goals. However, the Greens don’t make any explicit references to inclusive entrepreneurship despite having the longest manifesto of the five parties and lack specific measures to promote inclusive entrepreneurship.
Rating: 4/5
EPP (European People’s Party)
The EPP manifesto emphasises the need for a tax-friendly and business-supportive Europe where SMEs can compete and thrive. They also advocate for streamlining regulations, reducing bureaucracy, and establishing an EU Competitiveness Check. While their focus on SMEs and reducing regulatory burden is commendable, the manifesto lacks specific measures targeting social entrepreneurship or inclusive growth, as well as any concrete plans for easing labour migration restrictions.
Rating: 3/5
S&D (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats)
The S&D manifesto prioritises supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as start-ups and scale-ups, to contribute to the green and digital transition. They propose measures to protect mobile workers and ensure fair labour mobility, such as strengthening the European Labour Authority and introducing a European Social Security Pass. While their focus on supporting SMEs and fair labour mobility is commendable, the manifesto could provide more explicit measures for promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, as it fails to mention it in its manifesto.
Rating: 4/5
ID (Identity and Democracy)
The Identity and Democracy group did not present a manifesto for the 2024 European elections, which limits our ability to assess their stance on promoting inclusive entrepreneurship. The absence of a manifesto from a significant political group raises questions about their priorities and commitments to addressing key issues facing the EU, including inclusive entrepreneurship.
Rating: 0
In conclusion, the manifestos of Renew Europe, the EPP, and the S&D group demonstrate varying degrees of commitment to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and related policies.
None of the parties explicitly refer to inclusive entrepreneurship in their manifestos, showing the need to continue to advocate for progress on the issue.
While some parties provide comprehensive strategies to support SMEs and foster economic growth, others could enhance their manifestos by incorporating specific measures targeting social entrepreneurship, fair labour mobility, and inclusive growth.
An Agenda for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The EU needs to develop a clear policy on inclusive entrepreneurship, and e call on all parties to put it on their agendas.
UNITEE’s European Agenda for Inclusive Entrepreneurship outlines key policy initiatives to unlock the potential of diverse entrepreneurs across Europe. From fostering an inclusive environment to empowering entrepreneurs, the agenda offers a strategic framework for sustainable economic growth and societal progress.
By adopting its principles, policymakers and stakeholders can leverage inclusive entrepreneurship as a vital tool in addressing labour shortages, promoting economic growth, and fostering social cohesion throughout the European Union.