SMES
Those who work in the EU bubble frequently hear EU policymakers discuss the central role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the European economy, how they represent around 99% of all EU businesses, and how policymakers tirelessly work to defend the interests and promote the flourishing of these companies.
And yet, you would need to overturn every stone in Brussels to find an SME representative that walks the corridors of the European Parliament, Commission or Council. Why is that so?
The imbalance against large companies
The leading reason behind the absence of SMEs in Brussels vis à vis large companies is, first and foremost, financially driven. Unlike SMEs, large companies have massive resources exclusively dedicated to lobbying and advocacy activities.
Distance and complexities
The complexity of the regulatory environment is another obstacle for SMEs. It is not easy for a small company with little or no experience in policymaking to navigate the EU bubble. From public consultations and legislative proposals by the European Commission, down to the tertiary legislation and the myriads of closed-door working groups and expert groups involved in it, the legislative process can be extremely intricate to untangle and makes it almost impossible for the inexperienced to understand when to speak to whom and about what.
As a boutique public affairs consultancy, we are founded and led by a senior policy expert with over a decade of experience and a well-established network in Brussels. This enables us to offer clients in-depth expertise in specific policy fields, grounded in a strong understanding of EU institutional dynamics and client needs. We combine rigorous policy analysis with targeted awareness-raising activities and strategic market access support. One pillar of our success is the ability to build and mobilise strong alliances, ranging from EU institutions and national representations to industry associations, civil society organisations, think tanks, and key opinion leaders, allowing us to navigate complex policy landscapes and translate them into concrete results for our clients.
A perfect match
By hiring a boutique consultancy like Lykke Advice, SMEs can benefit in different ways compared to hiring a large consulting firm or doing nothing: they can have their voice heard and their interests represented before policymakers; and they can do so in a cost-effective, efficient, and tailor-made manner.
Discover our guides
"EU Explainer for SMEs"
As part of our commitment to supporting SMEs in their efforts to engage with the EU and influence its policies, we have published the “EU Explainer for SMEs”, a coincise guide that provides an overview of the functioning of the three main EU institutions, namely the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU.
"ESG EXPLAINER FOR SMEs"
To help SMEs better understand the EU sustainability framework and engage more effectively with policymaking, we have developed the “ESG Explainer for SMEs”, a concise guide that provides an overview of ESG obligations, key regulatory files, and the role of the main EU institutions shaping sustainability policy today, with a specific focus on SMEs’ practical challenges.
"EU Explainer on SME market access through public affairs"
This EU Explainer for Market Access helps SMEs navigate EU decision-making by showing how engagement in Brussels can shape policy and open new market opportunities. It outlines how targeted public affairs strategies involving EU institutions and regional actors can boost visibility, build partnerships, and unlock EU and national funding.
