The aim of the study was to analyze the perception of SMEs of the current business environment; the main difficulties they face; the level of awareness and preparation for European integration; the degree of access to support and financing programs.
The survey revealed that 44% of SMEs consider the economic environment as “average”, 39% as favorable and 16% as unfavorable. Positive aspects include interaction with public institutions and the tax regime, while the main challenges remain labor shortages and skills, access to finance and transparency of support programs.
On the issue of European integration, the majority of SMEs (89%) believe that EU membership will increase competitiveness, while 83% highly value compliance with European standards and the possibility of international partnerships. The main concerns relate to compliance costs and increased competition.
Regarding support and financing programs, the situation is less favorable. Only one third of MSMEs have benefited from support programs, the most frequent being digitalization, adaptation to European standards, equipment acquisition and internationalization.
The energy crisis seriously affected 37% of SMEs, while the war in Ukraine and the pandemic affected about 24%. Exports remain limited: 77% of SMEs have not exported in the last three years.
In January 2026, the results will be presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic Council and will guide the development of policies and strategies to support SMEs.
