The SME Assembly is the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. The conference takes place once a year as part of the European SME Week (ESW) and plays a vital role in shaping the governance of the Small Business Act.
The SME Assembly 2025
The SME Assembly 2025 took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 10 to 12 November 2025, in conjunction with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This year’s Assembly brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and SME representatives under the theme 'Successful SMEs, Competitive Europe.'.
Over three days, delegates explored critical issues shaping Europe’s competitiveness, from building strategic partnerships and reducing critical dependencies to securing raw materials and fostering growth in the digital and biotech sectors. The programme featured the prestigious Schumpeter ‘Innovation in Enterprise’ Lecture, delivered by Professor Dr. h.c. Friederike Welter MAE, alongside more than 20 panel discussions and workshops focused on innovation, sustainability, better regulation and digital transition.
The Assembly also highlighted emerging entrepreneurial talent through panels and awards such as the Secrets of Success, Youth Start-Up Competition and European Enterprise Promotion Awards. The event closed with a clear message: cooperation and smarter policy will be essential to strengthen Europe’s SMEs as preparations now look ahead to the 2026 edition in Ireland.
As global challenges such as rising costs, climate pressures and increasing regulatory demands test business resilience, the Assembly provided a vital platform for dialogue on how Europe’s SMEs can adapt, collaborate and lead towards a more sustainable and competitive future.
Check out the Promoting Enterprise YouTube channel to watch recorded sessions and follow the Promoting Enterprise social media channels, Futurium Page and the Promoting Enterprise Blog for updates.
European SME Week
The SME Assembly is the flagship event of the European SME Week (ESW), a pan-European campaign coordinated by the European Commission that runs throughout the year and aims to promote entrepreneurship in Europe, help entrepreneurs find information on available support and resources, and encourage new business ventures.
SME Assembly and European SME Week on social media
You can keep up to date on European SME Week and SME Assembly news and events on the Promoting Enterprise social media channels, on the Promoting Enterprise Futurium platform and on the European Commission and European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) related accounts.
Newsletter and other accounts
- Subscribe to monthly news
- Related X (formerly Twitter) accounts: @EU_Growth @EU_EISMEA and @EEN_EU
- Related LinkedIn accounts: EU Business and EISMEA
- Related Facebook accounts: EU Growth and EEN
SME Assembly hashtags
The official 2025 event hashtags are #SMEAssembly2025 and #EEPA2025.
European SME Week hashtag
The official hashtag for European SME Week is #EUSMEweek.