Number of SMEs in the European Union 2008-2024, by size

There were estimated to be approximately

million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union in 2024, with the vast majority of these enterprises micro-sized firms which only employed fewer than nine people. A further million enterprises were small firms with between and employees, while were medium-sized firms that had to employers. 

The contribution of SMEs to the European Economy

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the European economy. These companies comprise around

percent of all active businesses in Europe, while producing almost percent of total value added in the EU. These companies are not just economically important to the continent however, as they also form an important part of the cultural fabric of European communities, with SMEs being particularly important for rural regions and smaller towns. 

Almost

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million employed by SMEs

In 2024 SME’s in the European Union employed almost

million people. In Europe’s biggest economy, Germany, SMEs employed million people, with over million people employed by small-sized enterprises alone.