Sectorial Policies

UEAPME’s sectoral policies are formulated by the experts from national SME organisations dealing with specific sectors and by representatives of European SME sectoral organisations member of UEAPME. These organisations deliver valuable input to the UEAPME activities and significantly contribute to UEAPME's expertise in a number of specific areas. On the other hand, UEAPME offers a whole range of services to these associations to strengthen their European activities.

About 20 European sectoral associations have joined UEAPME as associate members.
This membership category entitles them to:

• participate in all UEAPME activities (working groups, conferences, projects)
• respond to internal consultation procedures;
• access the UEAPME information network;
• access expert advice from UEAPME collaborators on specific topics;
• represent UEAPME in EU working groups;
• use UEAPME’s meeting rooms;

Sector Forums

In order to facilitate co-operation and develop synergies between associations representing related activities, UEAPME has created several sector forums. These Forums provide a platform to:

• discuss issues of common interest;
• exchange information;
• forge alliances;
• organise joint lobbying activities
• issue position papers on specific topics.

At present, the following sector forums are active:

• Construction Sector Forum
• Cosmetics Sector Forum
• Food Sector Forum
• Healthcare Sector Forum
• Retail Sector Forum
• Tourism Sector Forum
• Transport Sector Forum

Additional sector forums can be put in place on the request of member associations.

Secretarial services:

UEAPME offers the possibility to run a Brussels secretariat of European sectoral associations on the basis of tailor-made service agreements. This includes all activities such as information research and distribution, preparation and follow-up of meetings and interest representation. At present, four associations have their European secretariat managed through such contracts.