Mizzi appointed as rapporteur on Single Member Companies Commission

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has been appointed as the rapporteur for the controversial Internal Market Committee's (IMCO) Report on harmonising European rules for enterprises to make it easier to establish companies across the border in other Member States, to be called SUP (Societas Unius Personae).

During a heated discussion in IMCO, Mizzi and the Commission had their first exchange of views, marking the beginning of the negotiation process to find a common position.

Mizzi welcomed the Commission's efforts in trying to find a way to facilitate cross-border activities for companies, in particular for SMEs.

"The potential of the single market is highly untapped and we need to further enhance the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe and to facilitate the life and creation of SMEs especially in the time of an economic and unemployment crisis in Europe.”

Mizzi also warned that the Commission's proposal, as it stands, might not be the right instrument and entails serious potential risks to the proper functioning of the internal market and to the interests of creditors, consumers and employees. "Enhancing flexibility for SMEs cannot be done to the detriment of workers’, consumers' and creditors' rights" said Mizzi. 

Trade Unions in Europe are worried that the Commission proposal generates serious concerns with regard to fiscal evasion, workers’ rights and sustainable corporate governance.

The MEP said, “It is always an honour to be appointed as rapporteur by one’s political group and in particular on such an important issue. It seems to me that the Commission has proposed a solution before identifying the real problems and issues of the low level of SMEs cross-border activities.

While encouraging entrepreneurship and cross-border business activities, I will keep an open mind on this important proposal, to ensure that any new  legislation will be an improvement  with no collateral damage on any of the stakeholders"