K&H: SMEs still rely on EU funds

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 05. 24. 13:12

The uncertainty surrounding the EU tenders only slightly dampened the confidence of the companies, almost half of them still consider it realistic that they can get such a source. Among the sectors, only this rate increased in industry, where 6 out of 10 companies feel this way – it is clear from the latest results of the first quarter of 2023 of the K&H SME Confidence Index. On the other hand, few people find a favorable advertisement for their company, and at the same time, the number of tenders submitted also decreased. In the second half of the year, this picture can be improved by the employment-related tenders expected to appear in the summer, as well as the technology development tenders at the end of the year.

According to the latest results of the K&H SME confidence index, which indicates the expectations of Hungarian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises for the next year, they still see a chance for companies to receive EU funds.

“Even though the uncertainty set the assessment of the accessibility of EU applications on a downward path, it did not cause a significant decline. Currently, 45 percent of companies consider it realistic that they can receive support, which is barely below the figure of around 50 percent typical of the last two years. This ratio may even rise again in the coming quarters, as the adoption of the judicial reform may open the way to 13 billion euros in resources. According to the Cabinet of Ministers for Territorial Development, within the framework of the Economic Development and Innovation Program Plusz (GINOP Plusz), calls for employment for businesses can be made at the beginning of the summer, while technology development tenders can be expected to appear at the end of the year”.