The role of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Europe will be discussed at a meeting of MPs and MEPs in Dublin this morning.

The parliamentarians are meeting in Dublin Castle to consider strategies to harness the potential of SMEs and foster an entrepreneurial Europe.

Damien English, chair of the select subcommittee on jobs, enterprise and innovation, said SMEs have a vital role to play in contributing to economic growth and employment in Ireland and the European Union.

Competitiveness
"If the EU and Ireland are to deliver on the Europe 2020 priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness needs to be centre stage."

Speakers at the conference include Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Lszl Andor, Joanna Drake, DG Enterprise and Industry at the European Commission, and BeActive Media director Triona Campbell.