Funding from EU structural funds towards SMEs : findings and suggestions on increasing SMEs financial capacity

The paper focuses on the financial support provided, in terms of both funding schemes as well as actual funds, by the Structural Funds to Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), within the Cohesion Policy Framework. For this purpose, a special report of the European Court of Auditors is employed, focusing on the EU financial instruments for SMEs which were co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The findings of the report are being examined not only as evaluation results for the past but also as crucial elements to be taken into account for the preparation of the corresponding actions of Cohesion Policy within the 2014-2020 programming period.