Category: Articles

How SOLVIT Helps Businesses Navigate the European Single Market

The Internal Market: Opportunities and Barriers

The European Union’s Single Market offers businesses across Member States great opportunities for growth, trade, and collaboration. However, navigating different national rules and administrative procedures can pose significant challenges, especially when problems arise in cross-border operations. The EU’s SOLVIT Network steps in as a practical solution, helping businesses resolve disputes with public authorities swiftly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.

What Is the SOLVIT Network?

SOLVIT is a free and informal problem-solving service provided by the national administrations of each EU member state, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Established in 2002, the network’s primary purpose is to address cases where EU law on the Single Market is not applied correctly by public authorities—helping both citizens and businesses overcome obstacles to cross-border trade, establishment, or operation.

How Does SOLVIT Work?

Each Member State hosts a SOLVIT centre. This is strategically placed within the Public Administration so that centres can dialogue and negotiate with entities who are allegedly infringing EU Law. With regards to Malta, the SOLVIT Centre is hosted by the Commerce Department, within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects.

 

When a business encounters a problem with a public authority in another Member State, SOLVIT can intervene.

 

A case can be submitted online via the SOLVIT website. The case is then handled directly by the SOLVIT centres of the home and host countries, aiming for practical solutions within ten weeks.

Main types of Issues SOLVIT Handles

• Delays or refusals in recognising professional qualifications
• Unjustified barriers to selling goods or providing services across borders
• Issues with VAT reimbursement or market access
• Problems with residence or work permits for employees
• Disputes regarding the posting of workers or company establishment

Why should Businesses Use SOLVIT?

Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs can benefit from SOLVIT’s cost-free alternative to lengthy legal proceedings. The network’s informal approach means that many cases are resolved quickly, with communication tailored to the needs of business users. SOLVIT does not replace courts but provides an efficient means to resolve disputes before litigation becomes necessary this mainly due to the strong networking connection between the SOLVIT centres established in all the Member States.

How to Access SOLVIT

Businesses can submit their case through the official SOLVIT website https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The process is simple: provide details of the issue and supporting documents, and the home country SOLVIT centre will make contact to discuss next steps. The service is available in all EU languages, and strict confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

Conclusion

The EU’s SOLVIT Network is an essential support mechanism for businesses operating across European borders. By resolving disputes with public authorities efficiently and informally, SOLVIT helps maintain the integrity of the Single Market and ensures that businesses can make the most of the opportunities it provides. For members looking to expand or operate internationally, SOLVIT is a resource worth knowing and using.

For more information, or to submit a case, visit the official SOLVIT portal at https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The Malta SOLVIT Centre can also contacted on 25690329 or by email .

Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs with an interest in expanding into Gulf markets are invited to register for a new initiative led by the Office of the Government Envoy for the Gulf.

This platform aims to support Malta-based businesses by providing access to monthly newsletters, market insights, information on upcoming incoming and outbound delegations, private roundtables, and direct business opportunities across the Gulf region. Registration will also be used to prioritise participation in future engagements and targeted initiatives.

The objective is to build a strong pipeline of Maltese companies ready to engage as opportunities materialise, with near-term prospects already expected in April here in Malta. This presents a timely opportunity for businesses looking to explore new partnerships and expand their international footprint.

Interested members are encouraged to register through the following form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/FV9frKLKYd

Early registration is recommended to ensure inclusion in upcoming activities and access to the first round of opportunities.

Mr Philip Fenech confirmed as Deputy President and Mr Marcel Mizzi confirmed as Officer.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs held its 78th Annual General Meeting, during which Mr Paul Abela was confirmed as President for the coming year.

During his opening address, President Mr Paul Abela highlighted the Chamber’s achievements throughout 2025, including the organisation of key events, ongoing lobbying efforts and a series of high-level meetings aimed at supporting SMEs.

During the Annual General Meeting, six council members were elected for a three-year term: Mr Sergio Camilleri, Mr Robert Micallef, Mr Dino Fino, Dr James Cassar, Mr Luke Zahra, and Mr John Ellul. The Council is composed of a total of 18 members.

Following Mr Abela’s address, Mr Marcel Mizzi read and the minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting were approved.

Malta Chamber of SMEs COO Mr Andrew Aquilina presented the Annual Report, outlining the main highlights together with Mr Fabian Demicoli, Head of Communication and Business Development, and Mr Jamie Tanti, Head of Policy.

The AGM was held at The Palace, Sliema, with all members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs invited to attend.

As required by statute, the first council meeting was held immediately following the AGM. During this meeting, Mr Paul Abela was confirmed as President for the next year, Mr Philip Fenech was confirmed as Deputy President, and Mr Marcel Mizzi was confirmed as Officer.

Malta Chamber of SMEs COO, Mr Andrew Aquilina, participated in a panel discussion held as part of a three-day initiative organised by the National Skills Council, which brought together representatives from 10 different industry sectors.

The discussions focused on the growing skills misalignment between education and industry, while exploring practical solutions to address this disconnect. Mr Aquilina shared valuable insights from the perspective of SMEs, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders to better reflect labour market realities.

The sessions provided a platform for open dialogue, highlighting key challenges faced by employers and encouraging joint efforts towards more relevant education outcomes.

Council Member Donha Muscat and Head of Policy Jamie Tanti, together with Mr Aquilina, also facilitated various workshops.

Three days of constructive conversations, shared perspectives, and a clear commitment towards tangible outcomes.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs President, Mr Paul Abela, and COO, Mr Andrew Aquilina, recently held a cordial meeting with H.E. Sandrine Lelong-Motta, Ambassador of France to Malta, alongside Mr Pierric Bonnard, Executive Director of Business France and Ms Lea Bouilhot.

The discussions focused on identifying potential areas of collaboration between the Malta Chamber of SMEs and French business networks, with a particular emphasis on strengthening partnerships between Maltese and French businesses. Both sides explored ways to enhance communication and visibility of opportunities available to Maltese companies in France, aiming to foster trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.

Mr Abela highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the growth of Maltese SMEs, noting that stronger ties with French businesses could open new markets and facilitate mutual learning. Mr Aquilina emphasised the Chamber’s commitment to supporting its members in exploring cross-border opportunities and building strategic relationships.

The meeting marked an important step in reinforcing Malta-France business relations, with both parties agreeing to continue dialogue and explore practical initiatives that could benefit SMEs on both sides.

This engagement reflects the Malta Chamber of SMEs’ ongoing mission to create international opportunities, promote collaboration, and support the sustainable growth of Maltese businesses in global markets.

The European Commission has announced an important development for small businesses across the European Union with the introduction of the new SME VAT Scheme. This initiative establishes a simplified VAT framework designed specifically to reduce administrative burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while creating greater opportunities for cross-border trade within the EU Single Market.

A Simpler VAT Framework for SMEs

The SME VAT Scheme introduces several key benefits aimed at making compliance easier and more efficient for eligible businesses:

• VAT exemptions for qualifying SMEs

• Simplified registration procedures

• Reduced compliance obligations

By streamlining VAT processes, the scheme enables small businesses to focus more on growth and expansion rather than administrative formalities.

Who Can Benefit?

The scheme applies to EU-based small businesses with a total annual turnover across all 27 EU Member States not exceeding €100,000.

To benefit from a VAT exemption in another Member State, businesses must also comply with the national VAT exemption threshold established by that particular country. As thresholds vary between Member States, companies are encouraged to verify the specific requirements applicable in each jurisdiction where they operate or intend to expand.

Practical Tools and Guidance

To support the implementation of the scheme, the European Commission has launched a dedicated SME VAT Portal. The portal provides practical guidance and resources for businesses, including country-specific information on national thresholds and implementation measures.

In addition, an SME VAT eligibility simulator has been introduced to help businesses assess whether they qualify under the new framework, offering clarity and ease of access to relevant information.

For further information or assistance, please contact Xylona Spiteri at

Malta Chamber of SMEs Council Member Greta Rapinett participated in a panel discussion during the conference Beyond Compliance – Towards Elevating Workplace Well-Being in Malta, organised by Occupational Health and Safety Authority in collaboration with Times of Malta.

The event brought together policymakers, employers, and experts to discuss moving beyond legal compliance towards fostering healthier, safer, and more supportive workplace environments across Malta.