2027 Budget: U2P demands visibility for small businesses

The Union of Local Businesses (U2P) is calling on the Government and parliamentarians to guarantee the adoption of a budget for 2027. This request was made following a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, which was attended by the organization's president, Michel Picon, and its four vice-presidents.

The delegation took advantage of this meeting to present several concerns of artisans, traders and liberal professionals, including the increase in business failures, the deployment of electronic invoicing and the evolution of certain social rules.

A situation considered worrying for small businesses

The U2P describes the economic health of small businesses as "particularly worrying". The organization notes a sharp increase in the number of bankruptcies, which it links in particular to the consequences of the energy crisis and rising inflation.

In this context, the lack of visibility on public finances risks, according to her, increasing the anxiety of business leaders and weighing on consumption.

The U2P calls for avoiding another budget impasse

For the employers' organization, the adoption of the 2027 budget is a priority in order to stabilize the economic environment in which local businesses operate.

"The U2P shares the urgent need for the country to adopt a budget for 2027 and not fall back into an endless saga where the inability to secure a parliamentary majority fuels the anxiety of business leaders and leads to stagnation in consumption."

The organization is therefore asking political leaders to reach a compromise that could bring more visibility to businesses and households.

Support requested for electronic invoicing

The U2P also reiterated its expectations regarding the widespread adoption of electronic invoicing. It called for "sustained and supportive" assistance from government services during the coming months of implementation.

The organization hopes that the difficulties faced by small businesses on the ground will be taken into account and that the system will be adapted if necessary. The transition will indeed involve changes in tools and administrative practices for many tradespeople, shopkeepers, and professionals.

The continuation of apprenticeship support was welcomed.

On the employment front, the U2P welcomes the fact that its warnings regarding the maintenance of apprenticeship subsidies have been heeded. These programs represent an important tool for recruitment and skills transfer for local businesses.

Several contentious issues remain under discussion. The organization cites, in particular, the rules governing combining employment and retirement benefits, as well as the requirement for spouses working in the business to become employees or partners. It indicates that it has submitted proposals to the Government on these two matters.