Multi-Sector Platform Against Crime PMmcM gathered a wide cross section of economics spokespersons from six parliamentary groups at the European institutions hub in Madrid this Wednesday. The goal was clear and urgent: to push for the rapid implementation of the law that supports the start up and growth of companies, a measure already published in the Official State Gazette but lacking the development regulations that would make it binding. The meeting underscored the need for a robust enforcement regime to address late payments and to unblock the legislation so that it can start delivering the intended protections for businesses across the board. This gathering highlighted a shared concern among lawmakers and business leaders about how delayed regulation slows the growth trajectory of small and medium sized enterprises and hampers overall economic resilience. The call to action was precise: move from words to action and ensure timely compliance across the private sector. This push is framed as a necessary step to reduce friction in commercial transactions and protect the vitality of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A spokesperson noted that timely enforcement would shouldering the burden of late payments and create a fairer operating environment for many firms. This stance reflects a broader commitment to aligning policy with the practical realities faced by companies trying to scale. The emphasis was on accelerating the legislative process and ensuring that the law is interpreted and applied in a way that supports productive growth rather than permitting chronic delays to persist. The room resonated with a collective appetite for concrete measures that translate into faster payments and stronger financial health for businesses of all sizes, especially those that rely on timely supplier settlements to maintain liquidity. [Source: PMmcM]
During the briefing, deputies from diverse business sectors participated and reinforced the call for swift progress. Key figures included Miguel Angel Castellon from the People party, Txema Gravell from another bloc, Peter Casares representing the Socialist Party, Joan Capdevila from a regional grouping, Miriam Nogueras and Ferran Bel representing a Catalan coalition. The consensus was that the proposal, which already had parliamentary unanimous support two years ago, must be unblocked to unlock the full potential of the law. The current delay, with amendments extending its parliamentary window 83 times since October 2020, was cited as a major stumbling block. The PMmcM chairman argued that reducing payment delays in the private sector requires a deterrent mechanism alongside the incentives for timely settlement. He stressed that a credible fine framework is essential to address persistent defaults and to catalyze a swifter compliance culture across the market. The discussion underscored that the most important goal is to ensure that the law does not merely exist on paper but becomes a practical tool that drives real improvements in cash flows and supplier relations across the economy. [Source: PMmcM]
Further elaborating on the provisions to activate essential components of the law, the PMmcM leadership highlighted several measures awaiting enactment. For large companies with more than 250 employees, the regime would introduce a qualifying grant of more than 30,000 euros, contingent on demonstrated adherence to agreed payment terms with suppliers and supported by an auditor’s certification registered in the Official Register of Auditors. In addition, contracts exceeding five million euros would require proof that more than 30 of the subcontractors are current with payments, with a formal certificate issued at the time of project milestones to ensure ongoing compliance. A new Guilt Observatory is proposed as part of the regulatory framework to monitor accountability and transparency in how firms manage payments within their networks. These innovations are all tied to the broader aim of creating a more predictable and fair payment landscape for the smaller players who form the backbone of the economy. [Source: PMmcM]
Against a backdrop of rising inflation and higher interest rates, the PMmcM leadership argued for immediate action. They cited estimates from Crédito y Caución indicating that around 171,000 companies could be at risk of default, a scenario that would threaten the survival of many small businesses and independent professionals. The aim was to safeguard SMEs and self-employed workers by delivering swift policy responses that stabilize cash flows, support reliable supplier relationships, and maintain market confidence during challenging economic times. The emphasis remained squarely on practical outcomes: quicker payment cycles, stronger enforcement where there are delays, and a clear path for businesses to thrive without the overhead of protracted regulatory gaps. [Source: PMmcM]