Strong Support from ECHA to SMEs and Stakeholders: New Priorities Announced
At the beginning of 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) evaluated the results of its stakeholder perception survey and decided to prioritise support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthen stakeholder communication, and enhance digital tools.
Stakeholder Perception Survey: Strong Trust, Need for Greater Transparency
Conducted by Marco/IPSOS in early 2025, the survey revealed that ECHA is widely seen as a trustworthy and accessible agency providing reliable data and services. However, the results also highlighted growing expectations in areas such as transparency, efficiency, and support for SMEs.
Key Findings:
ECHA delivers trustworthy data and services
Support for SMEs should be increased
Digital tools must become more user-friendly
Transparency in stakeholder platforms should be improved
ECHA’s Strategic Focus Areas for 2025–2026
Based on the survey results and overall recommendations, ECHA will take concrete actions in three strategic areas over 2025 and 2026:
1. Strengthening SME Support and Knowledge Sharing
Launch of a dedicated SME action plan
Improvement of knowledge-sharing mechanisms
2. Enhancing Communication and Transparency
Centralisation of stakeholder feedback coordination
Review and increase transparency of existing stakeholder platforms
Reevaluation of the accredited stakeholder system
3. Driving Innovation and Efficiency
Improvements to ECHA’s website, IT tools, and the ECHA CHEM database to enhance user experience
Statement from ECHA’s Executive Director
Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Executive Director of ECHA, commented:
“We are grateful for our stakeholders’ participation and the valuable insights provided. After reviewing the report, we found that the development areas highlighted by stakeholders largely align with the strategic priorities in our own work plan.”
Overall Recommendations from the Survey Report
The report presented six key recommendations to help ECHA strengthen its mission of promoting chemical safety through science, collaboration, and knowledge:
Streamline organisational structure and improve accessibility
Strengthen stakeholder engagement and representation
Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing
Boost innovation and operational efficiency
Improve communication and transparency
Address resource constraints and optimise allocation
Next Steps
ECHA plans to repeat the survey in 2027 to assess the progress made on these focus areas. With this commitment, the agency aims to further strengthen stakeholder relations and ensure sustainable progress in achieving its vision.