EU governments are working on a set of economic recovery measures to help struggling workers and businesses manage the global COVID-19 pandemic. The problem? They’re largely considering solutions for employees and traditional small businesses, but not the self-employed microbusinesses who make up the majority of Etsy sellers. 

We are encouraging the European Commission and national governments to include our community, but lawmakers need to hear from you too. 

As sole traders, Etsy sellers rarely qualify for unemployment insurance, paid leave, or the small business loans and other direct assistance measures offered by EU countries. There is a real risk that despite significant stimulus on the table, Etsy sellers will fall through the cracks. 

That’s why we’re urging the European Commission and EU governments to make sure that any COVID-19 stimulus package includes comprehensive supports for the self-employed and microbusinesses, including direct cash assistance, expanded unemployment protection, protection of business-critical services like shipping, payments, and internet connectivity, debt deferral, among others. 

Together, these reforms would ensure that Etsy sellers can weather the immediate threat of the coronavirus pandemic, along with the longer-term threat of economic downturn. 

But lawmakers won’t act on these ideas unless they hear from you—their constituents—directly.  

Will you contact your representatives today?