“While SMEunited recognises the importance of enhancing the quality of traineeships, we consider the proposed Directive as counterproductive, particularly for SMEs. This ambiguity could expose SMEs to legal uncertainties and unintended liabilities, further discouraging participation in traineeship programmes. The proposed amendments would also impose a series of new obligations and requirements on employers. Traineeship providers would be expected to undergo training for mentorship and supervision of trainees, which entails extra direct and indirect costs for SMEs. However, SMEunited regrets that traineeships in the frame of active labour market policies remain within the scope of the directive.