Events to look out for
Horizon 2020 Energy info days – 25-27 June, Brussels (BE). The info days will present the funding opportunities for research, innovation and market uptake projects on clean energy. The event will help potential applicants in preparing successful proposals for Horizon 2020 calls for the year 2020.
Business mission to Japan on railway technologies and services – 26-29 November. European railway companies are invited to apply to this business mission with the opportunity to showcase at the Mass-Trans Innovation Expo. Applications are open until 19 July.
Funds available
EIB Group and HSBC France sign two partnership agreements to increase financing of French SMEs and mid-caps. The first agreement concerns a EUR 250m credit line granted by the EIB to HSBC France, which will enable HSBC's France to lend up to EUR 500m to SMEs and mid-caps at preferential rates. This overall package will be used specifically to finance “green” projects. The second agreement is a financial guarantee of EUR 200m provided by the European Investment Fund (EIF). The guarantee will cover 50% of the loan amounts granted by HSBC France, which will be able to dedicate an overall envelope of EUR 400m to innovative small businesses.
EU policies for better business
New EU rules on shareholders' rights and transparency enter into application. This week the revised Shareholder Rights Directive will enter into application. It promotes more responsible share ownership and addresses the corporate governance shortcomings that contributed to the financial crisis. The new rules also bring approval and disclosure requirements for material related party transactions (typically between the company and its director or controlling shareholder.) Ultimately, the new rules will make it easier for shareholders resident in another EU country (than where the company is based) to participate in the general meetings of such companies and vote.
Freight transport: Digitalisation will save transport sector up to 102 million working hours a year. Last week, transport Ministers from all EU countries agree to a General Approach on the proposal on electronic freight transport information. Through this agreement, the transport sector will profit from less administrative burden and easier digital information flows. The regulation will establish a harmonised, predictable and trusted environment for electronic communication between operators transporting goods and relevant authorities.
Get involved
DYK the European Commission Counterfeit & Piracy Watch List names places outside the EU with damaging activities including: websites with copyright-protected content, e-commerce platforms, online pharmacies, and physical marketplaces. Take a look.