Events to look out for
Copernicus Training and Information session – 19 September, Reykjavík (IS). The event aims to promote awareness of the many uses of Copernicus data and information. Participants will have the opportunity to receive hands-on demonstrations and basic training regarding Copernicus’ potential uses and applications, both generally and amongst specific business sectors.
Funds available
EU budget: European Commission proposes a new fund to invest in the maritime economy and support fishing communities. For the next long-term EU budget for the period of 2021-2027, the Commission is proposing €6.14 billion under a simpler, more flexible fund for European fisheries and the maritime economy.
Norway: Kjeller Innovation launches new technology fund. Kjeller Innovation, Oslo-based organisation funding deep-tech research, has launched a new Technology Transfer fund to invest in sustainable technology and deep-tech innovations generated from research institutes and universities in the Greater Oslo Region. The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed to invest EUR 20 million, and other like-minded investors are now invited to join.
Poland: 18,000 businesses to benefit from increased financial support. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) are doubling their support for loans to a total of PLN 4 bilion (c. EUR 950 million) for over 18,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs across Poland. This new agreement will allow banks cooperating with BGK to provide loans with substantially reduced collateral requirements.
EU policies for better business
Dual quality of food: new common testing methodology. The European Commission released a new common methodology to allow national consumer authorities to compare the quality of food products sold with similar packaging across the EU.
Get involved
Call to innovators: EUR 10 million prize to develop low-cost space launches. The European Commission opened a competition to develop a European low-cost space launch. The prize will award EUR 10 million to an innovative, commercially viable and low-cost solution to launch light satellites. The prize will be awarded to the contestant(s) who provide the best technical and sustainable low-cost launch services for light satellites. The deadline for application is 1 June 2021.
Have your say: European Commission consults fishermen, industry and society for fishing opportunities in 2019. The Commission has launched the process of consultation on the fishing opportunities for 2019. Via a public consultation, the Commission will consult Member States and Advisory Councils, which include the fishing industry, non-governmental organisations, and interested citizens.
Construction: help shape the content on the European Construction Sector Observatory by taking five minutes to respond to this survey.