Events to look out for
COSME Info Day – 11 June, Brussels (BE). Next 11 June, the EU’s Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises will host an info day on upcoming calls for proposals within the COSME programme. At this one-day event participants will learn more about how to prepare a proposal, key financial aspects, available support services and more. Attendance is limited and requires registration. The event will also be web-streamed.
Creating value together: Towards business partnerships between social economy and traditional enterprises – 3-4 July, Brussels (BE). This conference on business partnerships between social economy and traditional enterprises will feature a high-level panel discussion, 15 interactive workshops and matchmaking opportunities.
Funds available
EUR 200 million for Portuguese businesses. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) have signed a new guarantee agreement on a portfolio of loans of EUR 200 million to improve access to finance for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal. CGD will now provide loans on favourable terms with to an expected 1,250 innovative SMEs and small mid-caps for the next two years.
Increased support for SMEs in Serbia. Last week, UniCredit Bank Serbia expanded cooperation with the European Investment Fund by signing a new agreement. This new agreement will allow additional financing worth EUR 130 million for Serbian SMEs. Together with the initially signed portfolio in May last year of EUR 100 million, SMEs across Serbia will now have access to a total of EUR 230 million aimed at improving access to finnace. Thanks to this, UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC will offer new loans to SMEs with substantially reduced collateral requirements across the country.
EU policies for better business
New EU data protection rules apply as of 25 May 2018. The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims to help citizens and businesses take control of their personal data through several key rights. Learn more about what changes for businesses and how to remain compliant.
New rules for organic food production. Last week, the EU adopted a new regulation providing updated rules for organic farming. The new rules will help boost the modernisation of the sector and will harmonise rules covering organic production both within the European Union and in non-EU countries. Learn more in this factsheet.
Alcoholic drinks: European Commission tables update of rules governing alcohol excise duties. The Commission has proposed to reshape the rules governing excise duty on alcohol within the EU, paving the way for a better business environment and reduced costs for small alcohol-producing businesses and better protection for consumer health.
Get involved
10 years of the Enterprise Europe Network: an award for the most successful story of business support. The 2018 Enterprise Europe Network Awards are open for voting! 10 years, 10 countries and 10 SMEs: it is now up to you to help us select the best five that will compete for the official jury's final vote. Vote until 17 June at 23:59 CET.