Events to look out for
Upcoming business missions to Japan in 2018. The EU Gateway initiative is organising several business missions to Japan in several industry sectors. Applications are open now.
Virtual information day on the 2017 CEF Transport call - Single European Sky – 19 October, 10.00-12.45 CET. The information day targets applicants of the 2017 CEF Transport call – priority 'Single European Sky – SESAR'. The event will cover priorities and particularities of the call, evaluation and award process, as well as tips on how to prepare the cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis and how to submit a successful proposal. Two interactive Q&A sessions will take place.
Funding available
Investment Plan for Europe: EUR 600 million for French innovative businesses. The EIF and Bpifrance have stepped up their efforts in support of innovation for French businesses. This third guarantee agreement in three years is backed by the Investment Plan for Europe (commonly known as the Juncker Plan). A new envelope worth EUR 600 million will be made available over the next two years in addition to the close to EUR 800 million that has already been granted since 2015.
EIF and Banca Comerciala Romana Chisinau sign Moldovan InnovFin transaction. The EIF and Banca Comerciala Romana Chisinau (BCRC) signed an agreement that will benefit innovative Moldovan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps. The agreement will enable BCRC to provide loans to innovative companies over the next two years with the support of a guarantee provided by the EIF and backed by Horizon 2020.
EU policies for better business
Fair Taxation: Commission welcomes new rules to resolve tax disputes. Last week, EU Member States gave formal green light for new rules to better resolve tax disputes. The decision taken by EU finance ministers will ensure that businesses and citizens can resolve disputes related to the interpretation of tax treaties more swiftly and effectively. It will also cover issues related to double taxation - a major obstacle for businesses, creating uncertainty, unnecessary costs and cash-flow problems.
Get involded
Watify Solution Award – could you be the 2017 winner? The Watify initiative is looking for the next innovative small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that, through the adoption of digital or key enabling technologies, is an inspiring example of ground-breaking European industry. Applications are open until 24 October 2017.
Targeted consultation on the draft Guidance on Public Procurement of Innovation. The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation to collect feedback from stakeholders on how to stimulate innovation through the procurement of goods and services. The guidance addresses calls from many contracting authorities that are unsure why and how to do public procurement of innovation. It is meant to highlight public procurement of innovation in a simple, clear and user-friendly way.