Events to look out for
Professional services: How does regulation matter? – 9 November 2017, Brussels (BE). This conference will focus on the lessons learned from the mutual evaluation of regulated professions (2014-2016). The conference will be webstreamed in English, French and German.
Forum: Eco-innovation for air quality – 5-6 February 2018, Sofia (BG). The Forum will examine eco-innovative solutions for improving air quality. It will bring together companies and public authorities that have already succeeded in developing and deploying effective new technologies, or innovative business and governance models, with those who are looking for such solutions and practices.
Funding available
Investment boost in Romania: circular economy project under Juncker Plan, three agreements under SME Initiative. Last week the European Investment Fund (EIF) signed three new SME Initiative guarantee transactions with BRD-Groupe Société Générale, with ING Bank (Bucharest Branch) and Libra Internet Bank acting as partners. The agreements aim to facilitate access to finance for Romanian small companies by providing a 60% guarantee on each loan and by lowering the interest rates charged by banks. These transactions are expected to benefit around 300 SMEs and start-ups in need of finance.
EU policies for better business
Car industry: report shows the way for a competitive and sustainable future. The High Level Group "GEAR 2030" has issued its report for a globally competitive and sustainably growing automotive sector, last week. Jointly, public and private sector representatives brought together by the European Commission recommend that the car industry invests in clean, zero emissions vehicles and connected and automated driving.
Investment in the EU Member States: An Analysis of Drivers and Barriers. Read the new paper from the European Commission on investment barriers and drivers in the EU.
Get involved
Public consultation on REACH nanomaterials. The European Commission is asking for contributions to the open public consultation on REACH annexes for registration of nanomaterials. Have your say until 6 November 2017.