Events to look out for
Financing energy efficiency in Central Europe - 27 April, Prague, CZ. This event will share best practice from across Central Europe on how energy efficiency investments can be financed. It will include discussions on the use of private funds and innovative financing instruments, especially in the building and industry sectors.
REACH 2018 and Beyond - 27-28 April, Sofia, BG. Does your company need to register chemicals for REACH 2018? Take advantage of one-to-one expert advice available at this two-day event in Sofia.
May 2017 - Business Beyond Borders helps small businesses and clusters find international business partners at African Utilities Week. The next Business Beyond Borders (BBB) event will take place in May 2017 in Cape Town (South Africa) at the biggest trade fair on the African continent, African Utility Week (AUW). This major water and power utility trade fair includes a matchmaking event to help small businesses and clusters access new international markets.
Funding available
Co-funding available for close-to-market environment and climate solutions.If your company is working on a solution that benefits the climate or the environment, you may be eligible to receive up to 60% co-financing. The European Union’s LIFE programme will soon launch a call for proposals with nearly €260 million in funding available for environment and climate projects. If you are interested in applying, don’t miss the information and networking event on 31 May in Brussels.
European Investment Bank signs Kshs 10.45 billion support for East African entrepreneurs. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two new credit lines for East-Africa. The agreement totals EUR 95 million (Kshs 10.45 billion) to be made available through Equity Bank and HFC Limited to support smaller local projects in Kenya, Tanzania, DRC and Uganda.
EU policies for better business
Access-to-finance for Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and their academic and industrial partners. Last week, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) published a new study on the funding landscape for research and technology organisations in Europe. The study identifies existing funding gaps and recommends measures to address them.
European Commission secures 10-year pledge to save Mediterranean fish stocks. Last week, the European Union (EU) countries signed the Malta MedFish4Ever Declaration. This is an important milestone in the EU’s objective to save the Mediterranean fish stock and protect the region's ecological and economic wealth. Among other objectives, the declaration aims to support sustainable small-scale fisheries and aquaculture by streamlining funding schemes for local projects.
Get involved
Informal expert group on marine knowledge. Are you an expert on marine knowledge? You can become a member of an informal group to advise the European Commission on marine observation. Learn more about this group and apply before 4 May 2017.
Public consultation on proposed projects for the list of Projects of Common Interest. Help to choose the energy infrastructure projects you would like to see happen by answering this consultation before 19 June 2017.
Expert Group: Support to Circular Economy Financing. As part of the Circular Economy Finance Support Platform, the European Commission has set up a group of experts: the Support to Circular Economy Financing Expert Group. The group aims to provide recommendations on measures to facilitate circular economy project financing in the EU. Submit your registration to be part of the expert group by 9 May 2017.