Events to look out for
Webinars: Public procurement of innovative solutions and innovative financing for energy efficiency investments, 22 March. If you want to find out more, hear about success stories and learn how you can apply for funding, register for one, or more, of the webinars on 22 March 2017.
The Digital Single Market: How does it benefit consumers? 21 March, St Julian's, Malta. The event will bring together consumers, policy-makers and IT experts to weigh in on the issues affecting digital consumers and to shape the European dialogue about the Digital Single Market.
EU Digital Day – 23 March, Rome, IT. The event is the digital part of the official celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. It will discuss industrial competitiveness with policy-makers, entrepreneurs, scientists and academics.
Funding available
Investment Plan for Europe unlocks EUR 26 million for Italian SMEs. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Confidi Systema! have signed an agreement backed by the EU's research and innovation programme Horizon 2020. It will provide EUR 26 million in financing to innovative Italian small businesses and mid-caps over the next two years.
EIB and ING sign Benelux loan facility for small and medium-sized enterprises. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is making EUR 350 million available for investment by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. For businesses in these countries the EIB’s involvement means that they benefit from a lower interest rate.
EU policies for better business
Labelling of alcoholic beverages: European Commission report invites the industry to submit a self-regulatory proposal. The European Commission is inviting the alcoholic beverages' industry to develop a self-regulatory proposal aiming to provide information on ingredients and nutrition of all alcoholic beverages.
How do EU rules apply to the Collaborative Economy? Find more about EU rules and policy recommendations to help businesses fully benefit from the new business models and promote the balanced development of the collaborative economy.
Simpler rules and more support for fruit and vegetable producers. European fruit and vegetable producer organisations will benefit from simpler rules, reduced administrative burden and greater financial support in times of crisis thanks to new rules adopted last week by the European Commission.
Get involved
Public consultation on Smart Specialisation: a fresh approach to European growth and jobs through regional innovation strategies. The European Commission is collecting views and suggestions for the further development of research and innovation driven growth through "Smart specialisation strategies". Businesses of any sector are invited to answer the consultation until 24 March 2017.