Events to look out for
Reminder: Information & Networking event LIFE 2017 call for project proposals, 31 May - Brussels, Belgium. Info day about funding opportunities for green technology, nature conservation and climate projects under the EU's LIFE programme. The sessions will be web-streamed and the links will be available on the day.
Funding available
Investment Plan for Europe: EUR 50 million for SMEs in Czech Republic. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Československá obchodní banka (CSOB), have signed a guarantee agreement that will allow CSOB to provide EUR 50 million of loans to innovative companies in the Czech Republic.
Investment Plan for Europe unlocks EUR 177 million in financing for Romanian SMEs. The EIF and Raiffeisen Bank, have signed a COSME agreement that will allow the Bank to provide RON 800,000,000 (ca. EUR 177m) in loans to small and medium-sized Romanian businesses. Around 2,000 Romanian SMEs are expected to benefit from these loans.
EU policies for better business
European Commission imposes anti-dumping duties on more Chinese steel products. The European Commission published last week definitive anti-dumping measures for a new type of steel products originating in China. The latest investigation confirmed the preliminary findings that the Chinese seamless pipes had been sold in Europe at dumped prices. Chinese exports will now be taxed with an extra duty ranging from 29.2% to 54.9%.
Get involved
Interim evaluation of the programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (COSME). The European Commission has launched a public consultation as part of the interim evaluation of the COSME programme. SMEs, stakeholders and public authorities are invited to fill in the questionnaire.
EU Company law upgraded: rules on digital solutions and efficient cross-border operations. The European Commission just launched a public consultation on how to improve EU company law. The consultation will be open until 6 August 2017.
EUREKA Eurostars-2 next deadline for applications and webinar. A joint programme between EUREKA and the European Commission, Eurostars-2 supports international innovative projects led by research and development-performing small businesses. The new call for applications is open until 14 September. A webinar for interested companies takes place 13 June.