Training opportunities
Luxembourg Intellectual Property Day, 26 April 2017, Luxembourg. If you are interested in intellectual property in the context of 3D printing and blockchain technologies and, more generally, IP support for start-ups and SMEs, this event is for you. Participation is free of charge. The deadline for registration is 24 April 2017.
Webinar: IP Commercialisation and Licensing, 5 May 2017. This European IPR Helpdesk webinar will provide an overview of key aspects in the field of intellectual property licensing, including negotiation tips and legal traps. It is free of charge.
Virtual classroom sessions on technology commercialisation, starting from 8 May 2017. These courses, based on ip4inno training modules, are designed for companies, business advisors and technology transfer offices. The programme comprises five sessions of one hour over a four-week period. The deadline for registration is 28 April 2017.
Funding available
Investment Plan for Europe: EIB Group and Commerzbank join forces to provide additional lending to SMEs and Mid-Caps. The EIB Group has provided a mezzanine tranche guarantee of around EUR 90m to Commerzbank AG on a EUR 1.5bn portfolio of European corporate loans. The guarantee will enable Commerzbank to provide further lending of several hundred million euros to SMEs and mid-caps mainly in Germany.
EU policies for better business
Imports of organic products subject to new EU electronic certification system. A new system of electronic certification to better monitor imports of organic products became applicable on 19 April. This pioneering e-certification system will reduce the administrative burden for businesses and authorities and contribute to better food safety and reducing fraud. It makes the EU a global leader in traceability and in the collection of reliable trade data on these products.
Western Mediterranean: actions for the sustainable development of the blue economy. This initiative will allow EU and neighbouring countries to work together to increase maritime safety and security, promote sustainable blue growth and jobs, and preserve ecosystems and biodiversity. The region covers economic hubs like Barcelona, Marseille, Naples, Tunis as well as tourist destinations like the Balearic Islands, Sicily and Corsica.
Have your say
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on how excise duties are applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages. EU excise duty rules for alcohol aim to prevent trade distortions in the Single Market, ensure fair competition between businesses, and reduce administrative burden for businesses. The consultation will run until 7 July 2017. Have your say.
On the agenda
eHealth week 2017, 10 - 12 May 2017, Malta. eHealth week 2017 will gather stakeholders from across the globe to address international hot topics related to healthcare IT around the theme Data for Health: the key to personalised sustainable care.
EU Green Week 2017, 29 May - 2 June 2017, Malta, Belgium, Germany. EU Green Week is your annual opportunity to debate and discuss European environmental policy with the focus on how EU environmental policies are creating green jobs and contributing to economic, sustainable and socially responsible growth in the EU.