European Parliamentary Research Service Blog
small and medium-sized enterprises
Solvency Support Instrument [EU Legislation in Progress]
In May 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal on a Solvency Support Instrument. The aim is to support otherwise viable companies in the Union that face solvency difficulties as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and to mitigate possible distortions to the single market and its level playing field. Continue reading
European Parliament Plenary Session March I 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the plenary session is limited to two days, with a revised agenda. Members will hear Council and Commission statements on the migration situation at the Greek-Turkish border, and the EU response, where weaknesses in the Dublin system of international protection applications are likely once again to come to the fore. Continue reading
Implementation of macro-regional strategies
While each macro-regional strategy is unique in terms of the countries it brings together and the scope of its policies, they all share the same common aim: to ensure a coordinated approach to issues that are best tackled together. Continue reading
Economic and Budgetary Outlook for the European Union 2020
Growth in the European Union and euro-area economies – albeit still positive – slowed significantly in 2019. Moreover, prospects for the next two years remain muted, against the backdrop of a generalised slowdown. Continue reading
Economic and Budgetary Outlook for the European Union 2019
This EPRS study, the third in an annual series, provides an overview of the economic and budgetary situation in the EU and beyond. It summarises the main economic indicators in the Union and euro area, and their two-year trends. Continue reading
Enabling SMEs’ access to capital markets [EU Legislation in Progress]
Making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access financing through public markets lies at the heart of the capital markets union – the plan to mobilise capital in Europe. Continue reading
Supporting the single market beyond 2020 [EU Legislation in Progress]
For the next long-term EU budget framework (2021-2027), the Commission is proposing a new, dedicated €4 billion programme aimed at empowering and protecting consumers, and enabling Europe’s many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take better advantage of a well-functioning single market. Continue reading
Crowdfunding in Europe: Introduction and state of play
Written by Angelos Delivorias, Crowdfunding is a relatively ‘young’ form of financing – especially for SMEs and start-ups, but also for not-for-profit projects – that is developing fast in Europe. While researchers point out its benefits, among them the fact that project owners have greater control, and financial risk is spread among a larger number … Continue reading
Financial instruments in cohesion policy
Written by Agnieszka Widuto, The use of financial instruments in cohesion policy is increasing, as they are considered a resource-efficient way of using public funding. They provide support for investment in the form of loans, guarantees, equity and other risk-sharing mechanisms. In the 2014-2020 programming period, financial instruments can be applied in all thematic areas … Continue reading
Barriers to SME growth in Europe
Written by Marcin Szczepański, Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent 99% of all businesses in the EU, play a pivotal role in its economy. Nevertheless, in comparison to larger firms, they often face significant obstacles – internal, administrative and financial – which affect them disproportionately. SMEs have been affected negatively by the economic crisis, … Continue reading
EPRS and OPEN DAYS – open for business
Written by Christiaan van Lierop Attracting some 6 000 participants from across Europe, the four day OPEN DAYS event is Europe’s largest annual get-together of regional movers and shakers. Launched in 2003, the event has grown to become the EU’s leading networking platform for experts in local and regional development. But it’s about much more than … Continue reading
Eurostars-2: support to research-performing SMEs
6 language versions available in PDF format Eurostars 2: Unterstützung für forschungstreibende KMU Eurostars-2: apoyo a las PYME que realizan actividades de investigación Eurostars-2: soutien aux PME actives dans la recherche Eurostars-2: sostegno alle PMI che effettuano attività di ricerca Eurostars-2: wsparcie dla MŚP prowadzących badania Eurostars-2: support to research-performing SMEs The Commission proposes to … Continue reading
Towards an EU industrial policy for space
The European space industry occupies a strategic niche in the EU economy. The development of a new EU space industrial policy can support innovation and efficiency in the space industry, while creating new opportunities for jobs and growth in other parts of the economy. An effective regulatory framework can foster new markets in commercial spaceflight … Continue reading
Women’s entrepreneurship in the EU
Female entrepreneurship is important to the European Union (EU) for both gender equality and economic growth. Yet, while women are catching up on labour markets, the gender gap in entrepreneurship is still wide. In 2012, women made up only 31% of self-employed European citizens, and only 10% of working women are self-employed. Entrepreneurship appears to … Continue reading
A picture of the EU car industry
French language version available in PDF format L’industrie automobile européenne 2012 was a tough year for the EU car industry. The chief of one major car-maker said that the industry as a whole probably lost €5 billion in Europe in 2012 and that a solution had to be found to achieve profits. The perennial problem … Continue reading
Improving SMEs’ access to finance
6 language versions available in PDF format Verbesserung des Zugangs zu Finanzmitteln für KMU Mejorar el acceso a financiación de las PYME Faciliter l’accès des PME au financement Migliorare l’accesso delle PMI ai finanziamenti Ułatwianie dostępu małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw do źródeł finansowania Improving SMEs’ access to finance SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are important … Continue reading
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