A one-size-fits-all reuse mandate under the EUโs packaging rules risks overlooking real-world logistics and sustainability. Independent studies show recyclable single-use solutions deliver better outcomes for the climate and the economy.
Europeโs young entrepreneurs are struggling with complex, unnecessary bureaucracy. Startups need simplified systems.
The changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European Union, 20…
AI Chamber launches an ambitious regional AI Action Plan to boost AI innovation, unlock โฌ100B in growth, and position CEE as Europe’s AI hub.
AI Chamber launches an ambitious regional AI Action Plan to boost AI innovation, unlock โฌ100B in growth, and position CEE as Europe’s AI hub.
The region has long been a leader in aviation. However, the sectorโs future position hangs in the balance โ it is time to invest in research and innovation or risk falling behind.
Problematic checks on fresh produce effectively delayed indefinitely.
The EUโs Omnibus initiative has sparked heated debate on achieving a sustainability – competitiveness balance. MEP Kira Marie Peter-Hansen describes its legislative process as โa messโ.
The proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European …
Proposed changes to the GDPR, it is feared, could open a Pandora’s box of EU tech lobbying.
The proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European …
The transformative power of digital commerce in the European Union isn’t just about numbers — it’s about businesses seizing real opportunities. During my recent trip to the EU, I was struck by the success stories of EU small- and medium-sized enterpri…
Europeโs climate and industrial policies are inextricably linked โ cities are at the heart of bothย
Many of France’s 170,000 SMEs are reliant on US exports โ but some saw a trade war coming and are rapidly adapting.
The EU wants to be able to protect itself, alone, from a potential attack from 2030, but defence SMEs have faced challenges to access financing for years.
Empowering Europeโs tech SMEs is essential for digital sovereignty. Nicole Verbeeck talks EuroStacks with Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary-General of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance.
The government’s rivals are circling after tax hikes burned the bridges that Rachel Reeves had painstakingly built before the election.
The bloc’s 27 leaders will meet on March 20 to discuss competitiveness and economy.
SEP licensing should fuel innovation, not create barriers. With reform stalled, SMEs face unpredictable costs and legal risks that weaken Europeโs global standing in IoT and emerging tech. The time for solutions is now.
Many businesses would be exempt from complying with sustainability reporting under the hotly anticipated omnibus proposal.
The insurance industry can play a pivotal role in addressing the issue of the protection gap, which refers to the gap between the insured losses and the real economic impact of climate disasters.
As Europe navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, its industries and regional economies face unprecedented challenges. At Cerame-Unie, we are advocating for an inclusive industrial policy that supports all energy-intensive sectors, includi…
SNEAK PEEK โ The EU plans to raise the American pushback against tech law with the U.S., said tech boss Henna Virkkunen. She also promised a more โinnovation-friendlyโ AI regulatory framework. โ Rolling out AI should mean talking to workers and helping them gain new skills, said EESC president Oliver Rรถpke. Failing to get it [โฆ]
Proposed EU rules could see almost 100% of solid fuel local space heaters disappear from the European market, destroying European jobs, growth and competitiveness, warns CEFACD
New safety regulations have led SMEs to stop sales to bloc and Northern Ireland while they work out how to complySmall businesses are warning they have had to pause selling their products in the European Union and Northern Ireland since mid-December wh…
Most of the worldโs 570 million farms are smallholdings (84%) with land less than two hectares in size.ย Nearly two billion people depend on these farmers for food.ย
The post Rural prosperity transcends wealth, say Europeโs farmers appeared first on Eur…
Europeโs 2500 SMEs specialising in niche military technologies are collectively struggling with an equity and debt financing gap of up to โฌ4 billion.
The post Europe’s defence sector needs deeper private equity pockets for frontline capability ap…
Europeโs 2500 SMEs specialising in niche military technologies are collectively struggling with an equity and debt financing gap of up to โฌ4 billion.
The post Europe’s defence sector needs deeper private equity pockets for frontline capability ap…
The key to unlocking Europeโs potential lies in harnessing new technology to revitalise the economy, and in empowering citizens and SMEs.
The post Europe’s Competitive Future: Innovation, Investment, and Empowerment appeared first on Euractiv.
Henna Virkkunen, EU Commission Executive Vice-President, has announced the investment of โฌ750 million in seven supercomputers to propel the AI capacity of European industry.
The post Europe can have its own Silicon Valley, with digital SMEs at its hear…
The rapid rise of AI presents an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, but only if leaders act now to close persistent skills gaps in the workforce.
The cosmetics and personal care industry is a significant contributor to the EU economy. This report examines innovation and sustainability in the sector, discusses regulatory complexities, and considers the role of SMEs in the industry’s broader lands…
This Special Report focuses on the evolving digital landscape and highlights the needs and expectations of SMEs as the new mandate begins. Commissioner Henna Virkkunen is tasked with the EU Cloud and AI Development Act, a new Digital Networks Act, and …
The DIGITAL SME Summit on 10 December will explore how SMEs can deliver it.
โOne of our first steps in the new mandate will be a new omnibus legislationโ to cut rule overlaps, von der Leyen said.
EU SMEs well behind on digitalisation, Eurostat report finds
With competitiveness lagging, the EU must take urgent, decisive action to reignite the regionโs economy
The EUโs Standard-Essential Patent (SEP) proposal aims to streamline licensing but critics warn it could stifle innovation, weaken R&D incentives, and complicate involvement for SMEs.
Europe’s competition enforcers are alarmed by talk of changing merger rules to allow big firms in key industries.
European SMEs should embrace digitalisation and platforms to boost the bloc’s competitiveness, writes Peter Lochbihler.
โWe have not yet reached the 25% cut […] but now for SMEs, the goal post has already moved to 35%,โ DG Grow
Finlandโs Henna Virkkunen has been appointed as the European Commission’s next executive vice-president for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, signalling a shift in EU digital policy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced…
GovTech has the potential to enhance public services but faces challenges like complex regulations and lack of awareness. In addition to EU-led projects such as SPIN4EIC, GovTech Connect and PSTW, such issues can be addressed by a unified EU platform f…
The EU today (25 July) concluded negotiations with Singapore on a new Digital Trade Agreement designed to increase online trade, help SMEs with digital transformation and facilitate data flows.
For Europe and the world to meet their emission reduction targets, SMEs must be placed at the forefront and be supported to better measure their sustainability impacts.
A more right-wing European Parliament could mean fewer regulatory initiatives in the area of tech, a weakened push for market integration, but more support for defence tech, according to party manifestos and an interview with an expert.
With the next European mandate fast approaching, new research shows how digital tools โ such as e-invoicing โ are poised to unlock a new era of productivity and competitiveness for Europeโs SMEs.
Former Italian PM Enrico Letta’s new report on the future of the single market calls for an urgent upscaling of Europeโs competitiveness. Opening a Euractiv debate, Letta emphasised the need for speed, security, and solidarity.
The EU is a significant player in the global leather market, with a diverse range of products and industrial processes within its leather industry, but how are Europe’s tanneries improving safety while focusing on sustainability?
As elections near, industry bosses argue the EU needs to create the right conditions to build a competitive green economy.
Markus Pieper resigned hours before his first day as the EU’s SME envoy.
Commission’s top level tussle is a sign that political tensions are flaring ahead of European elections in June.
Itโs time to wake up to the value of modern British management consultancy.
Trade groups fear new inspection fees will push up inflation and lead to less consumer choice.
SNEAK PEEK โ Labour gets thinking on Buy Now, Pay Later regulation. โ Fintechs argue fraud payments legislation is unsuited to their needs. โ FCA looks into treatment of vulnerable customers. Good morning readers! We hope you had a lovely weekend. To ease you into what will likely be yet another grey morning, weโve got [โฆ]
London risks getting caught up in Washingtonโs burgeoning battle with China over the app.
SNEAK PEEK โ Labour peer criticizes own partyโs efforts on DWP snooping bill. โ Hunt and Martin Lewis at odds over budget leaks. โ Insurers finally extend flammable cladding home cover.ย Happy Thursday! Weโre all so close to the end of the week but there are still plenty of financial services goodies to get through [โฆ]
Last year, European consumers and businesses lost โฌ30 billion to hidden international payment fees. The Payment Services Regulation has to close the loopholes that have enabled these fees.
SNEAK PEEK โ Budget expectations, from National Insurance cuts to inheritance tax latest. โ Bank capital treatment of SMEs might scupper retail-heavy budget plans. โ FCA investigates banksโ loans to small businesses amid โsuper complaint.โ Good morning โฆ ITโS BUDGET DAY! POLITICO reporters have been running around like headless chickens trying to get the goss. [โฆ]
What two decades of progress in medicine development tells us about the next 20 years.
SNEAK PEEK โย Wednesdayโs budget looms and weโve got the details. โย Bank of England told to clamp down on excessive compliance breaches. โย Change of rules to allow fractional shares in ISAs set for delay. Good morning readers! We probably donโt need to remind you that itโs budget week this week. Itโs going to be [โฆ]
SNEAK PEEK โย Geffen report on securities settlementย reforms imminent. โย Investors pour cold water on Huntโs GB ISA plans. โย Car loan redress will have โnegligible impactโ on most major banks. Good morning! Welcome to Friday โ we made it, everyone.ย To help you, dear readers, to the weekend we have plenty of great gear, including a report [โฆ]
SNEAK PEEK โย Treasury Committee launches probe into effectiveness of Russian sanctions. โ Banks criticized for debanking SMEs while keeping fraudsters on the books. โ City minister piles pressure on PRA over bank capital reforms. Good morning and happy leap day! Itโs Thursday and you all know what that meansโฆ.this is the second last MFS [โฆ]
SNEAK PEEK โย Industry criticizes FCA plans to name firms under investigation. โ Lenders โdebankingโ SMEs en masse, committee finds. โ U.K. fiscal policies donโt match economic situation, claims economist. Good morning! Wowee, what a hectic day Tuesday was in the world of financial services.ย Iโve barely recovered from the many committee hearings, conferences and consultations [โฆ]
SNEAK PEEK โย Rachel Reeves schmoozes City bigwigs at London reception. โ Defense sector fights back against debanking. โ Bank of England hosts talking shop on handling risks to the financial system. Good morning! Welcome to week two of the MFS U.K. newsletter โ we made it! We hope you are enjoying it thus far, [โฆ]
Standard Essential Patents keep our digital world connected, but SEP regulation is currently a contentious debate in Europe. Christoph Schwaiger spoke with Prof. Joachim Henkel to understand what the European Commission’s proposals to regulate SEPs mea…
Lenders on either side of the Atlantic have been campaigning hard against incoming standards
The controversial appointment of German CDU MEP Markus Pieper as the new EU envoy for small and medium-sized enterprises has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The European Union faces a looming threat to its (SMEs) due to the complexities of standard essential patent licensing. SMEs struggle with opaque negotiations, unfair pricing, and the risk of market exclusion. The proposed regulation promise transparen…
The authors regularly advise the automotive and IT/tech industry. The views expressed in this article are personal. As things stand now, European manufacturers are at a disadvantage, as patent owners from around the world can exclude devices that implement standards from the market unless manufacturers give in to their royalty demands. The proposed EU SEP [โฆ]
Anticompetitive tech licensing tactics create a โDavid and Goliathโ power imbalance in the world of standard-essential patents โ but the proposed SEP Regulation can benefit EU economy, innovation and SMEs.
5G-connected technologies must be deployed at scale and at speed to improve lives, drive growth and compete with China and the U.S.
Tara
Van Ho, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Essex
Photo credit: Infrogmation
of New Orleans, via Wikimedia
commons
The European Unionโs Council and
Parliament have agreed to a provisional text for a new directive that …
The European Investment Fund (EIF) launches โฌ175 billion fund named Defence Equity Facility to boost defence innovation around the bloc, it announced on Friday (12 January).
The EU’s proposed rules on late payments will deprive SMEs of the flexibility they require from their business partners, argues Alena Mastantuono.
From technological dependency to a lack of skills, Europe’s digital SMEs face an uphill challenge in driving the EU’s digital sovereignty agenda.
It would be irresponsible for the EU to cast aside regulation of European foundation model developers. To support its SMEs and ensure AI works for people and society, the EU must create rules for these companies in the AI Act,…
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance’s summit, which took place on Monday (14 November) in Brussels, aimed to bring together smaller technology companies to connect them with each other and EU lawmakers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the digitalisat…
Smaller technology companies are Europeโs โhidden championsโ that need to be connected to develop alternative solutions to the big tech companies, Secretary General of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance Sebastiano Toffaletti told Euractiv. For Toffalett…
As political leaders gather this week in Spain for the European SME Week, new research suggests that digitalising SMEs could unlock EUR 638 billion for the EU’s economy.
Europe needs a new vision how to close the gap with its digital competitors. The DIGITAL SME Summit will demonstrate that this vision can only begin by putting SMEs, the majority of Europeโs industrial base, at the centre of all actions.
SNEAK PEEK โ Russia withdrew from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe: NATO announced the suspension of the agreement in response. โ Britain and Canada push back against a bill to fund the U.S. government next year, saying it would seriously harm maritime defense cooperation between the three allies. โ Europe undermined hopes [โฆ]
In this episode of Business Planet, we speak to the co-founders of Pepper Vally, an innovative textiles company near Athens, which is reaping the rewards of an EU-funded support network helping SMEs step up to the next level and expand abroad.
SNEAK PEEK โ The European Space Agency will hold a meeting today in Spain, to discuss the long-delayed Ariane 6 rocket system. โ France is muscling into new defense contracts in countries Russia considers its sphere of influence. โ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired his special operations forces commander without explanation. Goodย morning, and welcomeย toย Morningย Defense. Tips [โฆ]
Plus, voters growing disillusionment with political partiesโ handling of Brexit
SNEAK PEEK โ As EU leaders meet again today, Viktor Orbรกn is still refusing to free more cash for military aid to Kyiv. โ Ammunition: Beyond the pace of production, the next biggest issue is cost. โ In Ukraine, the future of warfare is a $400 drone killing a $2 million tank. Good morning, and [โฆ]
Why the 2024 vote is set to be the most contentious in EU history โ and the power of cohesion policy to unite.
SNEAK PEEK โ The former chief of Estoniaโs defense forces, now an MEP, is working on how to help Europeโs defense industry. โ France wants its security and defense think tanks to become more influential. โ Germany wants to make its armed forces more attractive for women amid recruitment challenges. Good morning, and welcomeย to Morning [โฆ]
SNEAK PEEK โ David Petraeus, ex-CIA director and four-star general who led coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, warns of carnage should Israel launch a ground invasion into Gaza. โย Russia revoked ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, raising the specter of renewed nuclear testing. โ The European Commission opened applications for funding under [โฆ]
MEPs boost the 2024 EU budget to tackle the fallout from Russiaโs war against Ukraine, support SMEs, young people and research, and bolster the EUโs strategic autonomy.Committee on Budgets Source : ยฉ European Union, 2023 – EP
Without a packaging legislation that is supportive of reuse, refill and recycling as complementary solutions, industry faces major difficulties in meeting its circularity obligations, and the future of currently-effective recycling systems could be seriously compromised.
The EU wants to steer drug development to cover research gaps, but industry hates the idea.
The European Commission’s vital support for SMEs must extend to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Mandating immediate reuse could financially overburden many SMEs. A flexible approach is essential for both environmental goals and SME viabil…
Brussels plan aimed at aiding SMEs will also lead businesses to source more goods from China, say industry groups
French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are ready fight climate change as long as there is no โregulatory tsunamiโ, the French Federation of SMEs warned ahead of introduction of the EUโs new extra-financial reporting requirements.
The draft Law on Fiscal Budgetary Measures, which foresees several tax increases and the elimination of certain tax benefits to ensure Romaniaโs long-term fiscal sustainability, was published by the Finance Ministry on Tuesday. Romania is currently und…
Berlin seeks to shield some of its smaller companies from EU sustainability obligations
The European Commission presented proposals to ease bureaucratic requirements for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) on Tuesday (12 September), but business representatives criticised the vague nature of the package. The SME relief package was in…
The European Commission revealed on Tuesday a new recovery package for Europeโs small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as revised EU corporate taxation rules.
As part of its โSME Relief Packageโ, the European Commission presented on Tuesday (12 September) a regulation to combat late payments between businesses, replacing an older EU directive that had proven to be ineffective.
