DG GROW's main COVID-19 response measures: the ECCP's COVID-19 Forum
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) has announced that it is still working to mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Commission has been tasked with many responsibilities during the COVID-19 crisis, including the increase of production of protective equipment and provision of support for the EU's tourism industry. As the lockdown measures are lifted across the European Union and the phase of recovery from the pandmic commences, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of European citizens and using all available tools to ensure the recovery of many sectors remain the top priorities. DG GROW plays an important role in this regard, within its remit. It has been contributing to the European Commission’s economic response to the outbreak, ensuring the exchange of essential protective equipment on the internal market, as well as helping affected industries mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
DG GROW's response measures for industry and single market during the COVID-19 outbreak featured eight core activities. One of the initiatives was the ECCP Industrial Clusters Response Forum which had gained a reputed recognition for serving as a facilitator for the transfer of knowledge and technology across European industrial sectors. The forum was established specifically to support cluster organisations, actors and policy-makers in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic through collaboration and exchange of experiences. Several hundred topics were discussed, among others in the field of best practices, economic effects, social aspects, supporting policies, funding opportunities and many more. The forum has meanwhile been closed for comments. However, it is still possible to follow the discussions held in the past two months and get in touch with the ECCP team through the COVID-19 Webpage. Discussion will continue soon on the new ECCP website, with improved possibilities for greater interaction. Stay tuned.
Other response measures were the publication of new public procurement guidelines, increased financial support for businesses and the dissemination of free EU standards for production and protective equipment.
To read more on how DG GROW is supporting industries across Europe, please click here. © European Union, 1995-2020.
