European Commission

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Position paper from the European Clusters Alliance: Recommendations for the update of the EU Industrial Strategy

In March 2020, the European Commission published a new strategy to support Europe‘s industry in the green and digital transition and increase the resilience of European ecosystems. The COVID-19 crisis has since presented numerous challenges for society and industry in Europe, however. It has...
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Interview with Anoushka Janssens from SOLVIT

Unfair rules or decisions and discriminatory red tape can make it hard for companies in the European Union (EU) to do business in another EU country. Such issues are a particular problem for small and medium sized enterprises, which may not have the regulatory knowledge and experience or the...
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LIFE Programme: EU invests €121 million in environment, nature and climate action projects

The European Commission has announced an investment of €121 million for new integrated projects under the LIFE programme for the environment and climate action. This funding – which has increased by 20% compared to last year – will promote the green recovery and help Belgium, Germany, Ireland...
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Commission sets course for an open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy

The European Commission has set out its trade strategy for the coming years. Reflecting on the concept of open strategic autonomy, it builds on the EU's openness to contribute to the economic recovery through support for the green and digital transformations, as well as renewed focus on...
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Southern Neighbourhood: EU proposes new Agenda for the Mediterranean

To relaunch and strengthen the strategic partnership between the European Union and its Southern Neighbourhood partners, the European Commission and the High Representative have adopted a joint communication proposing an ambitious and innovative new Agenda for the Mediterranean. The new Agenda is...
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European Commission successfully places first EU SURE bond in 2021

The European Commission has issued a €14 billion social bond under the EU SURE instrument to help protect jobs and people in work. The issuing consisted of two bonds, with €10 billion due for repayment in June 2028 and €4 billion due for repayment in November 2050. There was high demand among...
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EU Coronavirus Response Webpage for Industry and SMEs

Find here the European Commission’s economic response to the coronavirus outbreak, ensuring the exchange of essential protective equipment on the internal market, increasing production of medical products as well as by helping affected industries in the mitigation of the effects. The Coronavirus...
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Survey: European semiconductor value chain consultation

Background Semiconductors are essential to the functioning of our modern economy and society. Within the past years, the Union has witnessed unprecedented disruptions in their supply, which have led to serious delays and other negative effects on important economic sectors, including delays to the...
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Enterprise Europe Network Access to Finance Training Recap

On 18 and 19 November, the European Commission organised a training session for cluster organisations on EU Funding Programmes and Financial Instruments. The first day included presentations on key EU funding opportunities such as Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Council and the PARSEC...
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Commission welcomes approval of Recovery and Resilience Facility

The European Commission has welcomed the European Parliament's vote confirming the political agreement reached on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation in December 2020. This marks an important step as part of €672.5 billion in loans and grants which will be made available to Member...
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European Commission adopts Action Plan on Intellectual Property

The European Commission has published a new Action Plan on Intellectual Property to help companies, especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), make the most of their inventions and creations. Intellectual property (IP) is a key driver for economic growth as it helps companies to valorise...
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European Commission proposes 55% cut in emissions by 2030

The European Commission has revealed plans to reduce European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The announcement comes after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech, in which she made the pledge, and accelaerates the...