SMEs Guides

Doing business in Poland: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 03 April 2012, 12:04 CET

This guide outlines the social rules in Poland and the legislation that regulates workers' rights and employers' obligations.

Doing business in Poland: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 03 April 2012, 12:05 CET

According to the Polish Constitution, the state has to protect the environment, guided by the principle of sustainable development. In order to contribute to this goal, businesses have to comply by certain sustainability standards.

Doing business in Poland: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 11:28 CET

This guide outlines the main legislation in Poland that guides the adherence of businesses to environmental regulations.

Doing business in Austria: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:40 CET

This guide outlines the main legislation in Austria which encourages businesses to adhere to sustainability standards.

Doing business in Austria: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:49 CET

This guide gives brief information on the legislation which directs social rules in the workplace in Austria.

Doing business in Austria: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:42 CET

At present, there is no uniform Austrian environmental code of law. Instead, the legal foundations of environmental protection are determined by various laws.

SMEs: shift to green economy underway - Eurobarometer survey by EUbusiness — last modified 28 March 2012, 00:20 CET

According to the Eurobarometer survey on "SMEs, resource efficiency and green markets" published today, 37% of EU SMEs have at least one full or part-time green employee. Green jobs are largely created in SMEs as opposed to large firms: In 2012, 1 in 8 employees of small and medium-sized firms had a green job or almost 13% of all SME jobs (in large firms it was only 1 in 33 equivalent to 3% of all large company jobs). Green jobs in SMEs are also estimated to expand dynamically with a rate of 35% in the next 2 years.

Doing business in Finland: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:50 CET

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy's Strategy and Foresight Unit coordinates equality and equal opportunities matters in Finland, as well as the Ministry's sustainable development policy.

Doing business in Finland: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:40 CET

Legislation in Finland requires businesses to take into consideration their effect on the environment and on society.

Doing business in Finland: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:41 CET

The Environmental Protection Act in Finland requires business owners to be sufficiently aware of the environmental impacts and risks associated with their operations, and also of using the best available technology for reducing harmful emissions.

Doing business in Denmark: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:50 CET

This guide summarizes the Danish legislation responsible for ensuring staff welfare.

Doing business in Denmark: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:47 CET

Danish legislation requires companies to account for their social responsibility.

Doing business in Denmark: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:39 CET

This guide outlines the most important environmental legislation in Denmark.

Doing business in the Netherlands: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:48 CET

In the Netherlands, government rules on staff welfare can be found in the Working Conditions Act, the Working Conditions Decree, the government's Health and Safety Regulations and also its Guidelines on Working Conditions, including standards.

Doing business in the Netherlands: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:42 CET

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Netherlands applies to all core business processes, from buying and production through to personnel policy and marketing.

Doing business in the Netherlands: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:37 CET

Dutch businesses must comply with specific environmental regulations, which are based on the Environmental Management Act and incorporated within general environmental rules such as the Environmental Activities Decree or environmental licensing.

Doing business in Italy: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:49 CET

This guide summarizes the main rules that regulate employers' social obligations to their workers.

Doing business in Italy: Sustainability by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:41 CET

The Italian government encourages businesses to improve environmental standards and act responsibly in this area. The government does not impose measures on sustainability but provides incentives for businesses that wish to do so.

Doing business in Italy: Environmental rules by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:42 CET

National policies on environmental legislation aim to reduce pollution and promote sustainable energy. In Italy, businesses are held responsible for the environmental impact of their activities.

Doing business in France: Staff welfare by Ina Dimireva — last modified 30 March 2012, 00:49 CET

France's labour code sets out employees' rights in relation to non-discrimination, gender equality in the workplace, health, maternity and paternity leave, harassment, etc.