SMEs in the EU

News and information about the European Union's policies for small and medium-sized businesses.

Doing business in Lithuania: Staff welfare — 27 April 2012, 22:01 CET

This guide outlines the major social rules on staff welfare in Lithuania.

Doing business in Lithuania: Sustainability — 27 April 2012, 23:21 CET

Several legal acts in Lithuania regulate sustainable development. However, businesses can voluntariliy choose whether to undertake corporate social initiatives.

Doing business in Latvia: Sustainability — 25 April 2012, 22:22 CET

Many companies in Latvia have incorporated corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their practice and voluntarily contribute to social development and environmental protection.

A strategy for e-Procurement - guide — 26 April 2012, 16:55 CET

In the context of the modernisation of the European Public procurement Directives, adopted in December 2011, the European Commission has proposed to make e-procurement the rule rather than the exception, by making it the standard method of procurement in the EU by mid-2016.

Doing business in Latvia: Environmental rules — 24 April 2012, 14:00 CET

The guide summarizes the Latvian laws on environmental protection and how businesses should take these into consideration.

Doing business in Latvia: Staff welfare — 24 April 2012, 12:33 CET

The guide summarizes the main legislation that sets out employment and social rules in Latvia.

Doing business in Ireland: Environmental rules — 23 April 2012, 18:35 CET

Businesses in Ireland must comply with certain European and national laws to lessen their environmental footprint. The areas covered by these laws include waste management and chemicals.

Doing business in Ireland: Staff welfare — 23 April 2012, 17:26 CET

Irish employment law and practice is based on a number of sources including Irish and EU-based legislation, decisions of the courts and custom and practice in this area.

"Employment package" too shy on SMEs as job creators, warns UEAPME — 18 April 2012, 14:27 CET

The "employment package" presented by the European Commission today is spot on when it comes to addressing both the demand and supply sides of labour markets and encouraging structural reforms. However, it is too limited on the key role of small and medium-sized companies as job creators, according to UEAPME, the European craft and SME employers' organisation.

Doing business in Hungary: Sustainability — 11 April 2012, 23:12 CET

Hungarian legislation defines certain rules that businesses have to follow in order to ensure that their activities do not have adverse social and environmental impacts.

Doing business in Hungary: Environmental rules — 11 April 2012, 22:48 CET

After joining the EU, Hungary redrafted nearly all of its environmental protection legislation.

Doing business in Hungary: Staff welfare — 10 April 2012, 11:37 CET

Social legislation in Hungary ensures equal opportunities for men and women and sets health and safety standards at the workplace.

Doing business in Estonia: Sustainability — 09 April 2012, 12:38 CET

The bases for activity in the field of sustainable development of Estonia are established by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Sustainable Development Act.

Doing business in Estonia: Staff welfare — 09 April 2012, 12:29 CET

Laws in Estonia enforce equal treatment and non-discrimination in the workplace and define health and safety standards.

Doing business in Estonia: Environmental rules — 07 April 2012, 11:16 CET

In Estonia, the Environmental Charges Act provides the basis for the right to apply charges to businesses for the exploitation and pollution of natural resources.

Doing business in the Czech Republic: Environmental rules — 07 April 2012, 02:28 CET

Environment law for business in the Czech Republic is enshrined in approximately twenty acts and related provisions.

Doing business in the Czech Republic: Staff welfare — 05 April 2012, 22:44 CET

This guide outlines the social rules and employment legislation in the Czech Republic.

Doing business in Cyprus: Environmental rules — 03 April 2012, 12:43 CET

Since joining the European Union, the foundation of the environmental policies of Cyprus has been reviewed and the state now promotes sustainable development and environmental protection.

Doing business in Cyprus: Staff welfare — 03 April 2012, 12:27 CET

According to Cypriot legislation, banning all forms of discrimination with regard to employment and gender equality in terms of employees' rights and obligations in the workplace is guaranteed through relevant acts, both in employment and in vocational education.

Doing business in Poland: Staff welfare — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.