SMEs Guides

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Communication on Energy Prices - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 13 October 2021, 22:19 CET

The European Commission adopted on 13 October a Communication on Energy Prices, to tackle the exceptional rise in global energy prices, which is projected to last through the winter, and help Europe's people and businesses.

EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 by EUbusiness — last modified 28 June 2021, 19:21 CET

The European Commission moved to update occupational safety and health rules on 28 June by adopting the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027. This sets out the key actions needed to improve workers' health and safety over the coming years.

Future-proof taxation - proposals for new business tax agenda by EUbusiness — last modified 18 May 2021, 17:19 CET

The European Commission adopted on 18 May a Communication on Business Taxation for the 21st century to promote a robust, efficient and fair business tax system in the European Union.

Adequate minimum wages - background guide by EUbusiness — last modified 28 October 2020, 23:13 CET

The European Commission proposes on 28 October an EU Directive to ensure that the workers in the Union are protected by adequate minimum wages allowing for a decent living wherever they work.

European Skills Agenda by EUbusiness — last modified 01 July 2020, 21:25 CET

The Commission presented on 1 July the European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. It sets ambitious, quantitative objectives for upskilling (improving existing skills) and reskilling (training in new skills) to be achieved within the next 5 years.

European Industrial Strategy Package - background guide by EUbusiness — last modified 10 March 2020, 18:23 CET

The European Commission presented on 10 March a new Strategy to help Europe's industry lead the twin transitions towards climate neutrality and digital leadership.

Standards on transparency and fairness for online platforms by EUbusiness — last modified 26 April 2018, 17:27 CET

The European Commission proposed on 26 April new rules for the online platforms providing small businesses with a safety net in the digital economy.

A stronger and more competitive European retail sector by EUbusiness — last modified 19 April 2018, 23:07 CET

The EU Commission published on 19 April a set of best practices to support Member States' efforts to create a more open, integrated and competitive retail sector.

VentureEU: Pan-European Venture Capital Funds-of-Funds Programme by EUbusiness — last modified 10 April 2018, 23:16 CET

The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) launched on 10 April a Pan-European Venture Capital Funds-of-Funds programme (VentureEU) to boost investment in innovative start-up and scale-up companies across Europe.

Cross-border payments by EUbusiness — last modified 28 March 2018, 23:29 CET

The European Commission proposed on 28 March to make cross-border payments in euro cheaper across the entire EU.

VAT for small businesses and setting VAT rates - background guide by EUbusiness — last modified 18 January 2018, 17:06 CET

The European Commission proposed on 18 January new rules to give EU Member States more flexibility to set Value Added Tax (VAT) rates and to create a better tax environment to help SMEs flourish.

Cross-border parcel delivery by EUbusiness — last modified 14 December 2017, 23:02 CET

EU negotiators reached a provisional agreement on 13 December 2017 to make prices for cross-border parcel delivery services more transparent and affordable and to increase regulatory oversight of the EU parcel market.

Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement by EUbusiness — last modified 29 November 2017, 20:22 CET

The European Commission presented on 29 November 2017 measures to ensure that intellectual property rights are well protected, thereby encouraging European companies, in particular SMEs and start-ups, to invest in innovation and creativity.

Public procurement initiative by EUbusiness — last modified 04 October 2017, 14:30 CET

To strengthen the Single Market and as part of the continuous effort to stimulate investment in the EU, the European Commission has put forward an initiative to carry out procurement more efficiently and in a sustainable manner, while making full use of digital technologies to simplify and accelerate procedures.

British SMEs face uncertain funding future by EUbusiness — last modified 14 September 2017, 19:10 CET

SMEs in Britain are increasingly concerned over their ability to gain funding in the run up to Brexit, a recent survey has revealed. The study, commissioned by specialist insurer Hiscox, has found that recent economic and political uncertainty has adversely affected business confidence, and caused concern for the future as Britain’s withdrawal from the EU becomes nearer. This should come as no surprise, as 38 percent of the 500 businesses surveyed admitted to accessing EU funding.

New EU rules to ensure safety of medical devices by EUbusiness — last modified 05 April 2017, 19:00 CET

Ranging from simple contact lenses and sticking plasters to sophisticated pacemakers and hip replacements, medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices are important to our health and quality of life. People rely on these devices every day and expect them to be safe and incorporate the latest progress in science and innovation. The current rules on the safety and performance of medical devices in the EU were harmonised in the 1990s. To reflect the substantial technological and scientific progress in this sector over the last 20 years, the European Commission proposed to update the rules to improve the safety of medical devices for EU citizens, create the conditions to modernise the sector and to consolidate its role as a global leader.

Revised shareholders' rights directive by EUbusiness — last modified 14 March 2017, 18:35 CET

The European Parliament approved on 14 March a report on the revision of the EU shareholders' rights directive. The final adoption step will take place in the European Council shortly. The directive will enter into force two years after its publication in the official journal.

European Account Preservation Order - faster, cheaper and more efficient debt recovery by EUbusiness — last modified 19 January 2017, 00:41 CET

Around 1 million smaller business (SMEs) in the EU face problems with cross-border debts. This is about EUR 600 million lost every year for these small companies.

Insolvency, Restructuring and Second Chance: proposal for a directive by EUbusiness — last modified 24 November 2016, 00:22 CET

The European Commission presented a set of European rules on business insolvency on 22 November.

EU Microfinance Support by EUbusiness — last modified 27 October 2016, 23:11 CET

Since the EU started its microfinance initiatives, more than 100 agreements have been signed with microfinance providers, to support over 100,000 micro-entrepreneurs in 23 EU Member States.