EUROPA - Newsroom - Latest stories - Business

Improving access to finance for SMEs: key to economic recovery

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:32:00 +0200

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) will drive the recovery in Europe, but they need improved and easy access to finance. Over the last few years the European Commission has been constantly working to improve their situation.

April 2013: Business and Consumer surveys

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:26:00 +0200

In the euro area, the Economic Sentiment Indicator's decline was broad-based across all business sectors, with services witnessing the sharpest drop, while consumer confidence went up. The Business Climate Indicator for the euro area decreased by 0.18 points to 0.93.

European Commission acts to slash red tape in all Member States

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:52:00 +0200

The European Commission is proposing to slash red tape for citizens and businesses by doing away with bureaucratic rubber-stamping exercises currently required to get public documents like your birth certificate recognised as authentic in another EU Member State.

Commission moves to enhance business transparency on social and environmental matters

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:21:00 +0200

Companies concerned will need to disclose information on policies, risks and results as regards environmental matters, social and employee-related aspects, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery issues, and diversity on the boards of directors.

Commission proposes to modernise the EU's trade defence instruments

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:51:00 +0200

The European Commission made a proposal that aims at adapting the EU's rulebook to tackle unfair competition from dumped and subsidised imports to the contemporary challenges facing the EU's economy.

Trade marks: Commission proposes easier access and more effective protection

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:38:00 +0100

The European Commission has today presented a package of initiatives to make trade mark registration systems all over the European Union cheaper, quicker, more reliable and predictable. The proposed reform would improve conditions for businesses to innovate and to benefit from more effective trade mark protection against counterfeits.

March 2013: Business and Consumer surveys

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:07:00 +0100

In March 2013, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.14 points to 0.86. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) decreased in both the euro area and the EU, putting on hold the recovery that had started in November of last year.

EU reports on progress in fight against protectionism

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:15:00 +0100

The efforts of the European Commission to fight protectionism over the last year bear fruit and could create better trade and investment conditions for EU companies.

Commission wants to simplify life for SMEs by easing the top 10 most burdensome EU laws

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:12:00 +0100

The Commission, while recognising the overall necessity of having European-wide rules in these areas, will now thoroughly address these concerns via the new Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) launched in December 2012.

February 2013: Business and Consumer surveys

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:13:00 +0100

In February 2013, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area increased by 0.36 points to 0.73. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) continued its recovery that has started in October/November of last year.

Competitiveness Council: Agreement on Unified Patent Court signed

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:05:00 +0100

22 member states signed the international agreement for establishing a Unified Patent Court (UPC). Once the agreement enters into force, the signatory countries will form a unified area in terms of patent law.

Safer products and a level playing field in the internal market

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:45:00 +0100

The European Commission proposed new rules to improve the safety of consumer products circulating in the Single Market and to step-up market surveillance concerning all non-food products, including those imported from 3rd countries.

Commission adopts a European Retail Action Plan and consults on unfair trading practices

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:32:00 +0100

The European Commission has adopted a European Retail Action Plan and a Green Paper on unfair trading practices in the business-to-business food and non-food supply chain.

January 2013: Business and Consumer surveys

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:15:00 +0100

In January 2013, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area remained broadly unchanged at -1.09. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) increased by 1.4 points in both the EU (to 90.6) and the euro area (to 89.2).

Regulatory pressure gets the ball rolling: Share of women on company boards up to 15.8% in Europe

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:18:00 +0100

The Commission released mid-term figures on the share of women on boards in publicly listed companies. The new figures show an increase in the number of women on boards to 15.8%, up from 13.7% in January 2012.

Unleashing Europe's entrepreneurial potential to bring back growth

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:16:00 +0100

The European Commission presented an action plan to support entrepreneurs and revolutionise entrepreneurial culture in Europe.

Customs: strengthening the security of the supply chain

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:00:00 +0100

The Commission adopted a Communication on Customs Risk Management and the Security of the Supply Chain. It sets out a strategy to enable customs to better tackle risks associated with goods being traded in international supply chains.

Tobacco products: towards bigger health warnings and ban of strong flavourings

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:32:00 +0100

After years in the making, the European Commission has adopted its proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive. The proposed legislation consists of new and strengthened rules on how tobacco products can be manufactured, presented, and sold.

Commission proposes improved rules to enforce EU rights under international trade agreements

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:43:00 +0100

The proposal covers the EU's trade responses in cases of illegal trade measures in other countries, and it will allow effective action to safeguard the interests of EU companies and workers.

Alternative and Online Dispute Resolution soon to become a reality for European consumers

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:22:00 +0100

The rules on ADR will ensure that contractual disputes between consumers and traders are settled out of court through quality alternative dispute resolution entities.

EU unitary patent: a big boost for innovation

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:51:00 +0100

On 17 December the Council gave their green light to the creation of unitary patent protection in Europe. The approval comes following a positive vote in the European Parliament on 11 December.

Giving honest businesses a second chance: Commission proposes modern insolvency rules

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Businesses hit by the economic crisis will be thrown a lifeline under a new proposal from the European Commission to modernise Europe’s rules on cross-border business insolvency, helping to give otherwise viable businesses a ‘second chance’.

Commission plans to modernise European company law and corporate governance

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:18:00 +0100

The European Commission has adopted an Action Plan outlining future initiatives in the areas of company law and corporate governance.

Parliament approves EU unitary patent rules

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:34:00 +0100

EU inventors will soon be able to get a unitary patent at last. After over 30 years of talks, a new regime will cut the cost of an EU patent by up to 80%, making it more competitive vis-à-vis the US and Japan.

EU Consumer Scoreboard says that markets for banking services and for second-hand cars keep failing consumers

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:24:00 +0100

EU consumers have once again expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance of some key services markets, according to the Commission’s 2012 Consumer Markets Scoreboard.

E-commerce: when purchasing games, books, videos or music on-line, look out for unfair terms, warns the EU

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:46:00 +0100

Just in time for the holidays and gifts shopping season, the European Commission publishes the results of an EU wide screening of websites selling games, books, videos and music which can be downloaded to a computer or mobile device.

R&D Scoreboard: Despite crisis, top EU firms continue to invest in innovation

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:33:00 +0100

In the face of the continuing economic and financial crisis, major EU-based firms continue to rely on R&D for their competitive edge. They increased R&D investment by 8.9% in 2011, up from 6.1% in 2010.

Towards a free trade agreement with Japan

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:00:00 +0100

The EU Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council approved a mandate for the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan and authorised the opening of negotiations with Japan on a framework agreement.

November 2012 : Business and Consumer Surveys

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:24:00 +0100

In November 2012, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area increased by 0.42 points to -1.19. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) increased by 2.0 points in the EU, to 88.1, and by 1.4 points in the euro area, to 85.7.

Commission launches consultation on integrated parcel delivery market to boost e-commerce in the EU

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:23:00 +0100

With this Green Paper, the Commission will collect information on the current state of the delivery market for products bought online, and identify any potential hurdles for the creation of an EU-wide integrated parcel delivery market.

Annual Growth Survey 2013: Charting the course to recovery

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:53:00 +0100

The European Commission adopted the 2013 Annual Growth Survey (AGS), setting out five priorities designed to guide Member States through the crisis to renewed growth: pursuing differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; restoring normal lending to the economy; promoting growth and competitiveness for today and tomorrow; tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis; and modernising public administration.

European Commission takes action to protect businesses against marketing scams

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:55:00 +0100

The aim is to better protect businesses, professionals and NGOs across Europe from dishonest traders who do not play by the rules and use misleading marketing practices, such as sending out forms asking businesses to update details in their directories, seemingly for free, and then charging them annual fees.

CARS 2020: for a strong, competitive and sustainable European car industry

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:14:00 +0100

The Commission proposes a massive innovative push by streamlining research and innovation under the European Green Vehicle Initiative.

October 2012 : Business and Consumer Surveys

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:24:00 +0100

In October 2012, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.28 points to 1.62. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) remained unchanged in the EU, at 86.2, and declined by 0.7 points in the euro area, to 84.5.

SMEs in Europe at the crossroads: further policy boost needed to help in recovery

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:18:00 +0200

The European Commission released results of the SME Performance Review 2012 report, together with fact sheets describing SMEs' progress in all EU Members States.

Although EU leads in energy efficiency and foreign investment, industrial performance across Member States is not balanced

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:54:00 +0200

The European Commission released a substantial set of proposals to boost industry.

Avoiding bankruptcy by tackling late payments

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:12:00 +0200

To end the damaging culture of late payment in Europe, European Commission launched an information campaign across all 27 EU Member States and Croatia, to encourage speedy incorporation of the Late Payment Directive into national law.

'Connecting Europe' – business leaders and policy-makers strongly support the Commission's plan

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:41:00 +0200

With up to 50 billion euros the Connecting Europe Facility could become a key instrument for targeted infrastructure investment at European level to ensure the smooth functioning of the Single Market and boost sustainable growth, jobs and competitiveness across the European Union.

September 2012: Business and Consumer Surveys

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:41:00 +0200

In September 2012, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.16 points to 1.34. The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) decreased by 0.9 points in the EU, to 86.1, and by 1.1 points in the euro area, to 85.0.

European business to increase R&D spending despite crisis

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:51:00 +0200

Top EU businesses expect their investments in research and development to grow by an average of 4% annually over the period 2012 to 2014, according to a Commission survey of some of Europe's companies that invest the most in R&D.

Construction: unleashing the potential of low energy buildings to restore growth

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:30:00 +0200

To promote the construction sector as a driving force in the creation of jobs and for sustained growth for the economy in general, the European Commission tabled a strategy to boost the sector.

July 2012 : Business and Consumer Surveys

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:35:00 +0200

In July the Economic Sentiment Indicator decreased in the EU by 1.4 points, to 89.0, and in the euro area by 2.0 points, to 87.9. The Business Climate Indicator for the euro area decreased by 0.32 points to ‑1.27.

Security industry: Commission proposes programme to enable further growth

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:27:00 +0200

The programme should empower this industry - one of the sectors with the highest potential for growth and employment in the EU - to stay in Europe and to continue producing high quality security products.

June 2012: Business and consumer surveys

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:39:00 +0200

The Economic Sentiment Indicator remained unchanged, at 90.4, in June in the EU. In the euro area it decreased by 0.6 points (to 89.9). The Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.15 points to 0.94.

EU takes key step to provide legal certainty for foreign investors

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:11:00 +0200

Today's proposal establishes a legal and financial framework for "investor to state dispute settlement" as part of a broad investment policy which has become an exclusive EU competence under the Lisbon Treaty.

More growth through better single market governance and boosting services

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:29:00 +0200

The Single Market is a key driving force behind economic growth. But to deliver growth and jobs, better implementation of existing rules is essential. This is why the European Commission has adopted a course of action to ensure that Single Market rules work better in practice.

Long-term support for small and medium-sized enterprises

Wed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 +0200

The Council agreed on the main elements of the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Programme (called COSME) which is designed to boost the creation, growth and competitiveness of this category of companies across the EU.

May 2012: Business and consumer surveys

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:00 +0200

The Economic Sentiment Indicator decreased sharply in May, falling by 2.7 points in the EU and by 2.3 points in the euro area, to 90.5 and 90.6, respectively. The Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.26 points to -0.77.

Public consultation: keeping our industry as a driver of sustainable growth and jobs

Tue, 29 May 2012 11:59:00 +0200

Industrial innovation is one of the key drivers to improve our competitiveness. This is why the Commission is launching a new public consultation, which is meant to provide input for the mid-term review of the industrial policy communication planned for September 2012.

EU challenges Argentina's import restrictions

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:44:00 +0200

The EU launched a challenge to Argentina's import restrictions at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. Under WTO dispute settlement procedures, the EU is first requesting consultations with Argentina in a bid to have these measures - which negatively affect the EU's trade and investment - lifted.

Report on the results of the survey on the access to finance of SMEs in the euro area – October 2011 to March 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:51:00 +0200

According to the survey results, euro area SMEs’ external financing needs increased between October 2011 and March 2012. At the same time, the survey results show that access to bank loans continued to deteriorate; on balance, firms reported a worsening in the availability of bank loans.

April 2012: Business and consumer surveys

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:11:00 +0200

The Economic Sentiment Indicator remained stable in April in the EU at 93.2. In the euro area it decreased significantly by 1.7 points (to 92.8). The Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.24 points to -0.52.

Entrepreneurship education on the increase

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:24:00 +0200

Entrepreneurship education is being increasingly promoted in most European countries, according to a new report published by the European Commission. Half of European countries are engaged in a process of educational reforms which include the strengthening of entrepreneurship education.

Commission slashes unnecessary burden for registering a car in another Member State

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:49:00 +0200

Each year, EU citizens and companies have to move some 3.5 million vehicles to another Member State. It takes on average 5 weeks to complete the procedure and the cost is estimated at €400 for citizen and for businesses. This is why the European Commission is acting to dramatically reduce this unnecessary administrative burden.

March 2012: Business and consumer surveys

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:49:00 +0200

The Economic Sentiment Indicator decreased by 0.8 points in the EU and by a marginal 0.1 points in the euro area, to 93.2 and 94.4, respectively. The Business Climate Indicator for the euro area decreased by 0.14 points to -0.30.

Small enterprises: shift to green economy underway, but not at full speed yet

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:42:00 +0200

According to the Eurobarometer survey on "SMEs, resource efficiency and green markets", 37% of EU SMEs have at least one full or part-time green employee.

Debate launches on future of EU company law

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The online public consultation is seeking views on whether today’s needs are still met by the existing rules and how the rules could be improved or updated. The deadline for comments is 14 May 2012.

New classification and labelling inventory for hazardous substances

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Published by the European Chemicals Agency, the inventory will provide easy access to information on the hazardousness of a given chemical making it easier to correctly classify and label substances.

Small companies create 85% of new jobs in the EU

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Between 2002 and 2010, small and medium sized companies made an important contribution to the net creation of jobs, says study. SMEs were hit hard by the crisis in 2009 and 2010 however, with the number of jobs decreasing 2.4% a year on average.