een.ec.europa.eu

Guide to EU services for

SME internationalisation

Last update: July 2016

For comments concerning this document, please contact: European Commission, DG GROWTH, Unit "Enterprise Europe Network and Internationalisation of SMEs", GROW-Enterprise-Europe-Network@ec.europa.eu

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CONTENTS Guidebook, studies and statistics on the internationalisation of European SMEs .............................. 4

The main EU programmes containing options for the internationalisation of SMEs ........................... 5

COSME ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Horizon 2020 ................................................................................................................................. 5

Partnership Instrument................................................................................................................... 6

ICI+ ................................................................................................................................................ 6

IPA II .............................................................................................................................................. 6

ENI ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Support service providers ................................................................................................................. 7

SME Internationalisation Portal ...................................................................................................... 7

Diverse target markets ................................................................................................................... 8

Target market "Asia" ...................................................................................................................... 8

Target market "Americas" ............................................................................................................ 11

Training opportunities for SMEs that plan to go to South East Asia, China or Korea ....................... 13

Business opportunities for SMEs that want to go international ........................................................ 15

Helpdesk Trade Defence and Technical Barriers to Trade .............................................................. 19

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) .................................................................................................... 20

Access to finance: Indirect EU funding (2014-2020) ........................................................................ 21

Access to Finance portal of the EU .............................................................................................. 21

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) ...................................................................... 21

COSME equity facility / debt facility ............................................................................................. 21

Horizon 2020 equity facility / debt facility ..................................................................................... 22

The EIB Group ............................................................................................................................. 23

Research & Innovation .................................................................................................................... 24

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Entrepreneurial Mentoring ............................................................................................................... 25

Programmes benefiting SMEs in 3rd countries ............................................................................... 26

Latin American countries ............................................................................................................. 26

Accession countries ..................................................................................................................... 27

Eastern Neighbourhood countries ................................................................................................ 27

Southern Neighbourhood countries.............................................................................................. 28

EU programmes benefiting Network partners from COSME countries and BCCs ........................... 30

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of the EU with third countries ........................................................ 30

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Definition of "internationalisation"

For the purpose of this paper, "internationalisation" refers to all activities that put EU-based SMEs

into a meaningful business relationship with a foreign partner beyond the borders of the EU:

exports, imports, foreign direct investment (FDI — relocation or outsourcing), international

subcontracting and international technical cooperation.

Guidebook, studies and statistics on the

internationalisation of European SMEs

The guidebook "Supporting the Internationalisation of SMEs" is available for download or for the

free ordering of paper copies at the EU Bookstore:

http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/supporting-the-internationalisation-of-smes-pbNBBN14001/

(Published by the Commission in 2014, presently available in all official languages except for Irish,

many inspiring good practice examples)

The Survey "Flash Eurobarometer 421 - Internationalisation of Small and Medium-sized

Enterprises" is available for download at

https://open-data.europa.eu/en/data/dataset/S2090_421_ENG

(Published by the Commission in 2015. The survey was carried out in the 28 EU countries and in

the non-EU countries participating in the COSME programme, to investigate about the experience of

these countries' SMEs with international business activities, as well as their experiences and

perceptions of importing and exporting. The survey covers: The experience of SMEs with

international business, Export markets, and the proportion of sales generated by exports, SMEs'

experiences with exporting, including real and perceived barriers, Import markets, SMEs'

experiences with importing, including real and perceived barriers, Measures that would help SMEs

internationalise, SMEs' awareness of the Enterprise Europe Network, Use of e-commerce.)

Studies and statistics relevant for SME Internationalisation are available on the website of the DG

for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/access-to-markets/internationalisation/studies/index_en.htm

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The main EU programmes containing options for the

internationalisation of SMEs

COSME

2014-2020, €2.3 billion, in charge: DG GROWTH

COSME (Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) aims to

strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Union’s enterprises, including by promoting

their internationalisation. It largely continues the activities started under the previous programme,

the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP,) and ensures continuity of initiatives and

actions already undertaken under it, such as the Enterprise Europe Network and the IPR helpdesks.

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/international-aspects/index_en.htm

List of countries other than EU Members States, participating in COSME:

http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/9703?locale=en

Horizon 2020

2014-2020, €79.4 billion, in charge: DG RTD and several other DGs, including DG GROWTH

List of countries other than EU Members States, associated to Horizon 2020:

www.ec.europa.eu/research/bitlys/h2020_associated_countries.html

Horizon 2020, the new EU programme for research and innovation running from 2014-2020 with a

budget of nearly €80 billion, provides funding for every stage of the innovation process from frontier

science to close-to-market innovation.

Key elements of Horizon 2020 include, amongst others, the development of the technologies and

innovations that will underpin tomorrow's businesses and help innovative European SMEs to grow

into world-leading companies: Amongst others:

SME-tailored support to stimulate all forms of innovation in SMEs, targeting those with the potential to grow and internationalise across the single market and beyond

A dedicated SME Instrument and a Fast Track to Innovation pilot scheme to speed up the time from idea to market, and to increase the participation of industry, SMEs and first time applicants

Horizon 2020 promotes cooperation with countries around the world based on common interest and

mutual benefit. International cooperation ensures that partners have access to talent and resources

wherever they are located; that they can tackle global societal challenges effectively; and that

companies participate in global value chains and can access new and emerging markets.

Any European business can use Horizon 2020 as a tool to internationalise by partnering with non-

European companies or other actors to carry out joint research and innovation activities. These

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activities could be, for instance: joint research where partners have complementary expertise;

integration of a technology supply chain; demonstration or piloting of a new product, service or

technology; accessing facilities, data or services etc.

From 2007 to 2013 (FP7, the previous EU research programme), around 20% of all projects had at

least one partner from outside Europe as part of the consortium.

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/home.html

Partnership Instrument

2014-2020, €954 million, in charge: The European Commission's "Service for Foreign Policy

Instruments" (not attached to any DG)

Through the Partnership Instrument, the EU cooperates with partners around the world to advance

the Union’s strategic interests and tackle global challenges. The PI funds activities that carry EU

agendas with partner countries forward, translating political commitments into concrete measures,

inter alia by promoting adherence to global standards through regulatory co-operation, by helping to

strengthen EU Market Access Teams on the ground, by fostering policy dialogue and technical

assistance on issues such as Intellectual Property Rights, by promoting business co-operation,

innovation and knowledge management, as well as by underpinning co-operation with international

institutions.

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/what-we-do/partnership_instrument_en.htm

ICI+

Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialised Countries (ICI) – also open for countries beyond

Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Region (ACP) "ICI +"

2012-2013, €172 million and Preparatory Actions China/India/Asia Middle Income Countries (2007-

2010, €32 million), in charge: DG DEVCO

ICI+ aims at strengthening the EU relationships with strategic developing country partners in the

pursuit of the EU's own global interests. It has been replaced by the Partnership Instrument as of

2015, but ICI+ continues to be operational for a couple of years until all projects have been finalised.

IPA II

The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

(2014-2020, €11.7 billion, in charge: DG NEAR)

Via IPA, the EU supports reforms in the enlargement countries with financial and technical help. The

"growth and competitiveness" pillar supports the socio-economic development in the region and

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contributes to creating a better business environment, in particular for SMEs: It aims to attract

foreign investments, improves access to finance, increase clustering, networking and SME

internationalisation.

IPA II finances the technical assistance facility of the Western Balkans regional Enterprise

Development and Innovation Facility (EDIF) which aims at increasing governments’ support for

strategic investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy efficiency and private sector

development.

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/instruments/overview/index_en.htm#ipa2

ENI

European Neighbourhood Instrument

2014-2020, €15.4 billion, In charge: DG NEAR

ENI promotes enhanced political cooperation and economic integration between the Union and its

neighbour countries.

http://www.enpi-info.eu/ENI

Support service providers

SME Internationalisation Portal

In charge: DG GROWTH, Programme: COSME

This database is addressed to EU-based SMEs that plan to extend their business beyond the

borders of the EU. It helps companies find public and semi-public support service providers for

"internationalisation" at national level, at EU level and also in their target markets. Presently, 35

target markets around the world are covered. The database describes the support services

available and provides the relevant contact details.

The Enterprise Europe Network appears under "EU support" and is also linked from every page of

the database.

https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/smeip/

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Diverse target markets

Enterprise Europe Network

In charge: DG GROWTH, Programme: COSME

Network activity with "third countries" focuses mostly on matchmaking via the Partnership

Opportunity Database, via company missions and via brokerage events. The Enterprise Europe

Network is the only EU activity with this focus. The Commission encourages the other EU activities

mentioned in this paper, to closely cooperate with the Enterprise Europe Network when it comes to

matchmaking, company missions and brokerage events.

The Network has partners in (presently) 8 COSME countries and Business Cooperation Centres in

(presently) 29 countries outside the EU/COSME countries.

http://een.ec.europa.eu/

"COSME countries" covered:

Albania Armenia FYROM

Iceland Moldova Montenegro

Serbia Turkey

"Third countries" covered:

Argentina Belarus Brazil Cameroon Canada Chile China Egypt Georgia India

Indonesia Israel Japan Jordan Korea Mexico Morocco New Zealand Norway Paraguay

Peru Russia Singapore Switzerland Taiwan Tunisia Ukraine USA Vietnam

The "call for expression of interest" continues to be open, so further countries might join in the

future.

Target market "Asia"

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

In charge: DG GROWTH, Programme: COSME

The Centre supports trade exchanges, investments and access to public procurements. It develops

a better knowledge of the business environment in Japan through executive training programmes,

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studies, seminars, helpdesk and business information support and logistic support.

http://www.eu-japan.eu/

EU Business in Japan

This website comprises several chapters covering every aspect of doing business in or with

Japan. The site also has a database with public service providers. Some parts of the website

are accessible to members only.

http://www.eubusinessinjapan.eu/

Step in Japan

‘Step in Japan’ is a free logistic support initiative for SMEs, which acts as a landing pad for

EU-based SMEs planning on entering into or expanding within Japan.

http://www.eu-japan.eu/other-activities/step-in-japan

Training sessions

Training sessions are available in Japan for EU companies of all sizes. They include

scholarships for participants from small firms.

http://www.eu-japan.eu/business-programmes/programmes-organised-by-the-centre

EU Project Innovation Centre (China)

(supported by the EU)

EUPIC is a comprehensive platform promoting trade, investment and technical cooperation between

the EU and China.

www.eupic.org.cn

Support for European businesses in emerging Asian markets (co-funded by the EU)

In charge: DG DEVCO, Programme: ICI+

The goals of the structures mentioned directly below are twofold: advocacy and business support.

Advocacy: These structures strengthen the capacity of European businesses in the target markets

to defend their interests (market access issues, local business environment) with one single voice.

Business support: These structures provide "first entry support" services to all EU companies and

assist them in establishing a business presence (e.g. trade, commercial presence, or investment) in

the target country.

The structures listed below can all be accessed via one joint online platform, the "EU Asia Business

Link (EALink)" at http://www.ealink.eu/.

SME Centre in China

Consortium of mainly China-based pan- and bilateral European business support structures

(led by the British Chinese Business Association)

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www.eusmecentre.org.cn

http://ec.europa.eu/delegations/china/documents/projects/eu_sme_centre.pdf

Quiz: EU SME Centre — Are you ready for China?

This online quiz allows SMEs to gauge their readiness in developing business in China,

enabling them to diagnose whether they are heading in the right direction.

http://www.eusmecentre.org.cn/quiz/

European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) in India

Consortium of EU-based EuroChambres and 38 business service intermediary organisations

mostly based in Europe.

The Centre assists the business, science and research community in Europe and India,

generating new business opportunities and technology transfer and promoting European clean

technologies in India.

It is located in New Delhi, with antennae to be opened in Mumbai, Calcutta and Bangalore. The

centre is run by Eurochambres, in partnership with 16 business and research organisations

from four sectors (biotech, energy, environment and transport). Its objective is to become the

point of reference for European companies and research entities that wish to enter the Indian

market.

The activities carried out cover a wide range of actions: information and intelligence services,

assistance and specific sector activities.

http://ebtc.eu/

European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) in Thailand

This European Trade Organisation is situated in Bangkok, Thailand, and aims to contribute to

the improvement of trade and investment for European companies in Thailand. Consortium of

mainly locally based bilateral MS chambers of commerce (led by the German-Thai chamber).

Designed to be the equivalent of a local European Chamber of Commerce.

http://www.eabc-thailand.eu/

European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar

Consortium under the lead of the French-Burmese bilateral chamber of commerce, with EU-

based EuroChambres as partner.

EuroCham Malaysia

http://www.eumcci.com/

EuroCham Philippines

http://www.eccp.com/

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EuroCham Laos

http://eccil.org/

EuroCham Cambodia

http://www.eurocham-cambodia.org/

EuroCham Indonesia

Advocacy services only

http://www.eurocham.or.id/

European Indonesian Business Network (EIBN)

Locally-based consortium of EU Member State bilateral chambers, led by the German-

Indonesian Chamber, provides "first entry support and outreach"

http://www.eibn.org/

European Vietnamese Business Network (EVBN)

Consortium led by the French-Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce with the local bilateral Italian

chamber of commerce, and 3 EU-based chambers. EuroCham Vietnam decided in February

2015 to cooperate with the consortium with a view to closely cooperate in the advocacy

component which is its initial mission.

http://evbn.org/

Target market "Americas"

The European and Latin Amercian Business Services and innovation network (ELAN)

In charge: DG DEVCO, Programme ICI+

ELAN is a European Union (EU) initiative that seeks to increase and diversify the EU economic

presence in Latin America, by meeting the Latin American demand for knowledge and innovative

technology. ELAN also aims to boost the opportunities that both markets offer for European and

Latin American SMEs, through two interdependent strategies:

The project consists of two components: 1) a network of European and Latin American research

and innovation centres 2) an online information platform for SMEs and.

European and Latin American Business Services ( ELAN Biz ):

Provides up to date and comprehensive information services to interested European SMEs on how-

to-do business (i.e. regulatory environment, business opportunities, financing mechanisms) in

specific Latin American countries.

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Ask the Expert service

Available to EU SMEs who seek to export or invest in the Latin American countries included

in the program. Through the network of Country Experts, and in co-operation with other EU

business services providers, ELAN will supply personalized answers to EU SMEs, using

updated specialized and value added information

http://www.elanbiz.org/home

European & Latin American Technology Based Business Network (ELAN Network ):

Online platform, whose main purpose it is to generate technology-based business opportunities

between European and Latin American SMEs.

The platform presently covers the EU, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Costa

Rica (as regional hub for Central America).

http://www.elannetwork.org/

Support to the implementation of the "Comprehensive Economica and Trade Agreement"

(CETA) between the EU and Canada

In charge: FPI, Programme: Partnership Instrument

Negotiations of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) were

finalised in August 2014, opening the process towards formal conclusion and enteringinto-

force/provisional application as of 2017. On the one hand, Canada (like the EU) will have to comply

with commitments it took under CETA, including relevant legislative and administrative measures at

both federal and provincial levels. On the other hand, European business will have to be made

aware of the opportunities CETA provides and the EU will also need relevant feedback regarding

the implementation process, so as to be in a position to adapt and/or react accordingly.

With the broad overlap of federal and provincial jurisdictions in a wide and diverse Canadian market,

increased access to information on the details of CETA and general Canadian market access

conditions is key to ensure that European business will fully benefit from CETA.

The two components of the project therefore aim at i) reinforcing the network of EU Chambers,

supporting them regarding closer cooperation and coordination, information gathering on topics of

mutual interest (CETA, EU-Canada trade and market access), ii) provide on the spot analysis and

serve as interlocutors to provide the EU Delegation in Canada with business/industry feedback

regarding challenges the European businesses face regarding CETA implementation.

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2015-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annex 13.

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Training opportunities for SMEs that plan to go to South

East Asia, China or Korea

In charge: The Commission's "Service for Foreign Policy Instruments", Programme: Partnership

Instrument

The following actions are implemented via international service contracts. The Commission has

encouraged the contract holders to cooperate with the Enterprise Europe Network when it comes to

a) informing EU-based SMEs about the opportunity to participate and b) organising possible

matchmaking events in the target countries.

All three actions: https://www.eu-gateway.eu/

EU Gateway/Business Avenues in South East Asia (Partnership Instrument)

The project uses Singapore as hub, reaching out to markets in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and

Thailand – (possibly extending to other ASEAN countries). The objective is to recruit up to 200

European companies per year and organise 3 to 4 business missions per year into dual markets.

Activities are intended to foster business-to-business links between EU-based and South East

Asian-based companies. Priority sectors are energy, environment, and health technology.

Green Gateway to Korea (Partnership Instrument)

The EU Green Gateway Programme for Korea aims to strengthen the presence of EU companies in

Korea, through an increase and diversification of export or investments supporting green growth.

The target is to recruit up to 200 European companies per year and organise 4 business missions

per year ( i.e. 20 over 5 years).

EU Gateway to China (Partnership Instrument)

Gateway to China is a pilot project. Through it, business missions for EU companies (mainly SMEs)

to China are organised (expected 4 business missions for around 200 companies). The project

provides coaching and targeted information to selected companies, thereby complementing other

instruments currently used to address market access barriers (regulatory dialogue, trade promotion

and business centres). The project helps EU-based companies (especially SMEs), to expand their

activities to China. As a pilot, this action will test the effectiveness of the Gateway methodology in

addressing market access barriers in China.

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List of business sectors addressed by the three actions:

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Business opportunities for SMEs that want to go

international

With a few exceptions, the following programmes are run under the "Partnership Instrument" (PI)

and managed by the European Commission's "Foreign Policy Instrument" (FPI). New PI projects are

added on a yearly basis, so that this list will evolve over time.

Cluster internationalisation Programme for SMEs

In charge: DG GROWTH, Programme: COSME

Beyond the borders of the EU, this programme concerns the "COSME countries" Albania, FYROM,

Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro and Turkey and the "third countries" Brazil, India, Japan, South

Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Tunisia and Chile. The programme includes:

A “Cluster Go International” action to support the establishment of Strategic Cluster Partnerships across borders and in sectors of strategic interest. This action will inter alia contribute to developing a joint internationalisation strategy with common goals towards specific third markets. Participating SMEs will be able to contribute to the emergence of new industrial value chains.

The web-based European Cluster Collaboration Platform mapping and profiling cluster organisations inside Europe and beyond the borders of the EU. Inter alia, this platform is used for organising cluster matchmaking events with clusters in third countries. Presently, 950 clusters from Europe and 150 from beyond Europe are registered and profiled on the platform.

http://www.clustercollaboration.eu/

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/cluster/internationalisation/index_en.htm

Clean energy cooperation with India

In charge: FPI, Programme: Partnership Instrument

The project aims to enhance India's capacity to deploy low carbon energy production and improve

energy efficiency, thus contributing to the mitigation of global climate change. Project activities will

support India's efforts to secure the supply of energy and contribute to global energy security.

Finally, the project will create opportunities for European businesses in the energy technologies

sector (renewables, energy efficiency, electrical network equipment).

Among the expected results of this action is improved access of EU companies to the Indian

market, in particular for electrical equipment suppliers, energy generation equipment suppliers,

transmission and distribution system operators and companies involved in energy efficiency

technologies.

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http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2014-aap_en.htm

please scroll down and click on annex F

Low carbon business action in Brazil and Mexico

In charge: DGs CLIMA and GROWTH, Programme: Partnership Instrument

These two projects aim at facilitating the adoption of low emission technology by existing industry,

i.e. the transformation of industrial energy systems towards greater sustainability through energy

efficiency and expanded renewable energy sources.

The two projects will help establish and expand emerging industries that can deliver low emission

technologies and solutions. This includes technology itself as well as the provision of environmental

and energy consulting and services, e.g. for monitoring, measuring and analysis services.

Last but not least, both projects will promote the internationalisation of EU SMEs. In fact, they will

facilitate industrial cooperation between low emission solution providers from the EU and industrial

partners, resulting in long-term cooperation between clusters and their member SMEs, research

centres, science parks and incubation centres, etc. in the field of low emission technologies and

related services.

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2014-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annexes D and E.

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2016-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annex 3.

Low carbon action in the Republic of Korea

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2016-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annex 4.

International Urban cooperation

In charge: FPI, Programme: Partnership Instrument

The programme will develop and lead international urban cooperation with key partner countries in

Asia and the Americas. Amongst many other things that are not directly business related, the

programme will gather and provide business and expert data and promote match-making, joint

ventures and other business cooperation including through participation in fairs showcasing EU

technology innovations promote international clusters cooperation, technology transfer and

international values chains.

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2015-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annex 1.

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EU-South Asia Civil Aviation Project

In charge: FPI, Programme: Partnership Instrument

The project will develop and support European aviation interests in South Asia in line with the

Europe 2020 strategy through enhanced dialogue with authorities, technical exchange with industry

and regulatory harmonisation in the field of civil aviation. It will promote European policy, standards

and technology in order to provide a more compatible and open market for the European aviation

industry in this region. Amongs many other things that are not directly business related, the

programme will

establish platforms for European industry to promote their products and services.

facilitate industrial partnership for design, production, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), air traffic management (ATM) and operations

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/key-documents/2015-aap_en.htm

Please scroll down and click on annex 11.

Market access information - websites

Market access database

In charge: DG TRADE

This Database gives information to companies exporting from the EU about import conditions in

third country markets:

Tariffs: Duties & taxes on imports of products into specific countries

Procedures and Formalities: Procedures & documents required for customs clearance in the partner country

Statistics: Trade flows in goods between EU and non-EU countries

Trade barriers: Main barriers affecting your exports

SPS: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues

Food safety/animal health/plant health measures

Rules of Origin: Preferential agreements & rules of origin

Services for SME: Services for SME

http://madb.europa.eu/madb/indexPubli.htm

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Export Helpdesk

In charge: DG TRADE

This site gives market access information for import into the EU, including a helpdesk. In addition,

users can lodge product specific information requests.

The Export helpdesk is a freely accessible online database which reflects the EU's import conditions

for any type of product, be it machinery, handbags, textiles, food or wines. Businesses can look up

the applied customs duties for goods

rules and certificates of origin, trade statistics

VAT and excise duties in the EU Member States

the required documents for customs procedures

all product specific market requirements such as sanitary and phyto-sanitary rules, technical standards, labelling rules etc.

http://exporthelp.europa.eu/thdapp/index.htm

Euro-Med Trade Helpdesk

In charge: DG NEAR

Covers: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Turkey

Joint initiative between the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to

provide online information on:

trade statistics

applied customs tariffs and preferential arrangements

rules and certificates of origin

VAT and excise taxes

general requirements and product specific market requirements (such as sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, labelling regulations etc.)

business contacts (e.g. relevant institutions, chambers of commerce etc.)

news and events

http://euromed.macmap.org/

Taxation and Customs: electronic databases

In charge: DG TAXUD

This website provides a list of all Commission databases related to customs and taxation:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/databases/index_en.htm

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Helpdesk Trade Defence and Technical Barriers to Trade

SME Trade Defence Helpdesk

In charge: DG TRADE

Trade Defence Instruments ensure fair trade for EU enterprises and help protect them against unfair

trade measures, including low-priced imports due to prohibited subsidies or dumping practices from

non-EU countries. The European Commission also provides advice and support if an enterprise that

is exporting to a non-EU country is affected by an anti-dumping, anti-subsidy or safeguard

measures applied by that country.

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/contacts/#_trade-defence

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Enquiry Point

In charge: DG GROWTH

In order for EU small businesses to take full advantage of international trade, unnecessary and

unjustified technical barriers need to be removed. The "EU TBT Enquiry Point" plays a central role

in this.

It coordinates and prepares the EU comments on the draft technical regulations and conformity

assessment procedures notified by the WTO Members under the TBT Agreement.

In order to fulfil this task, it relies both on the assessment of the competent Commission services

and of the economic operators. By using this mechanism, economic operators can signal possible

technical barriers to trade already at a draft stage and the EU can issue comments and engage in a

dialogue with the notifying WTO Member to prevent them.

The EU-TBT-Enquiry-Point also maintains a free on-line database, containing all TBT notifications

and the related comments.

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/tbt/en/

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Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

EU-US Transatlantic IPR portal

In charge: DG GROWTH

This portal is addressed to companies in Europe and in North America. The scope of the IPR

information provided is, however, worldwide.

The portal

provides access a wide range of IPR resources such as IPR factsheets for individual countries.

helps companies manage their IPR

gives access to IPR training material

provides contact to IPR enforcement authorities

links to external expert advice

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/ipr/index_en.htm

IPR Helpdesks for China, ASEAN and MERCOSUR (COSME)

In charge: DG GROWTH

The EU's IPR Helpdesks provide first line expert advice for SMEs on intellectual property rights,

liaison with external experts and training.

http://www.china-iprhelpdesk.eu

http://www.asean-iprhelpdesk.eu

http://www.mercosur-iprhelpdesk.eu/

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Access to finance: Indirect EU funding (2014-2020)

There are no specialised funding opportunities for the internationalisation of SMEs. However, the

following options should be explored:

Access to Finance portal of the EU

http://europa.eu/youreurope/business/funding-grants/access-to-finance/

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)

In charge: DG REGIO

ESIF can finance a whole range of SME internationalisation measures, e.g. the participation in

trade fairs and foreign trade missions, market intelligence, assistance in identifying business

partners, support to international activities of clusters and business networks, etc. The ESIF's

financial services include export guarantees and loans.

The European Regional Developent Fund (ERDF) also supports the creation of cross-European

value chains and – in line with the smart specialization strategy - the development of more

competitive clusters.

The measures and allocations of the funds are determined at the national and regional levels based

on seven-year Operational Programmes which are negotiated with the EU. Information on the

individual Members States is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.cfm

Under the SME competitiveness objective1, according to preliminary figures* for the period 2014-

2020, about 20% of ESI funds or € 59 billion euros will be focused on SME support measures (32.4

billion euros by the ERDF and 26,6 billion euros by the Rural development Fund (RDF).

A Guide on how to support internationalisation of SMEs using the ESIF is available for free

(download / printed version) via:

http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/supporting-the-internationalisation-of-smes-pbNBBN14001/

COSME equity facility / debt facility

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/access-to-finance/cosme-financial-instruments/index_en.htm

SMEs interested in these sources of finance can establish contact to suitable intermediaries via:

www.access2finance.eu.

1 Figures date from 20.10.2014 based on draft and adopted Partnership Agreements with EU Member States

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The Equity Facility for Growth (EFG)

Through COSME EFG, the European Investment Fund invests in selected venture capital and

private equity funds – acting as financial intermediaries – that provide funding to SMEs

predominantly in their expansion and growth stages.

COSME EFG also invests in funds helping portfolio companies to expand and to

internationalise. The EFG is a successor to the High Growth and Innovative SME Facility

(“GIF2”), under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)

implemented between 2007 and 2013.

The Loan Guarantee Facility (LGF)

Through COSME LGF, the European Investment Fund offers guarantees and counter

guarantees to selected financial intermediaries (e.g. guarantee institutions, banks, leasing

companies) to help them provide loans and leases to SMEs which they would otherwise not

support.

By sharing the risk, the COSME guarantees allow the financial intermediaries to widen the

range of SMEs and the type of transactions that they can finance. Via the LGF, the EIF also

offers guarantees for the securitisation of SME debt finance portfolios in order to enable

financial intermediaries to generate new SME debt finance portfolios.

LGF is a successor to the SME Guarantee Facility (SMEG), successfully implemented under

the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) in the 2007-2013

programming period.

Horizon 2020 equity facility / debt facility

The 'Industrial Leadership' pillar of Horizon 2020 helps companies and other types of organisation

engaged in research and innovation (R&I) to gain easier access, via financial instruments, to loans,

guarantees, counter-guarantees and hybrid, mezzanine and equity finance.

http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/access-risk-finance

Horizon 2020's "InnovFin" products (see below) operate in conjunction with the COSME equity

facility / debt facility (see above).

InnovFin – EU Finance for Innovators

Under this name, Horizon 2020 promotes a range of debt and equity products and advisory

services in order to effectively give a boost to the availability of finance for research and

innovation activities in Europe.

InnovFin consists of a range of tailored products – from guarantees for intermediaries that

lend to SMEs to direct loans to enterprises - helping support the smallest to the largest R&I

projects in the EU and in the countries associated to Horizon 2020.

http://www.eib.org/products/blending/innovfin/index.htm

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The EIB Group

The EIB Group consists of the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, the

specialist arm providing SME risk finance.

European Investment Bank (EIB)

The EIB is the European Union's bank and the only bank owned by and representing the

interests of the European Union Member States. It works closely with other EU institutions to

implement EU policy.

http://www.eib.org/about/index.htm

European Investment Fund (EIF)

The EIF supports Europe’s SMEs by improving their access to finance through a wide range

of selected financial intermediaries across Europe. To this end, it primarily designs, promotes

and implements equity and debt financial instruments which specifically target SMEs.

The EIB is the majority EIF shareholder with the remaining equity held by the European Union

(represented by the European Commission) and other European private and public bodies.

http://www.eif.org/

As the largest multilateral borrower and lender by volume, the group provides finance and expertise

for sound and sustainable investment projects which contribute to furthering EU policy objectives.

About 10% of its activity is focused on the EU's external and development policies (i.e. the area

outside Europe).

Learn about the activities of the group in the different global regions

(http://www.eib.org/projects/regions/index.htm) and find the

products for SMEs as they are being proposed by the intermediaries (i.e.partner banks and financial

institutions) in the different Members States (http://www.eib.org/projects/priorities/sme/eu/index.htm)

and in countries outside the EU: (http://www.eib.org/projects/priorities/sme/outside-eu/index.htm).

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Research & Innovation

EUREKA-Eurostars

In charge: DG RTD

This project is implemented in the EU Member States and in Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland,

Turkey, South Korea.

It focuses on applied R&D and product development.

Eurostars is a programme that supports research-performing SMEs, which develop innovative

products, processes and services, to gain competitive advantage. Eurostars does this by providing

funding for transnational innovation projects; the products of which are then rapidly commercialized.

It is a transnational programme, where projects have partners from two or more Eurostars countries.

Average Project Profile

3 to 4 Participants

2 to 3 Countries involved

29 Month duration

1.4 M€

https://www.eurostars-eureka.eu/home/what

Horizon 2020 collaborative projects

In charge: DG RTD

SMEs work with at least 2 international partners (separate legal entities) from different EU countries

(at least 3 in total) and request EU project support. To find partners, they can use the assistance of

various partner search services, i.a. the Enterprise Europe Network.

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/funding/sme_participation.html

(scroll down to "collaborative projects")

Horizon 2020 SME Instrument

In charge: DGs RTD and GROW

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises that are EU-based or established in a country associated to

Horizon 2020 can get EU funding and support for innovation projects that will help them grow and

expand their activities into other countries – in Europe and beyond.

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Horizon 2020 funds high-potential innovation through a dedicated SME instrument.

Provided with about € 3 billion in funding over the period 2014-2020, the SME Instrument helps

high-potential SMEs to develop groundbreaking innovative ideas for products, services or processes

that are ready to face global market competition. Available to SMEs only, which can however

organise a project in the way that best fits their business needs – meaning that subcontracting is not

excluded – the new scheme has opened a new highway to innovation through phased, progressive

and complimentary support.

The SME instrument has been designed specifically for single or groups of highly innovative

SMEs with international ambitions, determined to turn strong, innovative business ideas into

winners on the market. The instrument provides full-cycle business innovation support from the

stage of business idea conception and planning (phase I) over business plan execution and

demonstration (phase II) to commercialisation (phase III). Participants will be able to call on

business innovation coaching for the duration of their project.

Phase I (proof-of-concept): Explore the scientific or technical feasibility and commercial

potential of your new idea in order to develop an innovation project, with the help of a €

50,000 grant, and receive more support in case of a positive outcome!

Phase II (development & demonstration): Develop your sound, ground-breaking business

idea further with the help of a grant in the order of € 500,000 to 2,5 million into a market-

ready product, service or process!

Phase III (go-to-market): Take advantage of additional EU support to enter the market

successfully (no grants).

http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/en/h2020-section/sme-instrument#Commercialisation

Entrepreneurial Mentoring

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (COSME)

In charge: DG GROWTH

This programme presently applies to EU Member States and "COSME countries"

(http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/9703?locale=en).

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or

aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small

businesses in other participating countries. The exchange of experience takes place during a 1-6

months stay with the experienced entrepreneur, which helps the new entrepreneur acquire the skills

needed to run a small firm. The stay is partially funded by the European Union.

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The host benefits from fresh perspectives on his/her business and gets the opportunities to

cooperate with foreign partners or learn about new markets.

Possible benefits for the new entrepreneurs include the exchange of knowledge and experience,

networking opportunities across Europe, new commercial relations or new markets abroad.

http://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/index.php

Programmes benefiting SMEs in 3rd countries

Latin American countries

In charge: DG DEVCO

AL-Invest

Since 1994, AL-INVEST has been a flagship programme of EU cooperation with Latin America. The

programme promotes inclusive growth and aims at creating opportunities through facilitating the

internationalisation of thousands of Latin American small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in

collaboration with their European partners.

AL-INVEST V "integrating growth for social cohesion in Latin America" has started in 2016 and is

implemented by a consortium of 11 international organizations that are coordinated by the Santa

Cruz Chamber of Commerce Industry Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz Bolivia (CAINCO). It is

designed to contribute to productivity growth and the sustainable internationalisation process of

SMEs in Latin America through organisations that represent the private sector and promote its

development, such as Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and Export Promotion

Agencies, etc.

Within the framework of the programme, Latin American SMEs continue to benefit from training and

technical assistance to improve their productivity and competitiveness, participate in business

meetings in relevant trade fairs, and have access to quality information as well as to advise on

market opportunities, potential clients or business partners and EU legislation and policies.

http://www.alinvest5.org/

https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/regions/latin-america/al-invest-regional-aid-programme_en

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Accession countries

In charge: DG NEAR

Current beneficiaries are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Iceland, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)

The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is the means by which the EU supports reforms

in the enlargement countries with financial and technical help. The IPA funds build up the capacities

of the countries, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region.

The growth and competitiveness pillar aims at supporting the socio-economic development in the

region, in line with EU 2020 targets and contribute to create a better business environment, in

particular for SMEs, attract foreign investments; improve the functioning of the business sector,

especially for SMEs and entrepreneurs, improved access to finance, increased clustering,

networking and SME internationalisation.

Indicative Strategy papers for the individual countries:

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/news_corner/key-

documents/index_en.htm?key_document=080126248ca659ce

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/instruments/overview/index_en.htm#ipa2

Eastern Neighbourhood countries

In charge: DG NEAR

Applies to: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

The European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) finances i.a. actions that support SMEs in the

region:

East Invest

The EU initiated a networking programme between Business Support Organisations (BSOs)

from partner countries and the EU –. The East Invest Programme aims to promote trade and

investment through networking and consolidation of business and SME associations in the

Eastern partner region. So far more than 80 BSOs have participated in the programme.

Business Advisory Services

The EU is co-funding business development services provided to SMEs through the Small

Business Support programme implemented by the EBRD. The EU has contributed to this

programme over several phases already up to EUR 18 million and a further EUR 8 million

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will be contracted this year. The programme supports substantial managerial and structural

change within companies by providing advisory services of experienced senior executives

from economically developed countries. It also supports short-term projects that have

narrowly-defined objectives by providing advisory services of local experts, primarily trained

by the EBRD.

Financial Support

In order to support SMEs directly and to provide them with better access to finance a wide

range of programmes involving European Financial Institutions (EBRD, EIB and KfW) have

been financed via the Neighbourhood Investment Facility. The portfolio of active projects

amount for more than € 75 million over the region, mobilising 10 times more funds from

European Financial Institutions.

Free Trade Agreement Facility

Additionally, the DCFTA Facility for SMEs has been established for the three countries which

have signed an AA/DCFTA with the EU (Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia). The DCFTA

Facility has the purpose to support SMEs in order for them to be able to:

o Finance necessary investments to comply with the provisions of the DCFTA;

o Seize trade opportunities with the EU and within the region which have been opened

up due to the DCFTA;

o Benefit from the inflow of foreign direct investment.

o The grant element from the EU will be blended with EFIs loan to maximise the impact of the DCFTA Facility: the DFCTA Facility aims at mobilising €150 million of EU grant, to leverage 10 times more funds from EFIs

Southern Neighbourhood countries

In charge: DG NEAR

Applies to: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia

The following regional programmes of the European Neigbourhood Instrument (ENI) in support of

private sector development are of particular interest to European enterprises:

Euromed Invest (EU Support to business and investment partnerships in Southern

Mediterranean)

The objective of the action is to strengthen Euro-Med business and investment networks. It

offers, inter alia, an online business matchmaking platform, a market intelligence portal,

business roadshows, entrepreneurs mentoring and training sessions, business networks in

key sectors such as agri-food, water and renewable energy, tourism, transport and logistics,

cultural and creative industries. Its implementation is coordinated by the ANIMA Investment

Network, a multi-country cooperation platform for economic development in the

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Mediterranean;

http://www.euromedinvest.eu

Support to the development of culture and creative industries and clusters in the

Southern Mediterranean

The objective of this action is to foster entrepreneurial co-operation in the culture and

creative Industries. The action provides financial and technical support to pilot cluster

projects in these sectors.

http://www.cci-clusters.com

Support to trade development in the Southern Mediterranean

This action helps to develop trade and business in the region through the implementation of

the Agadir Agreement that was signed by Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia in 2004 to

remove barriers to trade and investment with the EU and between the countries themselves.

http://www.agadiragreement.org

Enhancement of the business environment in the Southern Mediterranean (EBESM)

The objective of this action is to help SMEs to do business in North Africa and the Middle

East by improving the regulatory environment in those regions in line with "the Small

Business Act for Europe" (SBA). This action, which is conducted at the regional level is

complemented by technical assistance and financial support allocated to individual countries

according to their specific needs.

http://www.ebesm.eu;

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/international/promoting-

neighbourhood/mediterranean/index_en.htm

Euro-Mediterranean Young Entrepreneurs (EMYE)

The objective is to support young professionals aiming to run an enterprise and to reinforce

relationships and opportunities between enterprises from the EU and North Africa.

http://www.italafricacentrale.com/emye/index.php?lang=en&Itemid=105

SMEs development supported by “Mediterranean Sea Basin” Programme

The thematic objective entitled 'Business and SMEs development' of the ENI Cross Border

Cooperation (CBC) “Mediterranean Sea Basin” Programme is to support start-up

enterprises and enhance Euro-Mediterranean value chains and clusters. Diversification of

tourism into new segments and niches is also part of this objective. 14 countries are

involved– Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta,

Palestine, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia. Over € 209 million have been granted by the

European Union to the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme for the period 2014-

2020.

http://www.enpicbcmed.eu/enicbcmed-2014-2020/the-eni-cbc-med-programme

SWITCH-Med

The objective of the SWITCH-Med Initiative is to facilitate the shift toward Sustainable

Consumption and Production (SCP) in the Southern Mediterranean Region including by

supporting emerging green entrepreneurs, civil society and policy makers through policy

development, demonstration activities and networking.

http://www.switchmed.eu

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EU programmes benefiting Network partners from COSME

countries and BCCs

Technical Assistance and Information Exchange – TAIEX (Partnership Instrument)

The objective is the implementation of EU bilateral cooperation agreements or similar policy

agreements, with a focus on regulatory convergence in partners countries, to share with them

experience, know-how and information on EU policies and legislation in the widest sense and to

support the implementation of mutually agreed commitments. Activities include seminars,

workshops, conferences, expert missions and study visits. TAIEX coordinates requests for

assistance and cooperation to Member States for the delivery of short-term, tailor-made public

administration expertise to address specific requirements at short notice.

TAIEX was set up in 1996 to assist candidate countries to integrate the EU acquis. Its mission was

later broadened to the European Neighbourhood countries. Given its successful implementation in

these countries in the past, TAIEX has now been extended to potentially all countries.

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/tenders/taiex/index_en.htm

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of the EU with third

countries

FTAs concluded: Chile, South Korea, Mexico, South-Africa

FTA in negotiations / to be ratified

North America: USA, Canada

Asia: ASEAN (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand,

Philippines), Japan, India, Myanmar/Burma

Latin America: Andean Community, Mercosur

South Mediterranean and Middle East Countries: Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria,

Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Libya, Gulf Cooperation

Council

Eastern Neighbourhood: Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova

(more details are available on the website of DG TRADE)