EU Business

Today, we present two documents to support EU SMEs. 📊 Performance of small businesses The Annual Report on European SMEs 2025/2026 shows that 34 million firms grew solidly in 2025, with real‑value‑added up 2.5%, employment up 1.0% and the number of enterprises up 1.8%. We expect these trends to continue in 2026. The report’s special chapter on productivity highlights the untapped potential of new technologies such as AI, where SMEs still lag behind larger companies. It also analyses SME roles in value chains, using the automotive sector as a case study. 👩💼 Women running businesses Our Women Entrepreneurs in Europe report finds that 74% of women entrepreneurs operate without employees, compared with 66% of men. It offers five targeted recommendations to help women‑led businesses scale, innovate and access finance. Both documents feed into the Single Market Strategy and will inform upcoming Commission proposals, funding measures and InvestEU initiatives that support business continuity, productivity gains and the growth of women‑led enterprises. We will present the findings to the Network of SME Envoys tomorrow and discuss needed actions. Read more on the SME performance review and Women Entrepreneurs in Europe: https://lnkd.in/eHZeDEDx

Join our second #DPP webinar. The EU Digital Product Passport: Follow-up Guidance for the Battery Industry. Designed for battery manufacturers, supply chain managers and compliance experts, this session will cover: • Recent developments • Data requirements • An in-depth Q&A session 📅 7 July | 10:00–12:00 CET Register now to secure your place 👉 https://lnkd.in/gkVsj-As #DigitalProductPassport

The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products launched its new website, giving businesses and sector stakeholders a even clearer access to EU market intelligence on fishery and aquaculture products. EUMOFA helps users follow prices, volumes and values across the supply chain, from first sale to retail, including imports and exports. It also brings together dashboards, country and species profiles, EU Fish Market reports and downloadable data. For producers, processors, retailers, importers, analysts and public authorities, this means easier access to information that can support planning, sourcing, pricing and market analysis. Explore it here:

The voice of public buyers matters in shaping what comes next!   🏛️ On 11 May, the European Commission sat down with around 20 leading public buyers from the Big Buyers Working Together initiative for a high-level discussion on the future of EU public procurement.   At the heart of the discussion was how the EU public procurement framework can be simplified and strengthened so public buyers can do more for Europe’s competitiveness, industrial leadership, resilience and communities.   Participants brought practical, on-the-ground perspectives to the table, speaking about the growing responsibility public buyers carry, turning policy ambitions into real investments that support markets, foster innovation ecosystems and deliver for citizens.   💬 All the insights gathered will feed directly into the European Commission's ongoing revision of the EU public procurement framework. 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/efRte9c4   #PublicBuyersCommunity

25 million SMEs. Over 100 million jobs. One campaign is making sure none of them grows alone. 🤝 European SME Week gives clusters, enterprise promoters and business support organisations a platform to promote their events, reach entrepreneurs across Europe and gain EU-level visibility. Whether you're running a training, a networking event, a conference or a mentoring programme, if it supports SMEs and entrepreneurs, it belongs on the European SME Week calendar. ✅ Simple registration ✅ Use of the ESW kitemark ✅ Promotion through Promoting Enterprise channels Events run throughout the year. Register yours 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d5SnhkSN   #EUSMEWeek #PromotingEnterprise

🎉 Join the conversation shaping the future of Europe's textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries. The #EUTextiles Ecosystem Platform is a collaborative space where stakeholders across the ecosystem can exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The platform enables users to: 🔹 share stories, insights and good practices 🔹 engage in discussions around publications from across the ecosystem 🔹 connect with stakeholders working towards a more competitive, resilient and sustainable industry. Whether you want to showcase your initiatives or contribute to ongoing discussions, the platform offers an opportunity to make your voice heard. 👉 Explore the platform and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/ekkBPd7H #EUTextiles #SingleMarket

Recently, the EU accelerated the shift from experimentation to commercialisation of autonomous transport solutions! 🚗💨 As part of the European Automotive Action Plan, Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas are taking action. Last week, 18 EU countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to establish large-scale cross-border testbeds for autonomous vehicles. This is a key milestone to harmonise deployment, encourage competitiveness, and ensure Europe leads in next-gen mobility. The Commission is helping to scale innovation, foster EU industrial leadership, and create a Single Market for autonomous driving. From public transport to freight logistics, these testbeds will: ✅ Streamline deployment with common technical standards. ✅ Enable cross-border operations by coordinating recognition of approvals. ✅ Support EU innovators, prioritising European value chains while allowing strategic global partnerships. ✅ Accelerate commercial deployment, aggregating demand and coordinating investments. Want to know more? 🔗 Read the Joint Declaration: https://lnkd.in/ep7FjQ6N 🔗 Explore the Automotive Action Plan: https://lnkd.in/e3_v8Yf8

🚆 Help shape the future of Europe's rail supply industry. The European Commission has renewed the mandate of the Expert Group on the Competitiveness of the Rail Supply Industry until 31 December 2028 and is inviting stakeholder organisations to apply to join the group. The expert group brings together industry stakeholders, Member States and the Commission to 🔹 assess challenges facing the sector 🔹 identify measures to strengthen competitiveness 🔹 support Europe's global leadership in rail technologies and manufacturing. Applications are open until 30 June 2026. If your organisation is active in the rail sector and wants to contribute to the future of Europe's rail industry, we encourage you to apply. 👉 Call for applications (deadline: 30 June 2026): https://lnkd.in/ehPf2Efb 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3Dp-Unb #Rail #Competitiveness #SingleMarket

Running a tourism business means more than delivering great experiences. ☀️ From managing customer data and online reviews to understanding various requirements, tourism taxes and EU funding opportunities, there’s a lot to keep on your radar. Read the full article to stay informed, build customer trust and make the most of the resources available through #YourEurope. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gNxeQpnb

🧠 Supporting dementia care with the right tools Qwiek from the Netherlands developed a projector system designed to reduce stress and anxiety in patients. With support from the Enterprise Europe Network, the company expanded into Germany, where testing led to long-term adoption. Now active across multiple European markets, Qwiek continues to scale its solution. 🔎 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/eUf34CTg #EENCanHelp