Business in Europe, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Legislation, Markets and Companies

In the current economic situation, the SMEs in Europe are acknowledged as main contributors to growth and jobs strategy; the SMEs creative potentials are impressive as about 85 per cent of all new jobs in the EU are provided by SMEs.

Besides, public authorities support SMEs with a large number of initiatives. Those SMEs that are most impactful and creative will be chosen by an expert jury and receive their awards (during the 2012 SME Assembly in November in Cyprus).

Main objectives

The objectives of the European Commission’s annual European Enterprise Promotion Awards are the following:

• To identify and recognise outstanding initiatives that promote enterprise and entrepreneurship;
• Showcase and share examples of best entrepreneurship policies and practices;
• To create a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society, and  
• To encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs.

The competition consists of two stages: applicants first have to compete at national level. Then, each country can select two entries to be nominated to the European competition by July 16, 2012.

There are five different award categories:

• Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit;
• Investing in skills;
• Improving the business environment;
• Supporting the internationalisation of businesses, and  
• Responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship.

The European Commission is of the opinion that every year the European Enterprise Awards bring to the fore successful initiatives from all over Europe that have created win-win situations for business and communities. Commission’s Vice-President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said that the EU needs to multiply the SMEs concrete success stories and make Europe more business-oriented and business-friendly. This strategy is essential for job creation and recovery of European economy.

Vice-President Antonio Tajani, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship speech, see:

Reference: Press Release, IP/12/226, 8 March 2012.

Vital information websites:

-  on the European Enterprise Awards

- on the Study on the SMEs' impact on the EU labour market, and

- The Small Business Act