Call for proposals related to business cooperation schemes for SMEs
The European Commission has published a call for proposals related to the creation of business cooperation schemes for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of enlargement. The overall objective is to finance actions that will exploit new business opportunities, arising from enlargement, by developing business cooperation between SMEs from the European Union (EU 15) and the accession and candidate countries. The aim is to prepare SMEs from the European Union for enlargement, and SMEs from the accession and candidate countries for the internal market. To achieve this objective, the pilot action will support the organisation and implementation of 'pan-European business cooperation schemes for SMEs in the framework of enlargement', including match-making events and accompanying activities which aim to: - stimulate cross border business cooperation between SMEs with a view to identifying common business interests and exploiting new market opportunities arising from the enlargement process; - facilitate the development of trade relations and industry links primarily between SMEs; - improve the competitiveness and internationalisation of SME and economic sectors with the prospects of gaining maximum benefit from enlargement; - foster advanced business cooperation between SMEs through preparatory training and continual networking according to the principle of 'learning by doing' and with the aim of forming strategic and long lasting partnerships for future business relations.For further information, please contact: Fax +32-2-296-8040 E-mail: elarg-sme@ec.europa.eu To see the full details of the call, please consult the following web address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/borderregions/(opens in new window)