EU launches new network to help SMEs

The European Commission yesterday launched the Enterprise Europe Network, a support network for enterprises, focusing particularly on SMEs.

All major players in the business support community in Europe have united to offer a one-stop service to assist especially small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop their full potential and innovative capacity.

The Enterprise Europe Network includes over 500 contact points for entrepreneurs in Europe.

Malta is participating through Malta Enterprise, which will act as the island's SME's contact point.

The new network will provide a full range of support services in close proximity to SMEs covering the whole EU territory and combines the strengths of the previous Euro Info Centre with the Innovation Relay Centre networks.

Launching the new business tool in Brussels, Commission Vice President Gunther Verhuegen said all SMEs will now receive information and a personalised service, tailored to their needs and making best use of modern technologies, from every organisation in the new network.

Services offered by the new network include assisting companies in going international; helping small businesses with technical issues such as intellectual property rights, standards and EU legislation and accessing EU projects and funding.

Mr Verheugen said the new network is part of the Commission's integrated policy for promoting entrepreneurship and growth of enterprises in Europe and is intended to support SMEs from all sectors to take greater advantage of the opportunities of the EU's single market.