The European Commission has unveiled a bold new Single Market Strategy aimed at making Europe the most attractive choice for businesses. By removing the most harmful barriers, cutting red tape, and boosting digital solutions, the plan simplifies cross-border operations and helps companies of all sizes – especially SMEs – scale up with ease. New initiatives, including an “SME ID” and digital-first regulations, aim to slash bureaucracy and unlock growth. The strategy also targets a revitalisation of Europe’s vital service sector with modernised rules for construction, postal and parcels, and more. With Member States urged to step up their commitment, the message is clear: a streamlined, unified market is key to Europe’s global competitiveness. Businesses, workers, and consumers all stand to gain.

What are some of the issues holding businesses back in the EU? This video features our Director-General Kerstin Jorna and also entrepreneurs and companies from across Europe sharing firsthand experiences of the challenges they face when navigating the Single Market. Under the Single Market Strategy, the European Commission is taking steps to remove the most persistent barriers and make it easier for businesses to grow, innovate, and operate across borders.

🎥 Watch now to see what’s changing – and why it matters.

Building on earlier efforts, the new rules will support especially SMEs and a newly defined category of “small mid-caps” by easing compliance, encouraging growth, and accelerating digitalisation. From streamlined GDPR obligations to digital-only product documentation, these changes aim to reduce bureaucracy, while upholding high standards. Small businesses importing products with fluorinated gases will also benefit from lighter requirements, and battery companies will gain extra time to comply with new due diligence rules. Altogether, these measures reflect a shift toward smarter regulation, helping firms compete, invest and innovate across the Single Market.

The European Commission has adopted a package of secondary legislation under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), aimed at scaling up the EU’s capacity to manufacture clean, climate-neutral technologies. The new rules provide clarity on which projects qualify for fast-tracked permitting and strategic project status. They also introduce sustainability and resilience-focused criteria into renewable energy auctions and public procurement. A dedicated list of key components and final products ensures targeted support, while a new communication outlines the EU’s current supply dependencies. Together, these measures are designed to strengthen industrial resilience, support innovation, and reduce Europe’s reliance on third-country suppliers.

Stronger, swifter crisis response across Europe – the EU moves to modernise its rules on compulsory licensing. A new political agreement between the European Parliament and Member States paves the way for a single, EU-wide mechanism to ensure timely access to vital patented technologies in times of emergency. Designed strictly as a last-resort tool, the Regulation aims to cut red tape, reinforce the Single Market, and bolster Europe's resilience when it matters most.

The European Commission has adopted a new working plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Energy Labelling Regulation. The plan outlines priority products—including steel, aluminium, textiles, furniture, tyres and mattresses—to be targeted for future ecodesign and energy labelling requirements. These measures aim to promote sustainability, repairability and circularity, in line with the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal. The plan also introduces horizontal actions, such as a repairability score for electronics and recyclability requirements. Harmonised sustainability rules will support the Single Market, reduce administrative burden and enhance the global competitiveness of EU businesses. Future requirements will focus on product durability, energy efficiency, and transparency, using tools like the Digital Product Passport.

What impact do recent ECJ rulings have on the participation of third country bidders in EU public procurement procedures? The European Commission has published a new Questions and Answers (Q&A) document to clarify key aspects following the ECJ judgments in the Kolin (C-652/22) and Qingdao (C-266/22) cases. The Q&A provides guidance for EU public buyers—contracting authorities and entities—on how to assess bids from non-covered (by bilateral or multilateral commitments) third countries (i.e. non-EU countries) considering these decisions. It addresses practical questions and offers interpretation support to ensure compliance with EU rules. This is essential reading for procurement practitioners involved in tenders with bidders from non-covered third countries.

Nominations are now open for the “Special Mention” category of the European Small and Mid-Cap Awards 2025. For the first time, individuals, companies, policymakers and exchanges are invited to take part. The Awards—organised by DG GROW, together with European Issuers and FESE—promote the role of SMEs in accessing capital markets through IPOs. As SMEs represent over 98% of EU businesses and two-thirds of employment, enabling their growth is key to Europe’s economic resilience. The winner will be announced at the Awards ceremony during the SME Assembly in Copenhagen on 11 November 2025.

The EU Ecolabel has hit a major milestone, with over 102,000 certified goods and services now on the market. In its 33rd year, the label continues to support businesses in improving their environmental performance and staying competitive. It’s embraced by both large companies and SMEs—who make up 57% of licence holders—and enjoys strong support from Member States, NGOs, and industry leaders. Italy, Spain, France and Germany lead in certifications, reflecting active national engagement. Tourist accommodation, paints, and textiles are among the most certified product groups, while new categories like pet care are expanding the label’s reach. The EU Ecolabel is more than a badge—it's a strategic tool helping businesses meet consumer demand and lead the green transition.

On 12 May, the European Commission hosted the event Empowering a Competitive Union: from InvestEU to the European Competitiveness Fund, bringing together EU institutions, financial partners, and InvestEU beneficiaries. InvestEU was widely praised as a successful tool for mobilising investment, enabling greater risk-taking by financial institutions while reassuring private investors. High-level speakers—including Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, EIB President Nadia Calviño, and Deputy Polish Finance Minister Paweł Karbownik—highlighted the importance of aligning EU investment with strategic goals such as technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness. The EU budget was recognised as a key lever to finance such investments, coordinate national efforts, and signal long-term commitment to markets. Looking ahead to the European Competitiveness Fund, there was a strong call for continuity, building on InvestEU’s strengths: strong policy direction, trusted financial partners via an open architecture, and market proximity. Around 450 participants attended in person, with many more joining online.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on 8 May in Tallinn for the launch of the 2025 EU Finance Days: Financing competitiveness. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and financial experts to explore how EU finance can drive competitiveness through sustainability and innovation. Discussions featured the Clean Industrial Deal, the Omnibus package for simplifying EU rules, and real-life examples of the InvestEU sustainability guarantee. You can now access the recordings, presentations and event photos on our website.

With support from the InvestEU Advisory Hub, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is partnering with pan-European stock exchange Euronext to help aerospace and defence entrepreneurs access public markets. The initiative will support scale-up companies in navigating financial markets and preparing for stock-market listings, boosting access to European capital and empowering the next generation of innovators in these strategic sectors.

On 22 April, the European Commission proposed extending the scope of the STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) initiative to include a fourth sector covering all defence technologies, as part of a broader ReArm package. This extension would further support the development of cutting-edge technologies essential for the EU's defence, thanks to the STEP approach, by boosting public and private funding for high-quality EU projects. Negotiations in the European Parliament and the Council are expected to begin soon to turn this proposal into reality.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on potential EU countermeasures in response to ongoing trade tensions with the United States. This consultation allows stakeholders to provide feedback on a proposed list of US imports worth €95 billion that could face EU counter-tariffs if negotiations do not lead to a mutually satisfactory agreement and the removal of US tariffs. It also covers possible export restrictions on certain EU goods—notably steel scrap and chemical products—worth €4.4 billion. To take part in the consultation, please visit the official EU survey here.

Goods subject to counter-tariffs Circabc
In addition to the already adopted list of counter-tariffs in response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum, the Commission has prepared another list covering €95bn worth of goods, with automotive, chemicals, medical devices, machinery, and many other sectors, including agrifood. 
Goods subject to export restrictions Circabc

These measures are being considered in response to US universal tariffs and those specifically affecting cars and car parts. Stakeholder input is essential to ensure a balanced and effective EU response.

The Digital Product Passport is a key innovation introduced under the 2024 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. It is designed to store and share relevant data about a product’s sustainability, composition, and other environmental aspects. This information will be accessible to consumers, businesses, and relevant public authorities. To support the development of a well-functioning Digital Product Passport system, the European Commission has launched a public consultation. The aim is to gather stakeholders’ views on how data should be stored and managed by service providers, and whether a certification scheme for these service providers is necessary.

On 3–4 June 2025, Rzeszów will host the Clusters Meet Regions event, spotlighting clusters as key players in regional innovation and competitiveness. Organised by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform and the Podkarpackie Region, the event will explore smart specialisation, green and digital transitions, and the region’s leadership in aerospace and dual-use technologies. Participants will engage in panels, pitching sessions, and site visits to discover regional innovation in action. With over 100 stakeholders expected, the event offers a platform for new partnerships and EU-wide collaboration.

This three-day EBAN Congress brings together business angels, venture capitalists, startups, and industry experts for insightful keynotes, startup pitches, and unparalleled networking opportunities for both investors and startups.

The EU Industry Days 2025, Europe’s flagship event for industry, will feature high-level speakers, including European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and European Investment Fund Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt. Attendees can also look forward to exploring the exhibition, where inspiring companies such as Ekoinwentyka, SEEDiA, and FibriTech—along with dozens of others—will showcase their innovative products and solutions. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Meet the Experts Corner, where they can receive tailored advice from representatives of key institutions like the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund, the Polish National Promotional Bank, and European Digital Innovation Hubs, among others.

On 10 June, the European Commission, under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council, is hosting a high-level event titled “Towards a Simpler Single Market.” The event will address how Europe can cut through regulatory and administrative complexity to better support businesses. It will bring together thought leaders, industry representatives, and SMEs to explore practical tools such as Your Europe, the Once-Only Technical System, the EU Digital Identity Wallet, and eInvoicing—all designed to unlock the full potential of the Single Market. This is an opportunity to connect with key figures from EU institutions and Member States, and to hear keynote speeches from experts including Kerstin Jorna, Director-General for the Internal Market, and Andreas Rahlf Hauptmann, Deputy Director of the Danish Business Authority.

The Commission is co-organising the 6th International IP Enforcement Summit together with the EUIPO, the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation, and the Interagency Market Control Unit of Greece. The summit will bring together key European and international decision-makers, law enforcement authorities, multinational companies, SMEs, consumer representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the protection and enforcement of IP rights in the EU and globally.

The European Commission, through the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), will host the EU–South MED Matchmaking Event in Cairo. Held alongside the Egypt Infrastructure & Water Expo and Big 5 Construct Egypt, the event will connect clusters and SMEs from Europe and South MED countries. Focused on green tech, sustainable construction, smart cities, and digital transformation, the event offers targeted matchmaking, guided tours, and pitching opportunities. It’s a unique chance to explore new markets, build cross-regional value chains, and boost innovation. The event is supported by Euromed Cluster Forward, EEN, and the Federation of Egyptian Industries.

The second event of the EU Finance Days 2025 – Financing Competitiveness – will bring together local stakeholders, businesses, and financial institutions to discuss how to enhance and fund Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability. The programme will highlight the InvestEU sustainability guarantee and feature insights from implementing partners and beneficiaries. Key topics include the Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and the latest omnibus proposals to simplify sustainability reporting and unlock additional investment through the EU sustainable finance framework. DG GROW, DG FISMA, the European Investment Bank, and the European Investment Fund will all contribute to the discussions. The registration link will be available soon.

The European Commission, through the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), is bringing the Clusters Meet Regions event to Italy on 24–25 June 2025. This flagship initiative fosters dialogue between clusters, policymakers, and regional actors to strengthen local industrial ecosystems. Participants will explore how clusters can drive innovation, resilience, and regional growth in line with EU priorities. The event offers opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between businesses and institutions. The full programme and registration details will be available soon.

Registrations are now open for the 4th edition of Empowering Equity, taking place on 15 October at the Luxembourg Philharmonie in Luxembourg City. Backed by the InvestEU programme, including gender smart criteria for equity investments, hosted by the European Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank Advisory, this flagship event invites stakeholders active in Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Private Credit to explore the power of gender-lens investing and advance diversity in finance. Participants will gain insights into EU financing tools, take part in expert-led sessions, connect with industry leaders and emerging STEM talent, and engage in one-to-one meetings with EIB Group experts. Registration for the event closes on Tuesday 7 October.

The European Commission, through the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), is organising a major EU–India Matchmaking Event, alongside the Renewable Energy India Expo 2025. The event will connect EU and Indian clusters and SMEs in key sectors like renewable energy, clean tech, energy infrastructure, e-mobility, and green finance. Participants can expect high-level seminars, curated stand visits, matchmaking meetings, and pitching opportunities. It’s a unique platform to explore business synergies, value chain integration, and R&I partnerships. The event also includes site visits and guided tours of the Expo to maximise strategic networking. 

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