European Union

Useful Links for small and medium-sized enterprises

1. Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)

The Enterprise Europe Network has been developed by merging the former known EIC and IRC-Network (Euro Info Centres and Innovation Relay Centres).
This initiative arised to support business transactions and growth within the EU. This network does especially support small and medium sized enterprises to develop their business by
  • providing support to SME in the first international steps
  • promote innovations, new products and business opportunities
  • inform how to gain access to EU projects and financing possibilities
More than 500 regional organisations within and outside the European Union belong to this network and offer their services to SME.  Within Germany more than 17 Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) belong to the new EEN-partners.

2. Your Europe, your opportunity

The internetportal Your Europe, your opportunity can be used to research specific information for the EU market.
The European Union gives information and useful advices to support company activities in a foreign EU member state. Companies can find information to company registrations, public procurement, tax law, business register, several financing opportunities or labour law for all member states.

3. EuropeDirect

The toll-free hotline 00 800 6789 1011 can be dialed from every EU member state. It’s the first point of contact for questions to the EU as well as contact addresses of relevant offices.

4. European Small Business Portal

This database gives an overview about politics, regulations, programs and initiatives of the European Union, which are relevant for SME.

5. SOLVIT

SOLVIT ist an EU network which supports enterprises and citizens in solving problems resulting from the incorrect application of interior market regulations.

6. EAH Point of Single Contact

You want to carry out your dealings with the authorities conveniently from the comfort of your own home or on the road? Do you want to open a handicraft business, restaurant or lawyer's office? Register, change or de-register a business or apply for a renewal of the off-time?

The following requests, as well as many others, can be carried out through the Point of Single Contact Hessen. The EAH is offering a completely new electronic procedure for your dealings with the authorities, so you can make your applications online. Whenever you want, wherever you want: 24 hours a day! (More information)