Tapping into the EU Single Market: Opportunities for Rural Micro-enterprises

1. MICRO: Enhancing Competitiveness of Micro-enterprises in Rural Areas Module No 8. EU Single Market Opportunities for Rural Micro-enterprises Prepared by the Consortium for the project: “Irish Rural Link – National University of Ireland Maynooth- CDI – EEO GROUP SA- IHF asbl – IDP - Internet Web Solutions SL”

2. How to tap into the EU Single Market Overview

3. How to tap into the EU Single Market Unit Aim In this unit we will have a look atthe various EU Single Market opportunities and how micro-enterprises can take advantage of them

4. How to tap into the EU Single Market At the end of this unit you will be able to: • Know EU funding Programmes for micro-enterprises • Recognize the opportunities for micro-enterprises in the EU Single Market • Tap into the EU Single Market Expected Learning Outcomes

5. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Opportunities for micro-enterprises in the EU Single Market • Multilingualism is a key element of the cultural diversity of Europe, for micro-enterprises wishing to engage in foreign markets it could represent a significant barrier • Current ICT solutions provide convenient opportunities to carry out marketing at international level through social media, online platforms, e-Marketplaces, etc. • There are plenty of cost-efficient logistics solutions to provide micro-enterprises with shipping and handling services to deliver goods across the EU

6. How to tap into the EU Single Market European funding programmes EU policies are implemented through a wide range of thematic programmes They provide financial support in the form of grants for specific projects and organisations They are designed to support EU strategies and values within and outside the EU (i.e. both in EU Member States and third countries)

7. How to tap into the EU Single Market • European funding programmes for SMEs (1/2) Micro-enterprises are eligible for grant financing through EU funding programmes that cover the full range of topics and themes: Training Innovation Competitiveness Research Social inclusion Environment etc.

8. How to tap into the EU Single Market European funding programmes for SMEs (2/2) The EU Commission provides grant financing to micro –enterprises through: • Centralised programmes: to enhance SMEs’ competitiveness and innovation capacity • Structural funds: to support growth and employment All funding programmes are aimed at reaching Europe 2020 objectives and priorities

9. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Centralised programmes VS Structural funds (1/2) Centralised programmes • Funds are allocated directly to the final beneficiaries • The financed actions have a European relevance and are carried on by a transnational consortium • They typically are “soft” activities such as: research, analysis, good practices exchange etc.

10. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Centralised programmes VS Structural funds (2/2) Structural funds • Relations with the European Commission are mediated by national authorities at central, regional or local level • The financed actions have a local impact • They can also include infrastructure building

11. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Centralised programmes (1/3) They are the tools to implement the common policy of the European Union: • Erasmus+: education and training, youth, mobility, sport, languages • Creative Europe: promotion and diffusion of cultural activities, audiovisual and multimedia • Horizon2020: scientific research, innovation and applications to industry and society • Life: environment, energy, biodiversity, climate

12. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Centralised programmes (2/3) They are the tools to implement the common policy of the European Union: • EaSI: employment, labour, social inclusion, social economy • Europe for Citizens: enhances citizens’ understanding of EU history and values, civic and democratic participation at EU level • Justice: judicial cooperation, judicial training, effective access to justice in Europe, drugs policy

13. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Centralised programmes (3/3) They are the tools to implement the common policy of the European Union: • Health: promotes health and disease prevention, contributes to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems, facilitates access to better and safer healthcare • Consumer Programme: product safety, consumer representation and rights • COSME: financing, access to markets and support to SMEs

14. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Structural funds (1/3) They are the tools to implement the regional policy of the European Union • European Regional Development Fund (ERDF):  strengthens economic and social cohesion by correcting imbalances between European Union regions • European Social Fund (ESF):  improves employment and education opportunities, also taking care of the most vulnerable people at risk of poverty

15. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Structural funds (2/3) They are the tools to implement the regional policy of the European Union • Cohesion Fund (CF): reduces economic and social disparities and promotes sustainable development (Gross National Income <90% European average) • European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD): supports the transition to sustainable rural development

16. How to tap into the EU Single Market • Structural funds (3/3) They are the tools to implement the regional policy of the European Union • European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): sustainable fishing and support to coastal communities in diversifying their economies • European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF): responds to major natural disasters

17. Thank you for your attention  End of Module