Europe

International trade is a crucial aspect of Europe’s economy.  Europe is the world's largest exporter of manufactured goods and services, and it is the biggest export market for around 80 countries and territories, with a trade volume of over 8 trillion USD in goods and services in 2021. This accounts for more than 35.7% of global trade. Europe is home to many strong economies which are major exporters of goods such as machinery, electronics, and chemicals, and attract significant foreign investment. Europe is also home to the European Union (EU), which brings together 27 European economies. Together, EU member states account for 16% of world imports and exports. In 2021, EU exports reached $6.6 trillion USD for goods and $2.4 trillion USD for services, while imports stood at $6.5 trillion USD for goods and $2.2 trillion USD for services. In volume, EU's trade in goods and services represents more than 11% and 20% of world trade respectively. Additionally, the European Union has established 45 different Regional Trade Agreements, including with Central America, Pacific States, and Eastern and Southern African States. Overall, Europe’s commitment to international trade has led to increased economic growth, job creation, and improved standards of living for its citizens.    

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    SME Policy Index: Eastern Partner Countries 2020

    A unique benchmarking tool to assess and monitor progress in the design and implementation of SME policies against EU and international best practice.

    Source:   OECD, 2020

    Policymakers: Goods, Services, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Capacity Building, Europe,
    A unique benchmarking tool to assess and monitor progress in the design and implementation of SME policies against EU and international best practice.
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    Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Europe

    By developing and offering targeted financial products to intermediaries, such as banks, guarantee and leasing companies, micro-credit providers and private equity funds,  the specialist provider of risk finance benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Europe and enhances SMEs access to finance.

    Source:  European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union

    Businesses: Goods, Services, Capacity Building, Export Potential, Investment Facilitation, Europe,
    By developing and offering targeted financial products to intermediaries, such as banks, guarantee and leasing companies, micro-credit providers and private equity funds,  the specialist provider of risk finance benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Europe and enhances SMEs access to finance.
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    Access to EU Finance

    This site will help you to apply for loans and venture capital supported by the European Union.

    Source:  EC

    Businesses: Goods, Services, Access to Finance, Capacity Building, Europe,
    This site will help you to apply for loans and venture capital supported by the European Union.
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    Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

    .Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries.

    Source:  Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

    Businesses: Goods, Services, Capacity Building, Investment Facilitation, Europe,
    .Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries.
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    Africa IP SME Helpdesk

    The helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union (EU) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in/or relating to Africa by providing free information and services.

    Source: European Commission

    Businesses: Goods, Services, Intellectual Property, Africa, Europe,
    The helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union (EU) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in/or relating to Africa by providing free information and services.
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    Eurochambres

    Eurochambres represents over 20 million businesses in Europe through 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers. Eurochambres provides support to their members through research, surveys, position papers and events.

    Source: Eurochambres

    Businesses: Policymakers: Goods, Border Procedures & Trade Facilitation, Capacity Building, Europe,
    Eurochambres represents over 20 million businesses in Europe through 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers. Eurochambres provides support to their members through research, surveys, position papers and events.
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    SME United

    SME United is a European association of crafts and SMEs dedicated to representing SME interests in Europe, enabling networking and capacity building, and implementing relevant projects. International trade is one area where SME United provides policy recommendations. Related publications and papers can be found on their website.

    Source: SME United

    Businesses: Policymakers: Goods, Capacity Building, Europe,
    SME United is a European association of crafts and SMEs dedicated to representing SME interests in Europe, enabling networking and capacity building, and implementing relevant projects. International trade is one area where SME United provides policy recommendations. Related publications and papers can be found on their website.
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    Guide for export of goods (EU)

    This European Commission webpage outlines a series of questions and steps that businesses (EU and non-EU) should consider as they determine whether and how to export their products.

    Source: European Commission

    Businesses: Goods, Capacity Building, Export Potential, Europe,
    This European Commission webpage outlines a series of questions and steps that businesses (EU and non-EU) should consider as they determine whether and how to export their products.
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    Ready to Launch: How the export strategy can supercharge small business (FSB)

    This study from the United Kingdom's National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses provides survey figures and policymaker recommendations for ways to support MSMEs as they engage in international trade.

    Source: United Kingdom National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses (FSB)

    Policymakers: Goods, Capacity Building, Europe,
    This study from the United Kingdom's National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses provides survey figures and policymaker recommendations for ways to support MSMEs as they engage in international trade.
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    Blockchain for SMEs and Entrepreneurs in Italy

    To explain the evolution and uptake of blockchain technology in the Italian context, including how legal and policy frameworks have changed, and what this has meant for small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Source: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Authored by Marco Bianchini and Insung Kwon., 2020

    Businesses: Policymakers: Goods, Services, Digital Trade & E-Commerce, Europe,
    To explain the evolution and uptake of blockchain technology in the Italian context, including how legal and policy frameworks have changed, and what this has meant for small and medium-sized enterprises.
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    Europe

    Europe,