• 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 
   

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)
 

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.
 

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
 

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.
   

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
   

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
   

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
   

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
   

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
   

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
   

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