The European Commission presented an information booklet “Facilitating EU-Ukraine Business Cooperation”, in which it has compiled EU tools and resources for the development of cooperation between Ukrainian and European businesses.

At first glance, this is a guide to opportunities primarily for entrepreneurs. However, it can also serve as a practical guideline for communities striving to develop their local economies, support small and medium-sized enterprises, establish industrial parks, clusters and business support centres, or attract investors.

In particular, the booklet contains information on tools that help businesses find international partners, enter European Union markets, implement innovations and digital solutions, and attract funding.

Opportunities that can be useful to communities

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) – the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises. It helps companies find partners, develop international cooperation, and enter European markets. For communities, this is an opportunity to recommend to local businesses a proven mechanism for finding partners in EU countries.

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) – an international exchange programme for entrepreneurs. It enables participants to gain practical business experience in other countries and establish professional contacts. Young entrepreneurs from communities can use it to develop their own businesses and gain European experience.

Focus Group Ukraine – monthly online meetings organised by the European Commission, with the participation of representatives from business, government institutions, and business associations. This is a platform for the discussion of cooperation between Ukrainian and European businesses, and an opportunity to convey the current needs of Ukrainian companies to the European Commission.

European Clusters Alliance (ECA) and European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) can be useful for communities that are developing or planning to set up sectoral clusters. These tools help find partners amongst European cluster organisations, exchange experience, and integrate into international supply chains.

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transformation. This includes consultancy, training, testing of new technologies, assistance with innovative projects, and establishing cooperation with European partners.

Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF) – the investment component of the Ukraine Facility programme, aimed to attract private investment for Ukraine’s recovery and development. Information on this mechanism can be useful for communities that are working on setting up investment projects, developing industrial parks, or supporting local businesses.

Nowadays, communities are becoming increasingly active in promoting local economic development, supporting entrepreneurship, and attracting investment. Hence, knowledge of European business support instruments can be an added advantage for local governments, regional development agencies, business associations, and other institutions that help local enterprises to develop.

The European Commission’s booklet does not create new programmes, but for the first time brings together in one place existing opportunities that Ukrainian companies and communities can use to develop international partnerships, digitise their businesses, and attract investment.

The booklet Facilitating EU-Ukraine Business Cooperation is available HERE