Single Market Programme, Competitiveness of Enterprises and European Statistics (Single Market Programme) (2021–2027) Open
The EU's Single Market Programme aims to improve economic conditions and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses, especially SMEs. It covers a wide range of measures, from market surveillance to promoting cluster structures. The program also promotes consumer protection, food safety, and the production of high-quality European statistics.
Who is funded by the Single Market Programme?
The Single Market Programme targets a wide range of actors within the EU and associated countries to improve the functioning of the single market and strengthen competitiveness. The funding aims to protect and strengthen the interests of businesses, citizens, and consumers, improve market surveillance, and support the development of high-quality European statistics.
What is funded by the Single Market Programme?
The Single Market Programme promotes a wide range of measures and activities aimed at achieving its strategic objectives. This includes supporting various sectors and project phases, from creating framework conditions to developing specific IT tools and supporting SMEs in their internationalization.
Type and Scope of Single Market Programme Funding
The Single Market Programme provides financial support in various forms to achieve its multitude of objectives. Funds can be granted as grants, prizes, or through public procurement, and blended finance measures are also possible. Funding rates vary depending on the type of measure and the specific objective area, with co-financing of up to 100 percent of eligible costs possible in exceptional cases. The program is designed for the period 2021 to 2027 and has a total budget of over 4.2 billion euros.
Conditions and Requirements for Applicants
Participation in the Single Market Programme is subject to specific conditions and requirements, which are detailed in the Commission's annual work programmes. These include criteria for application, rules for cooperation in consortia, financial provisions, and other operational and legal requirements designed to ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of the program.
Application Procedure for the Single Market Programme
The application procedure for the Single Market Programme is competitive and primarily takes place via calls for proposals. The application requires compliance with specific requirements and evaluation criteria, which are laid down in the annual work programmes. Project selection is transparently carried out by evaluation committees that assess the relevance, quality, and potential impact of the proposed measures.
Legal Basis of the Single Market Programme
The Single Market Programme is firmly anchored in a comprehensive legal framework of the European Union. The primary basis is a specific EU regulation that establishes the program and details its objectives, eligible measures, and financial provisions. This is supplemented by other relevant EU regulations and recommendations that regulate various aspects of the program, such as SME definitions, statistics production, or market surveillance.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
Up to 100% of eligible costs (in specific cases), Up to 95% of eligible costs (for certain entities), Up to 90% of eligible costs (for SME measures), Up to 75% of eligible costs (for cross-border activities or lower GNI Member States), 50% of eligible costs (standard rate)
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
Member States of the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), accession countries, candidate countries, potential candidates, countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy, and other third countries under certain conditions
Sectors:
Information and Communication Technology, Research and Development, Service Sector, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Food Processing, Environmental and Climate Protection, Creative Industries, Tourism
Beneficiaries:
Businesses, citizens, consumers, civil society, public authorities
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns, Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Market Introduction, Service Delivery
Funding Provider
Program Level: European Union
Funding Body: European Commission
Managed By: European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW)
Website: European Commission – Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs