The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has opened applications for the European Entrepreneurship Region (EER) Award for 2023.

Under the overarching theme “Entrepreneurship and Resilient Communities”, cities, regions and municipalities can submit strategies on how they plan to support SMEs in the next two years.

The application deadline is March 29, 2022.

The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) is a project that identifies and rewards EU regions and cities that demonstrate an outstanding and innovative entrepreneurial policy strategy, regardless of their size, wealth and competences. The regions and cities with the most credible, advanced and promising vision plan are awarded the "European Entrepreneurial Region" (EER) label for a given year.

The EER label was established in partnership with the European Commission and is supported by EU-level stakeholders such as SME United, Eurochambres, Social Economy Europe and EURADA.

Who can apply:

Open to all EU areas of the Member States, including communities and cities and cross-border areas with legal personality such as EGTCs and Euroregions
Possession of competencies at the political level (not necessarily legislative)
Ability to implement the overall entrepreneurial vision
Regardless of their size, wealth or specific competencies
Open to areas that are already successful and those that are committed to implementing the necessary changes.
Cross-border regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Needed documents

Application form
Information on the applicant's territory
An overview of the political vision of the regions
A description of the management mechanism envisaged to ensure the effective implementation of EER measures
Action plan
Communication plan
A statement of political commitment demonstrating that the territory's EER strategy is supported by its political leadership (eg regional assembly, regional government or other authorized political bodies).
Details and information on how to apply for the 2023 EER Award can be found here and on the following website.