Articles of interest

EU COVID grants for entrepreneurs

EU COVID grants for entrepreneurs

Rebuilding a better Europe after Covid-19 is possible

The world is not the same as it was after Covid-19. We are not the same people. We have been forced to adapt to new circumstances and to cope with a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment. Companies had only two options: transform or fall by the wayside. The world is not the same as it was after Covid-19. We are not the same people. We have been forced to adapt to new circumstances and to cope with a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment. Companies had only two options: transform or fall by the wayside.

EU aid scheme COVID: Next Generation EU

Next Generation EU is a temporary instrument designed to boost Europe's recovery. It will finance projects related to digital transformation, reindustrialisation and clean energy.

Commission proposal for a new long-term EU recovery plan and budget - See here

What is the aim of Next Generation EU?

The aim is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. Next Generation aims to create systems that are more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the ecological and digital transitions.

The Digital Single Market strategy aims to develop Europe's digital capabilities. These capabilities relate to the following areas:

  • High performance computing
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity and trust
  • Advanced digital skills
  • Interoperability and digital transformation

What is the budget for this initiative?

It has a total budget of €750 billion. More than 50% of the amount will support modernisation, transformation and innovation, for example through:

Specifically, for the heading "single market, innovation and digital economy" and within the multiannual financing framework 2021-2027, a total of 143.4 billion euros will be allocated.

How to apply for these loans and grants?

The magazine Dirigentes Digital recently published an article on this issue, in which it is specified that EU members have until 30 April to submit their plans for the use of the funds. The European Commission will have two months to evaluate it. During the second half of 2021, the requirements of the projects that will be eligible for aid will be known.

Ultimately, the Next Generation EU fund is much more than an initiative to alleviate the effects of the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic: it is an opportunity to create a better, more sustainable, digital, gender-neutral and inclusive Europe. As the name suggests, it represents an opportunity to create a new generation.