What is the Enterprise Europe Network?

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a free services network created to help businesses innovating and competing in Europe. Through the Network, entrepreneurs can easily access to a range of services that can help to enhance your innovation and investment strategies in the European market and beyond.

The Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an EEN member.

Where can I find Business Opportunities and/or disseminate my own Business Opportunity?

The Enterprise Europe Network Business Cooperation Database helps you to find new sales channels with suitable partners – both commercial and financial ones. The Network can also perform individually tailored searches in the database if you inform us which are your preferential target countries and activity sectors.

What is the difference between Regulation, Directive and Decision?

Regulation

Regulations are the most direct form of EU law – as soon as they are passed, they have binding legal force throughout every Member State, on a par with national laws. National governments do not have to take action themselves to implement EU regulations. They are different from directives, which are addressed to national authorities, who must then take action to make them part of national law, and decisions, which apply in specific cases only, involving particular authorities or individuals.

Directive

EU directives lay down certain end results that must be achieved in every Member State. National authorities have to adapt their laws to meet these goals, but are free to decide how to do so. Directives may concern one or more Member States, or all of them. Each directive specifies the date by which the national laws must be adapted – giving national authorities the room for manoeuvre within the deadlines necessary to take account of differing national situations. Directives are used to bring different national laws into line with each other, and are particularly common in matters affecting the operation of the single market (e.g. product safety standards).

Decision

Decisions are EU laws relating to specific cases. They can require authorities and individuals in Member States either do something or stop doing something, and can also confer rights on them. EU decisions are addressed to specific parties (unlike regulations) and fully binding.

What do I do if I encounter problems caused by the misapplication of internal market law by public authorities?

The Enterprise Europe Network can help you to overcome administrative barriers, unjustified refusal of access to a national market or problems in getting reimbursement of VAT. The Network can also help you in case you are having problems related with the recognition of professional qualifications and diplomas, social security, employment rights, border controls, market access for products, market access for services, establishment as self-employed, public procurement, taxation, free movement of capital or payments, etc.