European programmes
As a key player in Wallonia's representation to the European institutions, our mission is to anchor the European Union's strategic priorities in the regional economic fabric. By defending Wallonia's interests in areas such as innovation, industrial policy and competitiveness, we help shape European policies while providing practical support to Walloon players as they adapt and gain access to funding opportunities.
What are we doing about Europe?
We follow the main orientations set at the European level. We ensure Wallonia’s representation by defending Wallonia’s strategic interests related to economic development, industrial policy, competitiveness and innovation, and regional policy in discussions with other entities and in working groups organized by European institutions. We also exchange and provide advice to the offices of the competent Ministers in preparation for discussions held between European Ministers during the "Competitiveness" and "Telecommunications" Councils, among others. We are involved in several European networks and projects with other regions and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to share and promote our common interests at the European level.
We translate the EU’s major strategic orientations into concrete actions in Wallonia on specific issues such as the CRMA (Critical Raw Materials Act) on critical materials, the NZIA (Net Zero Industry Act) on clean technologies, industrial policy, and the circular economy. In close collaboration with institutional and economic stakeholders, we strive to turn these transitions into opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Walloon economy.
To promote European funding opportunities for Walloon stakeholders, we work on defining the themes of project calls and budgets within the framework of European "programme committees”. We therefore monitor programs managed by the European Commission that promote entrepreneurship and SME support (COSME), the adoption and deployment of digital technologies in businesses (DIGITAL Europe), the development of all forms of innovation, primarily within SMEs (Horizon Europe, Pillar III: Innovative Europe), and support for interregional investments in innovation (the "I3" instrument).
From a legal perspective, we play a key role in transposing European directives related to the Single Market. We have also developed expertise in State aid, particularly regarding the regulatory framework governing public aid granted to businesses. The State Aid Single Point of Contact (SPOC) provides information, analysis, and opinions, and engages with granting authorities in cases of consultations and reporting requests from the European Commission.
COSME
COSME is the European funding program for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs represent 99% of businesses in the European economy, accounting for 85% of all job creation. This European Commission funding program aims to ensure better market access, create a business-friendly environment for competitiveness, facilitate access to financing, and encourage entrepreneurship. COSME also focuses on strengthening skills and ensuring business sustainability, including in the tourism sector. Each year, a new work program is submitted for approval by Member States. The current program covers the period from 2021 to 2027.
DIGITAL Europe Programme (DEP)
The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) is a European Union funding program that aims to bring digital technology to businesses, citizens, and public administrations. The DEP covers the period from 2021 to 2027.
Digital technology and infrastructure play a crucial role in our personal lives and business environment. We rely on them for communication, work, scientific advancement, and addressing environmental challenges. The DEP provides strategic funding to tackle these challenges through projects on key topics such as supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring widespread adoption in industry and society.
In total, this program has a global budget of €8.1 billion. The DEP is essentially an extension of another European Commission program, Horizon Europe, which focuses on research and innovation.
Visit the DIGITAL Europe Programme website
Horizon Europe : pillier III
Horizon Europe is the EU's research and innovation (R&I) funding program, with a total budget of €93.5 billion (2021-2027). Horizon Europe is an EU framework program promoting a common strategy for R&I. This type of program has proven effective in ensuring the impact of research and innovation. This one addresses climate change and aims to contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. It also boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. Horizon Europe is divided into three pillars: I) Scientific Excellence, II) Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, III) Innovative Europe.
The SPW Economy is particularly interested in the third pillar (Pillar Three | Horizon Europe NI), which consists of three key elements:
- The European Innovation Council, which supports innovations with high growth potential but considered too risky for private investors.
- European Innovation Ecosystems, which connect regional and national innovation players.
- The European Institute of Innovation and Technology, which brings together key stakeholders (research, education, and business) around a common goal to foster innovation.
Visit the Horizon Europe website