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European Commission

Business and industry

What the EU does

Clothing, circular economy and social reintegration

Industry is the backbone of the European economy – driving growth, jobs and innovation across the continent. It generates more than 20% of the EU’s total value-added and supports 35 million jobs. To stay competitive and independent in a fast-changing world, the EU is stepping up its efforts to help its industries adapt and thrive.

The EU is focused on helping businesses go digital and green – with innovation, decarbonisation, and economic security at the core. A strong single market makes it easier to do business, while new measures aim to cut red tape, attract investment, and ensure access to a skilled workforce.

Through its industrial policy, the EU supports businesses of all sizes in scaling up clean technologies, securing access to critical materials, and developing the right skills. The Clean Industrial Deal provides a roadmap to boost competitiveness and decarbonisation. It focuses on affordable energy, demand for clean products, circularity, financing, and quality jobs, while increasing security and reducing dependencies.

Key figures

99%
of European businesses are small and medium enterprises
84.9
million jobs in small and medium businesses
35 million
jobs in industry

Areas of action

Advanced manufacturing

See how the EU supports the use of innovative technologies and practices to improve the production of goods

Transition Pathways

Plans that guide Europe’s industries toward green, digital, and sustainable transformation

Cluster policy

See how the EU supports business clusters in boosting innovation, resilience, and sustainability

Sustainability

Enabling sustainable growth and innovation towards a climate-neutral economy

Key achievements

  • Through targeted investments, innovation programmes, and strong standards, the European Commission helps businesses thrive and lead the green and digital transitions.
  • The EU has mobilised €52.7 billion in industrial transition investments, supporting businesses in clean technologies, circularity, and decarbonisation.
  • Every year, the Enterprise Europe Network supports nearly 20,000 SMEs with tailored advice and partnership services, helping many to increase their turnover by over 20%.
  • From 2023 to 2025, the Euroclusters project provided 2,000 SMEs with targeted direct funding to accelerate their green and digital transition.
  • The Commission has introduced a new ‘small mid-cap’ category to better support fast-growing enterprises and bridge the gap between SMEs and large corporations.
  • The EU continues to strengthen industrial innovation and resilience, with a strong focus on green and digital transitions in its updated industrial strategy.
  • The action plan for the chemicals industry demonstrates the EU’s sector-specific modernisation efforts, addressing energy costs, global competition, and encouraging sustainable innovation.

In focus

A practical guide to doing business in Europe

The EU is working to remove barriers to trade by promoting a business-friendly EU market based on simple, transparent and consistent rules and standards. The Your Europe portal provides helpful information about everything from running a business and taxation to human resources and product requirements.

Learn more

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