European Entrepreneurial Region award: applications open for cities and regions promoting the creation, innovation and growth of SMEs

European cities, regions and municipalities who wish to showcase, share and enrich their strategy and experience in promoting growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through smart regulation, strong ecosystems and tailored support services can now apply for the 2027 edition of the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) award, organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in partnership with the European Commission’s DG GROW. 

Under the overarching theme "Boosting local drivers of growth for EU competitiveness", the EER 2027 will spotlight local and regional actions aimed at developing smart regulation, strong ecosystems and tailored SME support services, thus increasing the competitiveness and long-term resilience of their local economies. Local and regional authorities can submit their strategies until 19 March 2026. 

The call for applications for the EER 2027 was announced during the SME Assembly in Copenhagen, the most significant event for SMEs in Europe, organised by the European Commission together with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

The President of the ECON commission of the CoR and President of the Piedmont region, Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), said: "Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Europe, and our regions are where their future is built. The European Entrepreneurial Region award celebrates those communities that champion innovation, resilience and growth because strong regions make a stronger Europe. We look forward to recognising regions that lead the way for SMEs." 

The CoR rapporteur for the Single Market and Customs Programme, Emma Blain (IE/EPP), participated in the SME Assembly and shared challenges and best practices that SMEs in Ireland are facing when scaling up and expanding their business across the borders. She said: "If we want Europe to be at the forefront of opportunity and innovation for SMEs, we need coordinated action at the European level on finance, skills and smart regulation, together with a renewed partnership with local and regional authorities, the hosts of startup hubs, innovation districts, vocational institutes and enterprise networks. If we do that, we can build Europe, where SMEs are not just surviving in the complex world, but thriving - connected, confident and competitive." 

Details and information on how to apply for the EER award 2027 can be found on the dedicated webpage. 

More information: 

• The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) award is a project that identifies and rewards EU territories that are pursuing an outstanding and innovative, forward-looking entrepreneurial policy strategy. The calls for application take place very two years and up to three successful territories selected by the EER jury are granted the label ‘European Entrepreneurial Region’ for a single year. 

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

• The winners of the EER awards 2025: Galicia (Spain), Krapina Zagorje (Croatia) and Mazowieckie (Poland). 

• The winners of the 2027 edition will be announced during the CoR plenary session in July 2026. 

• More information on the European Entrepreneurial Region award 

Contact 

Piotr Zajaczkowski 
Tel. +32 (0) 22822401 
eer-cdr@cor.europa.eu  

Theresa Sostmann 
Tel. +32 (0) 475999415 
Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu