Supports EU market functioning and boosts SME competitiveness.
The Single Market Programme (SMP) is an EU funding initiative aimed at strengthening and improving the functioning of the EU's internal market. With a budget of €4.2 billion for 2021-2027, the SMP consolidates various activities previously financed separately into one coherent program. The SMP focuses on six key areas: food safety, consumer protection, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing the effectiveness of the single market, producing high-quality European statistics, and developing effective European standards. It aims to boost competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, and ensure a high level of consumer protection and product safety. The program provides funding through grants and public contracts. While specific amounts for typical project financing are not readily available, the SMP offers various funding opportunities tailored to different objectives within its focus areas. Recent initiatives under the SMP include calls for proposals such as "Social Economy Missions for Community Resilience" and "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs." The program also supports activities like data gathering, capacity-building, joint actions between EU countries, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge. To receive funding, applicants must align their proposals with the SMP's objectives and meet the specific criteria outlined in each call for proposals or tender.