The Single Market Programme (SMP) is an EU funding initiative for 2021-2027 with a budget of €4.2 billion. It aims to strengthen the EU single market by focusing on several key areas: Improving the internal market's functioning through enhanced market surveillance and problem-solving support for citizens and businesses. Boosting competitiveness, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Developing effective European standards and international financial reporting standards. Enhancing consumer protection and food safety. Producing high-quality European statistics. The SMP consolidates activities previously funded separately, including COSME, consumer protection programs, and financial reporting initiatives. It provides grants and contracts to support projects aligned with its objectives. Funding is available to various entities including SMEs, public bodies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. The program does not specify typical project financing amounts, as these vary based on the specific call for proposals or tender. Recent initiatives supported by the SMP include projects to boost the digital transition of social economy enterprises, promote circular value chains, and enhance the organizational capacity of SMEs in the social economy. The program also supports training for national judges in EU competition law and efforts to reduce food waste.
The Single Market Programme (SMP) could potentially support the European Housing Cooperative (EHC) in several ways. The SMP's focus on strengthening the EU single market and supporting SMEs aligns well with EHC's goals of developing cooperative housing across Europe. The SMP's strand on "Competitiveness of enterprises" could provide funding and support for EHC to grow and expand its operations. This could include grants for business development, access to finance, and support for internationalization. The "Consumers" strand of SMP might offer opportunities for EHC to enhance consumer protection and awareness around cooperative housing models. This could help build trust and interest in EHC's offerings. Additionally, the SMP's emphasis on standardization and market surveillance could assist EHC in developing common standards and practices for cooperative housing across different EU countries. While specific past projects in cooperative housing are not readily available, the SMP has supported various cross-border initiatives in sectors like sustainable construction and social entrepreneurship. These could serve as models for how EHC might benefit from SMP funding. To maximize its chances of support, EHC should closely monitor calls for proposals under the SMP and consider partnering with other organizations to develop strong, pan-European project proposals that align with SMP's objectives of strengthening the single market and supporting innovative business models.