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DG REGIO has published an economic analysis of the impacts of cohesion and rural development policies at country level based on model simulations of the volume and patterns of EU investments over the period 2007-2015. For this analysis, the actual data for EU investments for cohesion and rural development are used to simulate the policies with QUEST III, a macroeconomic model developed by DG ECFIN.

Switching from a linear (take-make-use-throw away) economy to an eco-design focused circular (make-use-reuse-remanufacturerepair) economy in which nothing is wasted is a critical challenge for Europe. It makes the economy more sustainable and reduces the environmental footprint through better resource management and reduced extraction and pollution;

During the latest decades, the power relations in the food supply chain have changed, leading to a progressive concentration of food manufacturers and retailers in the market and to a shift in bargaining power, mostly to the detriment of primary producers. In particular, the existence of Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) disrupts the functioning of the food supply chain.

This report was commissioned in the framework of an evaluation of the overall functioning of the design protection systems in Europe. The Economic Review of Industrial Design in Europe provides information on the general characteristics of design-intensive industries in Europe, on the type of IPR being used to protect designs and on the economic rationale behind using some IPRs more often than others.

Are you a project promoter based in the EU, and want to reach potential investors worldwide? Register your project in the European Investment Project Portal (EIPP) and boost its visibility to a large network of international investors! Start today by submitting your project below. Or are you an investor looking for investment opportunities in areas such as energy efficiency, transport, healthcare, renewable energy, broadband infrastructure or in financing SMEs?

The Smart Guide to Cluster Policy is a new tool for policy-makers and practitioners to support industrial modernisation, SME growth and smart specialisation. The Guide was presented at the Smart Regions conference on 2 June 2016, and is the latest publication in the series of Guidebooks on supporting SME policy through structural funds. The new Smart Guide to Cluster Policy is a practical guide targeting regional authorities and stakeholders interested in "how to make better use of clusters for promoting regional industrial modernisation, supporting the growth of SMEs and encouraging smart specialisation".

One year after the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) came into force, the Commission looks at what has worked well in the Investment Plan, what can be improved, and how to advance. Eighteen months after President Jean-Claude Juncker launched the Investment Plan for Europe, and a year after the start of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the Commission takes stock of achievements to date.

Those suffering the most from the great recession of 2009 were arguably young people. Many of those leaving school to enter the world of work saw their chances on the labour market dramatically reduced. From 2008 to 2013, the employment rate for the 15-24 age group dropped from 37.3% to 32.1%. Over the same period, the unemployment rate increased from 15.9% to reach the historical peak of 23.7% in 2013.

Jobs, growth and investment are one of the Juncker Commission's 10 key priorities. The Investment Plan for Europe was presented on 26 November 20141 and initiated concerted and targeted action to stimulate financing for investment, with the support of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – together, the EIB Group –, as part of the virtuous triangle of structural reforms, responsible fiscal policies and investment.

It also announces next steps on the Joint Initiative on Standardisation (JIS), which aims to reinforce the partnership between the European institutions and the standardisation community. From the size of A4 paper to GSM technology, standards reduce costs, promote innovation, ensure interoperability between different devices and services, and help companies to access markets. Largely voluntary and industry-driven, European standards need to keep pace with the changing economy, the increasing importance of services, and the digital revolution.

On May 30th the Commission takes part in the informal meeting in Amsterdam on the Urban Agenda for the EU. Also present will be 28 Ministers in charge of urban matters, along with representatives from other EU Institutions and representatives of European cities. The aim of the meeting is to endorse the 'Pact of Amsterdam' which establishes the Urban Agenda for the EU and lays out its key principles.