In a ceremony held on June 20th, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) announced the winners of this year’s European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) awards. Galicia (Spain), Krapina Zagorje (Croatia), and Mazowieckie Voivodeship (Poland) were recognized for their innovative strategies to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promote entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
CoR President Vasco Alves Cordeiro emphasised the importance of these regions’ efforts in fostering a thriving and modern SME sector while addressing challenges such as the green and digital transitions. Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová, chair of the CoR’s Commission for Economic Policy, highlighted the significance of partnership and commitment in implementing ambitious visions for sustainable growth.
Galicia
Galicia was commended for its focus on rural entrepreneurship to revitalise communities and combat depopulation and ageing. By empowering local entrepreneurs and established businesses, Galicia has created a collaborative environment for economic development and job creation.
Focus: Revitalising rural communities, combating depopulation and ageing through entrepreneurship.
Strategy: Empowering local entrepreneurs and businesses, creating a collaborative public-private sector environment, and establishing a One-Stop Shop for rural businesses.
Key Projects: A network of Entrepreneurship and Employment Support Centers, co-working and co-living projects for digital nomads.
Krapina Zagorje
Krapina Zagorje received recognition for its strategy to modernise SMEs in traditional sectors like tourism and craftsmanship. The region’s approach combines efforts to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism with investments in craft businesses, promoting job creation and preserving traditional skills.
Focus: Boosting innovation and modernising SMEs in traditional sectors like tourism and craftsmanship.
Strategy: Strengthening competitiveness and sustainability of tourism, investing in craft businesses, promoting job creation and preserving traditional skills.
Key Projects: Utilising national and EU funds, expertise in project management through the Zagorje Development Agency (ZARA) to implement sustainable practices and economic growth initiatives.
Mazowieckie Voivodeship
Mazowieckie Voivodeship won for its ambition to become an innovation leader in central-eastern Europe. The region’s strategy focuses on creating a supportive environment for start-ups and SMEs, with dedicated programs for Ukrainian citizens to aid in Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Focus: Establishing the region as an innovation leader in central-eastern Europe.
Strategy: Creating a welcoming environment for start-ups and SMEs, dedicated programs for Ukrainian citizens, promoting sustainable and resilient economic development through cross-regional cooperation.
Key Projects: ‘Mazovian Start-Up Habitat’ project offering grant support, consultation services, and competitions promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
European Entrepreneurial Region
The EER award aims to identify and reward EU territories with outstanding entrepreneurial policy strategies. The winning regions will be monitored throughout 2025 to assess the implementation of their prize-winning strategies.
For more information on the EER award and past winners, please visit the European Committee of the Regions website.
