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  • News article
  • 17 November 2025
  • Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
  • 2 min read

Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2025: Driving innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs: a stronger Network in action

As the world’s largest network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international aspirations, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is preparing for its 2025 Annual Conference in Aalborg, from 26 to 28 November. 

This year’s event, themed “Driving innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs: a stronger Network in action” will bring together over 700 onsite participants. The conference will explore how the Network can strengthen its impact under the new European Competitiveness Fund and help SMEs thrive amid industrial transition, global competition, and digital transformation.

In line with the EU’s focus on simplification, decarbonisation, and  security, the 2025 programme will revolve around four core priorities:

  1. Simplification & Policy Alignment: Exploring how the EEN can act as a bridge between EU policy and SMEs through the new Simplification Task Force, helping businesses navigate EU rules more efficiently.
  2. Resilience & Preparedness: Presenting new tools such as the Business Future Proof and Resilience Assessment instruments to help SMEs anticipate disruption and strengthen competitiveness.
  3. Innovation & Finance: Showcasing practical strategies to leverage EU cascade funding, innovation finance, and technology transfer for growth and internationalisation, with sessions like “Funding the Future” and “From Lab to Global Market.”
  4. Sustainability & Inclusion: Highlighting initiatives for decarbonisation, circular energy solutions, and women entrepreneurs, supporting inclusive growth and a just transition to a net-zero economy.

The Power of Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

The Annual Conference remains the flagship EEN event, combining EU policy insights with hands-on peer learning.

Interactive workshops and “Network & Connect” sessions will focus on improving the quality and visibility of EEN services, helping advisors support clients in areas such as innovation, access to finance, and internationalisation. An area with stands will also be integrated this year, showcasing specific EEN actions and other relevant EU activities.

High-Profile Speakers and Success Stories

The opening ceremony will see the presence of keynote speaker Hubert Gambs, Deputy Director-General of DG GROW, who will share insights on the future of SME support and Europe’s competitiveness agenda.

He will be joined by other distinguished speakers from the European Commission, EISMEA, and national authorities, alongside 4 SMEs clients of the EEN that will showcase their successes obtained through the support of the network.

Stay Connected

To stay up to date with conference developments, check out the EEN website, follow EEN on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and engage with the event using #EEN2025. The opening and closing sessions will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in this crucial event for Europe’s SMEs. We look forward to seeing you in Aalborg as we work together to empower European SMEs and boost their competitiveness!