The 2025 Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, held in Aalborg, Denmark, brought together nearly 700 participants from 57 countries for three days of strategic discussions, hands-on sessions and international networking.
Organised by EISMEA and DG GROW, with support from the North Denmark EU-Office, the event focused on the Network’s central mission: helping SMEs innovate, grow globally and navigate a fast-changing economic landscape.
Key themes shaping the Network’s future
This year’s programme highlighted four major EU priorities—innovation, industrial transition, the Single Market, and quality & impact—translating them into practical support for SMEs. Sessions ranged from innovation financing and start-up scaling to circular economy strategies, net-zero transition pathways, market access, and simplification of EU funding processes.
Networking was equally central, with more than 740 onsite and online matchmaking meetings and an exhibition area showcasing EU initiatives supporting SME innovation, digitalisation and internationalisation.
A strong and highly visible contribution from Enterprise Europe Network Hellas
The Greek consortium played a particularly active role this year, contributing expertise across key thematic areas and representing the needs and strengths of Greek SMEs.
Spotlight on Greek participation
1. Supporting women entrepreneurs
Spyros Kellidis joined the panel “Boosting women entrepreneurs through skills and synergies”, emphasising the role of cross-border cooperation in opening new markets and showcasing how inclusive innovation drives competitiveness.
2. Navigating EU innovation finance
Maria-Christina Cheimonidi participated in the "Innovation Finance Arena: navigating EU funding instruments to support SMEs" panel, highlighting the complementary nature of EU funding mechanisms (Eureka, EEN, Access2EIC, EEN2EIC) and how Network advisers guide SMEs toward the right instrument.
3. Driving the net-zero transition
Achilleas Barlas contributed to the panel “EEN solutions for decarbonisation to a net-zero client journey”, focusing on the need for holistic support services and specialised guidance for SMEs adapting to EU climate legislation. The session included a workshop featuring a real Greek company case study.
High-level meetings with the European Commission
The Greek delegation held a closed meeting with Anna Athanasopoulou, Director Simplification and Networks, DG GROW, and Christos Skouras,Policy Office, DG GROW, presenting key challenges facing the Greek SME ecosystem and discussing the Network’s operational resilience and service quality. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained, targeted support for Greek business ecosystem.
The voice of the Greek consortium
The coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network Hellas and executive at ΕΚΤ, Anastasia Sarchosoglou, noted: “Participation of the Greek consortium of the Enterprise Europe Network in the annual conference was an excellent opportunity for us to connect with our European partners, strengthen our collaborations, and actively contribute to the strategic discussions shaping the future of SME. The Greek consortium remains committed to offering high-quality, specialised services to enterprises, enhancing their competitiveness, and connecting them with new markets, technologies, and partnerships.”
On his part, Achilleas Barlas, co-coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Hellas, executive at Praxi Network, stated: “The annual conference of the Enterprise Europe Network highlighted the key priorities that will shape the future of the Network beyond 2028, at a particularly critical moment for European and Greek SMEs. The discussions around the green and digital transition, resilience, innovation and international competitiveness underscored the need for targeted, practical support. These priorities align with the conference agenda and reaffirm the role of the EEN as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and international connectivity for SMEs in Europe and Greece.”
Why the Greek consortium stands out
Enterprise Europe Network Hellas has built strong expertise and international reach in sectors such as agrifood, health, sustainable development, defence, digital technologies and quality. During the previous programme period, it supported more than 6,800 Greek SMEs through specialised advisory services and international matchmaking.
The 2025 conference made one thing clear: the Greek team is not just present—it is actively shaping discussions, influencing policy priorities and bringing tangible value to SMEs at national and European level.
