Where can I find the European Commission's procurement rules?

In February 2006 the Commission revised its rules on procurement for external aid contracts. You can find this at the following link: http://www.europa.eu/comm/europeaid/tender/gestion/index_en.htm

Can Commercial Section help when companies have problems with the European Commission?

Sometimes. We are unable to resolve contractual difficulties - these are for the contracting authorities to resolve. But we are able to help with tendering procedures, or with payment difficulties. Please ask a member of the team.

For advice on wider issues, such as on EU policy or legislative developments, British companies can contact other members of the UK Permanent Representation listed on the website. In particular, Industry and the Internal Market Section may be able to help with queries relating to the single market, transport, energy, competition and state aid.

Are EU funds available to help with investment promotion overseas?

Yes. There are several EU schemes to promote joint ventures and partnerships between EU companies and companies in Asia (Asia-Invest), Latin America (AL-Invest) and Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific countries (the Centre for Development of Enterprise). Our team can advise you on these.

What about opportunities inside the EU?

The Commercial team can also advise you on other EU programmes, such as regional development programmes funded by the Structural and Cohesion Funds in Member States. Projects financed by these programmes are implemented not by the European Commission but by the national or regional authorities in the countries themselves. But we can help point you in the right direction to find out about this work.

The European Commission also regularly awards contracts for its own requirements in sectors such as transport, information technology, security and public procurement. We can advise you on relevant contacts.

What about opportunities in the Belgian market?

Contact the Trade & Investment Section of the British Embassy in Belgium on +32 (2) 287 6211.

Can Commercial Section give advice on FP7 programmes?

Commercial Section does not normally deal with FP7 programmes, but we have drawn up an information sheet, which will give you some basic information. In some circumstances, if a company involved in an FP7 programme experiences problems, we may be able to help.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform have set up a comprehensive website on FP7 providing key information and advice for interested parties in the UK with clear guidelines on how to be successful.