The European Commission has a special fund of 31.5 million euros to finance projects of eco-innovation and environmental solutions.

If you are an SME and an eco-project or have ecologic ideas in the areas of recycling, sustainable building products, water, food and green activities, you may submit your application until September 5. The 45 winning proposals will have their projects co-financed up to 50% in order to put innovative environmental solutions on the market.

Last year 50 projects were chosen, they are now ready to be implemented. The production of leather shoes without harmful chemicals, optimization of reusing of bricks in the construction sector, the use of CO2 to explore a natural source of Omega-3, are  all examples of 185 projects that are currently underway.

The eco-innovation is a project funded by the Program "Competitiveness and Innovation" (CIP) with a budget of about 220 million euros for the period 2008-2013. The program supports projects technologically proven and contributing to a better use of Europes natural resources.

In a statement about the new competition, the commissioner of the environment - Janez Poto?nik - emphasized the importance of SMEs to help Europe to seize the leading position we have in the areas of water, for example. "The eco-innovation is not just a niche activities green. Europes competitiveness in next decades will depend on its ability to overcome the limitations of resources. My appeal is, in particular for SMEs, in order to apply for funds and help Europe to take advantage of their leadership in sectors such as water and waste management."