Launch event of the European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) Award
What is the ECoSR Awards?
In 2023, following a petition submitted to the European Parliament, Members successfully adopted a Resolution calling for the establishment of the "European Capitals of Small Retail" (ECoSR). This initiative was subsequently included in the 2024 EU Budget, with a dedicated budget of €3 million.
The ECoSR initiative aims to promote the value of small retail across Europe. These businesses are not only central to local economies and employment, but also play a vital role in maintaining the social fabric of urban and rural communities. They are part of what defines the European way of life and shape the identity of our towns, cities and regions.
This event marks a unique success story - a concrete example of how a citizen-led petition to the European Parliament has led to a real, EU-level action. Initiated by the European Parliament, the action is currently being implemented by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). The ECoSR Award will invite cities of all sizes - small, medium and large - to apply for the title of European Capitals of Small Retail, in recognition of their commitment to supporting small retail businesses.
What's on the agenda?
- 15:00 Welcome by Mr Bogdan Rzońca, Chair of the Committee on Petitions
- 15:05 Remarks by Ms Dolors Montserrat, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Petitions
- 15:15 Intervention by Mr Alfons Barti Borrell, petitioner
- 15:25 Statement by Mr Hubert Gambs, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), European Commission
- 15:35 Address by Mr Kieran McCarthy, Alternate Member, European Committee of the Regions
- 15:45 Q&A session moderated by Mr Bogdan Rzońca, Chair of the Committee on Petitions
- 15:55 Closing remarks by Mr Bogdan Rzońca, Chair of the Committee on Petitions
For additional information, see here.