Created by the Committee of the Regions in 2009, the European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Prize aims to reward those European regions with outstanding support to entrepreneurial vision. European regions wishing to submit an application for EER 2013 Prize can do so until November 10th 2011. The Committee of the Regions will announce a maximum of three winning regions by the beginning of 2012.

The “European Entrepreneurial Region” (EER) Programme was established by the Committee of the Regions in 2009 with the aim to promote dynamic, green and entrepreneurial regions throughout Europe, identifying those regions that stand out for their entrepreneurial vision and their support mainly to small business, regardless of the size, wealth and competences. Support for entrepreneurship and small businesses, and the implementation of the principles laid down in the “Small Business Act” locally and regionally are some of the main aspects considered.

The call for the 2013 edition of the Prize, announced by the Committee of the Regions in its last Plenary session late June, will be open until November 10th. Regional authorities interested in submitting an application to the EER Prize will have to present a vision plan, an action plan including implementation measures, and envisaged communication activities. They should also demonstrate that the EER strategy is backed by a political commitment as well as to demonstrate clearly which institutions and actors will be responsible for implementing the envisaged measures.

All European regions holding competences at a political level and able to implement an overall entrepreneurial vision are eligibles to be one of the European Entrepreneurial Region. "Regions” are defined in the broader sense as regions, Länder, communities, autonomous communities, departments, provinces, counties, metropolitan regions and any other political level with relevant competences to accomplish their engagements.

In the past editions six projects have been awarded the label of entrepreneurial regions in Europe, three in 2011 and three in 2012. Brandenburg (DE), County Kerry (IE) and Murcia (ES) were awarded in 2011 and Catalonia (ES), Trnava (SK) and Helsinki-Uusimaa (FI) in 2012.

The European Entrepreneurial Region title was created in partnership with the European Commission and with the support of the UEAPME, Eurochambres and BusinessEurope. REE initiative remains open to any organization wishing to contribute to the achievement of its objectives.