Disappearing illusions?

Though the Second National Development Project has been launched among high expectations, potential applicants seem to be passive or even dissatisfied at present. Only 40,000 out of a total of 800,000 SME-s have so far taken advantage of the possibilities offered by the EU financed project. The knowledge possessed by SME-s is often lagging behind their hopes. Awareness of relevant EU projects is low among SME-s, although many of these projects, like GOP-2.1.1/A and KMOP-1.2.1/A are intended specifically for them. EMVA projects are intended for agricultural enterprises similarly to those aimed at financing purchases of garden machinery and infrastructure, extended till 30. May. According to 38 percent of SME-s, it is very difficult to obtain financing from EU projects, whereas 48 percent are confident that they will succeed. Among agricultural enterprises, 78 percent are confident of being able obtain financing from such projects. According to a survey conducted by K&H, the application process is regarded as too complicated and lengthy by many SME-s. This is why many banks, including K&H Bank and Erste have established special consulting services for applicants interested in EU projects. However, most projects require SME-s to have substantial resources of their own. Among SME-s, service providers are especially enthusiastic about financing from EU sources. 41 percent of directors continue to regard EU sources as being very difficult to access. This is especially true for industrial enterprises, where only 49 percent believe that they have any chance of getting EU money at all.