Programme

Public hearing on "SOC/831 – Reducing barriers to inclusive entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and providing equal opportunities for all"

Wednesday, 4 June from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Room VMA 22 and online with Q&A via SliDo

09.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. | Interactio testing for speakers attending online

10.00 a.m. - 10.10 a.m. | Welcome and introduction by Milena Angelova (Member, EESC) and Juliane Marie Neiiendam (Member, EESC)

10.10 a.m. - 11.00 a.m. | Panel I - Towards an inclusive entrepreneurial environment: EU policy framework and strategic perspective

This panel will explore the broader European policy context and strategic objectives for inclusive entrepreneurship. Speakers from the European Commission and academia will examine how current policies address inequalities and support underrepresented groups, as well as where gaps remain and how future frameworks could be strengthened.

Chaired by Milena Angelova (Member, EESC)

Interventions by:

  • Brigitte Fellahi-Brognaux (Head of Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Unit, European Commission – DG EMPL)
  • Dana Adriana PUIA MOREL (Policy Officer and Internal Coach, SMEs Unit, European Commission – DG GROW) 
  • Horst Heitz (Executive Director, SME Europe) 
  • Maria Elo (Professor of International Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Southern Denmark)

11.00 a.m. - 11.20 a.m. | Q&A 

11.20 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. | Break 

11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. | Panel II - From practice to policy: Tackling barriers and exploring solutions for inclusive entrepreneurship

Focusing on initiatives and experiences from across the EU, this panel will showcase good practices, identify persisting challenges and engage in a discussion on practical solutions and policy recommendations with contributions from entrepreneurs and practitioners.

Chaired by Milena Angelova (Member, EESC)

  • Carsten Lassen (Chief Executive Officer, Specialisterne Denmark)
  • Carina Dantas (Chief Executive Officer, SHINE 2EUROPE and Coordinator, EU Project SIRENE)
  • Melissa, Rancourt (Founder and Board President, Greenlight for Girls)

12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m. | Q&A

Interpretation requested from and into English, German, Italian, Lithuanian and Spanish.