The contributions are, not least in the current economic situation, important economic contributions to the companies and organizations that want to expand or develop their business. But Swedish companies and organizations are less likely to seek support from various EU funds than their colleagues and competitors in other member countries.

This attitude results in that Sweden tops the list of the Union's biggest net contributors. On average, Sweden contributes with 26 billion SEK annually, but only gets about 13 back in the form of various grants and subsidies. This can be compared with the Union's biggest net beneficiaries which is Spain passing plus 47 billion SEK in its membership.

- Swedes are generally much more cautious and hesitant in seeking support, says Anders Krantz at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he continues:

- In Mediterranean countries, it is often one of the first aspects a company explores before making changes or investments. But also neighboring countries such as Finland and Germany pay attention to this.

A contributing factor to the fact that many are reluctant to seek money from any of the EU funds is the fear of bureaucracy and application processes.

- But basically, it's like going to the bank and borrow money, documentation and information are required, says Anders Krantz and invites more people to gain knowledge on how to seek support.

- Usually, there is no support for the operation but rather when the company takes new steps in technology, research and development, entering new markets or environmental adaptation, he says. Today, it means that organizations are able to develop even in tough times and in some cases also to retain staff.

The Support is given in most cases as partial financing in which the EU accounts for half of the investment, the organization for the second half. This means in practice that the claimants are investing their own time in the project and the EU funds account for the money.

- But it's not a good idea to run the project just to get support, it is important that the money are used for projects that will develop the business, says Anders Krantz. He underlines that the EU bureaucracy requires a certain tenacity to be understood.

- The requirement of objectivity in selection and assessment may lead to a language that seems formalistic. At the same time, there is often a series of policy objectives in the background that makes it important to use the correct key concepts in the application, says Anders Krantz.

- I recommend those who want to try to look for support provided at regional or national level. And to seek help - it can be easier and save much time.

Swedish companies miss out on billions in EU grants each year, compared with, for example Finnish colleagues.

- Financing has become much harder for many businesses and the EU is an important source of support when you want to take new steps in the business.

4 Examples of EU support

• Structural Funds: Provides support for investment in areas such as machinery, new technology or training of employees.

• Eurostars: Supports research collaborations within the company.

• Nordic project fund: Support for certain investments in exports and foreign establishment.

• Seventh framework program: Given to research and development projects with a minimum of three partners in three different countries.

                                                                                   Cecilia Helland