One-third of European Union member-states are small nations that have less than five million in population. However, they have key roles in EU’s ties with India. Here are some samples of how these smaller states play a big role in furthering ties with India:

For Indian companies willing to enter the European market, Luxembourg is the perfect place to establish European or global headquarters. A small country where the administration warmly welcomes new ideas and innovation and actively accompanies the creation of start-ups. Luxembourg offers access to the single European market with its 500 million customers and free movement of persons, goods, services and capital.

‘Today in India, we witness exciting times. The government has shown its will to drive forward new ideas and reforms– we face a re-energised country where optimism is palpable at every step. I arrived in India eight months ago and am still overwhelmed by the cooperation possibilities India offers,’ said Sam Schreiner, Luxembourg’s Ambassador to India.

Several Indian companies have already set up offices in Luxembourg: Tata Consultancy services, Wipro, HCL, Quantum Business Advisory, Damco Solutions, Cashmere Centre SARL, Aditya Birla and Novelis. Many Indian companies have benefited from GDRs (Global Depository Receipts) in Luxembourg Stock Exchange, one of the most international stock exchanges. Luxembourg companies are focusing more on the business-to-business sector, for example, Paul Wurth, Arcelor Mittal, Ceratizit, Dometic or Cargolux.

Slovenia has in recent years taken the next big step in positioning its science and research on one side and technology and business on the other side by adopting the smart specialisation strategy. For 2014-2020, Slovenia will support clusters, networks and centres which connect companies with universities to optimise resources, make tech transfer happen and more efficiently deliver globally competitive market solutions. Important investments are planned for demonstration and pilot projects implemented in Slovenia or abroad with foreign partners including in India.

These investments, some of them in India, are crucial for development of technologies, products and services, which are globally competitive. Based on technology parks in Slovenia and Start Up Initiative, which connects seven parks in Slovenia with parks and incubators in Austria and Italy, there is a growing community of start-ups and SMEs. This dynamic ecosystem that interconnects with different industries creates new opportunities in emerging industries. Beside investment platforms it includes consistent education, proximity of flats for living, excellent transportation, communication infrastructure and public healthcare system. With fast and easy access to business this is an efficient ecosystem supporting India’s SMEs to grow and do business in Europe and worldwide.

Malta and Gozo boast of some very special venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and events, positioning itself as a destination for Indian businesses to hold their events and meetings for a global audience. With a number of Quality Assured Destination Management Companies (DMCs), clients can rest assured that programmes for conferences and incentive groups are individually tailored, in order to meet event objectives.

Malta’s offer includes a nation gifted with a knack for languages, people with creative flair and a solid track record in hosting conference and incentive groups. Indoor and outdoor venues range from the ultra-modern to the historic. however, both are fitted with state-of-the-art facilities. In terms of outdoor locations, one can float a barge in the amazing Grand Harbour or host a gala dinner in a local quaint piazza, with centuries-old historic buildings as a backdrop.

Estonia’s Fortumo lets Indians pay for games and entertainment without a credit card. The mobile payments company originates from Estonia but has been operating in India for almost two years now. India is one of its biggest countries with millions of people using its services each month.

In India any subscriber of Airtel, Vodafone, Idea or Aircel can use Fortumo to make payments. Due to its unique reach, many top digital merchants like Octro, 99Games, Games2Win, Gaana, Box TV, Ditto TV and Mitashi have chosen to partner with Fortumo to make simple and secure payments available to everyone.

While Fortumo supports 88 countries and more than 350 mobile operators through its platform, India’s booming digital economy has made it one of the most important markets for the company. Just recently Fortumo expanded beyond its Delhi headquarters by opening its second office in the country in Mumbai.

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