There are now 455 million consumers in the European Union's 25 Member States, far out-distancing the number of U.S. consumers at 293 million. The EU is the world's largest trader of goods and services. In 2003, its $10.5 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) edged ahead of the $10.4 trillion GDP of the U.S. and was nearly 6.5 times larger than China’s. [Source: The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream, Jeremy Rifkin].

If you need help expanding anywhere within the EU, check out this inside look by the U.S. Mission to the EU — even if you’re not a U.S.-based organization. Then re-read LISA’s brief illustrated guide, EC Rider – How European Funding Can Help SMEs.