InvestEU: EU budget guarantee-backed investment programme providing financing and guarantees for strategic investments… Grant

About this grant

InvestEU is the European Union's main investment programme, launched to continue the model of the Investment Plan for Europe (Juncker Plan). It brings together the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and 13 other EU financial instruments that were previously managed independently in the 2014-2020 period. The programme aims to give an additional boost to sustainable investment, innovation, social inclusion and job creation across Europe. The InvestEU Fund combines these instruments and is expected to stimulate more than EUR 372 billion of public and private investment, backed by an EU budget guarantee of EUR 26.2 billion. The EIB Group has access to 75% of this guarantee and acts as the main implementing partner, with the European Investment Fund implementing much of the financing for smaller companies. The Commission also partners with the EIB to unlock investment in areas such as batteries, emerging climate technologies and health. The fund supports financing across four EU policy priorities: sustainable infrastructure (energy, digital connectivity, transport, circular economy, water, waste and environment); research, innovation and digitalisation; small and medium-sized companies, including capital support for businesses affected by Covid-19; and social investment and skills (education, training, social housing, healthcare, long-term care, microfinance, social enterprise and integration of vulnerable groups). At least 30% of investment is dedicated to European Green Deal objectives, with some sustainable infrastructure sub-sections reaching up to 60%. A dedicated Just Transition Scheme supports regions reliant on CO2-intensive industries. The programme has three building blocks: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub (the central entry point for advisory and technical assistance, managed by the European Commission with the EIB as strategic partner), and the InvestEU Portal. Support is delivered through direct and intermediated financing to SMEs, mid-caps, social or micro-enterprises, and private and public project promoters deemed economically viable.

Eligibility

Eligible final recipients include small and medium-sized companies, small mid-caps, and social or micro-enterprises, as well as private entities such as special-purpose vehicles and project companies, large corporates and mid-caps, public sector entities (territorial or not), and mixed entities such as public-private partnerships and private companies with a public purpose. Final recipients must be natural or legal persons established in an EU country or in a third eligible country. Projects must be economically viable according to internationally accepted standards. Access for SMEs is typically via local financial intermediaries partnered with the European Investment Fund.

Key requirements

• ✓Strategic investment aligned with EU priorities (green transition, digital, resilience, social cohesion)
• ✓Projects must be located in EU member states or associated countries
• ✓Eligible for financing and/or guarantees depending on project type and risk profile

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for InvestEU: EU budget guarantee-backed investment programme providing financing and guarantees for strategic investments…?

Eligibility covers organisations in EU; startup, sme, large-company, nonprofit, local-authority, consortium, engineering-contractor. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.