The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Institut Català de Finances (ICF) have signed a €100 million loan to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in sustainability and climate change adaptation and mitigation. This is the first tranche of a total approved EIB loan of €200 million.

The agreement means that ICF will be able to expand the range of new financing available to enable SMEs – a key element of the economy – to make investments to speed up their green transition and help create a more sustainable and competitive economy. Projects open for financing will include those related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, investments in electric vehicles, the circular economy or efficient and sustainable waste management.

EIB Director of Public Sector Lending in the European Union Gilles Badot said: “This loan will make it easier for small and medium companies committed to sustainability and energy efficiency to access new financing. We are very happy to join forces once again with ICF, applying cooperation between public sector financial institutions to promote the green transition of these companies of strategic importance to our economy and to its transition towards a more sustainable model.”

ICF CEO Vanessa Servera added: “EIB support has enabled us to offer Catalan SMEs better financing conditions so they can implement projects and investments directly helping to meet climate goals and driving competitiveness. Small and medium companies are key to our economy and, for this reason, ICF wants to act as a strategic ally in their transition to a more sustainable and responsible business model.”

The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to climate action and environmental sustainability and support for small and medium-sized enterprises – strategic priorities set out in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.