About: EFSI
Simplification still the main challenge for EU cohesion policy control
The European Commission will soon present its legislative proposal for the future EU cohesion policy, in the context of negotiations for a new long-term budget. But in order to define new financing instruments, it is important to understand if the existing ones worked or not.
‘Juncker plan’ mobilises €284 billion in investment
The EU’s investment fund set up in the aftermath of the financial crisis has mobilised €284 billion to date, mostly in private capital, surpassing the halfway point of its 2020 target.
Commission hails Greek-Bulgarian railway project as ‘positive development’
The European Commission is satisfied with the recent cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria on a regional railway project and is ready to look into possible financial support, an EU spokesperson told EURACTIV. Earlier this month (6 September) Greece and Bulgaria...
Brexit will harm EU cohesion policy, regions warn
EU cohesion policy will “suffer heavily” during Brexit given the anticipated halting of payments for certain projects until 2020, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) warned. EURACTIV Greece reports.
Greek SME lending platform delays worry Katainen
European Commission Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investments and Competitiveness Jyrki Katainen expressed concern about delays in setting up a Greek platform to provide funding for SMEs. EURACTIV Greece reports.
Romania praised again in EU justice monitoring report but weaknesses remain
The European Commission has released its latest report on Romania's progress under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism, which puts its judicial system under close surveillance for potential corruption and organised crime. EURACTIV Romania reports.
Katainen warns against ‘insane’ push for energy efficiency
Jobs and Growth Commissioner Jyrki Katainen has insisted that the low-carbon transition and energy savings are needed if Europe’s economy is to be modernised. But he warned against pushing for “insane” efficiency targets and putting too much pressure on industry.
Member states support extension of Juncker Plan with EU funds
EU finance ministers on Tuesday (6 December) backed the European Commission’s proposal to expand the investment plan to mobilise at least €500 billion by 2020.
Dijsselbloem tells Commission to focus on budget discipline
Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Tuesday (29 November) joined critics of the European Commission’s recent call for fiscal stimulus at eurozone level.
Spain the big winner in EFSI funding
Spain has so far benefited the most from the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI). Its SMEs and infrastructure projects have been injected with over €3 billion to date. EURACTIV Spain reports.
Romanian PM praises work of ‘zero government’
Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Cioloş has marked the completion of his first year in office by labelling his technocratic cabinet a “zero government”: “zero corruption, zero populism and zero lies”, in a barb aimed directly at his critics. EURACTIV Romania reports.
Beneficiaries question Juncker Plan’s added value, report shows
The added value of the investment plan for Europe was questioned once again on Monday (14 November) as an independent report warned that “concerns” remain about its additionality and “possible crowding out” of existing investment.
Berlin reluctant to top up Juncker’s piggy bank
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wants the amount of funding made available by the EU’s investment plan, aka the Juncker Plan, to be doubled. But he faces strong opposition from Germany. EURACTIV’s partner Der Taggespiegel reports.
‘Juncker Plan’ becomes friendlier to poorer EU members
The European Commission plans to improve the geographical reach of its flagship investment scheme popularly known as “the Juncker plan”, after the first year of its operation showed that mainly the richest 15 countries of the 28-nation bloc benefited from it.
NGOs criticise the Juncker Plan’s green credentials
15% of Juncker Plan funding supports fossil fuel projects, according to a report by group of NGOs, which raises serious questions about the investment plan’s consistency with the EU's climate objectives. EURACTIV France reports.
Brussels eyes investment and capital markets to revive weak growth
Against the backdrop of weak output growth in Europe, the European Commission announced on Wednesday (14 September) that it will double the funds for its ‘successful’ investment plan and urged Parliament and the member states to adopt the Capital Markets Union proposals to relaunch the real economy.
Has the Juncker Plan really boosted investment in Europe?
The Juncker Plan has put an end to Europe’s “investment breakdown”, according to the European Commission President. But many of its projects are no different to those normally financed by the European Investment Bank. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
EU budget for 2017: Cohesion down, security up
Payments for cohesion are down by 23.94% in the 2017 draft budget compared to 2016, but payments for the heading “Security and citizenship” are up by 24.42%. The Parliament is yet to give its opinion on what looks like an unusual budget.
Brexit will end EU investment in the UK
A major contributor to the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the main beneficiary of the Juncker Plan, a post-Brexit United Kingdom will have to learn to live without EU investment. EURACTIV France reports.
Berlin finds talk of Juncker Plan extension ‘irritating’
The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is being lauded by the European Commission and the executive wants to extend the funding arm of the Juncker Plan. But not everyone thinks the billion euro pot has been a complete success. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Commission rapped for ‘cheating’ on energy efficiency finance
MEP Claude Turmes (Greens, Luxembourg), sharply criticised the European Commission for disregarding social aspects in energy efficiency and for not providing technical assistance for such projects.
Commission will ask for an extension of ‘successful’ Juncker Plan
On Wednesday (1 June), the European Commission announced that it will propose extending the Juncker Plan beyond its 2018 deadline, and will seek to replicate its model in developing countries.
Juncker Plan struggles to make inroads in Eastern Europe
One year after its launch, the Juncker Plan has reached 26 of the EU's 28 member states. But most of the projects are taking place in Western Europe. EURACTIV France reports.