European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)

The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is a European Union-founded fund that has the goal of accelerating investments as a part of the European investment programme.

The EFSI aims to initiate investments with other financiers and investors in total of EUR 500 billion by the end of 2020 with an initial sum of EUR 33,5 billion.

The EFSI operates in conjunction with the European Investment Bank. The projects that get ESIR guarantee can have a risk level higher than those normally receiving funding from the European Investment Bank. Investments can be targeted inter alia at the energy sector, the environment and resource efficiency, traffic, information and communication technology, human capital, culture and health as well as research, development and innovation activities.

Nearly all organisations are eligible to apply for funding, from large companies to innovative SMEs and actors in the public sector. The aim is to direct 40 per cent of funding towards SMEs.

Projects must be economically viable

The EFSI does not offer gratuitous support, nor does it act as sole funder for projects. The projects must be economically viable. As a general rule, SME funding is funnelled through intermediary banks or funds. Larger companies and project can apply for funding directly from the European Investment Bank.

The EFSI advisory hub service provides additional information on its website and telephone. Additionally, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund’s websites contain useful information as well as contact information.

The EFSI advisory hub service operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Further information:

Kari Virtanen
kari.virtanen(at)tem.fi