Catalan SMEs to Benefit from €100 Million EIB–ICF Green Investment Loan

Catalan SMEs to Benefit from €100 Million EIB–ICF Green Investment Loan

(IN BRIEF) The EIB and ICF have launched a €100 million loan—the initial tranche of a total €200 million facility—to finance sustainability-focused projects by Catalan SMEs. ICF will use these funds to underwrite investments in renewable energy systems, energy-efficiency retrofits, electric mobility solutions, and advanced waste-management techniques. EIB’s Gilles Badot highlighted the agreement’s role in easing access to green financing, while ICF’s Vanessa Servera underscored the improved terms enabling SMEs to meet climate targets and boost competitiveness. This initiative aligns with the EIB Group’s 2024–2027 Strategic Roadmap, underscoring commitments to climate action, environmental sustainability, and SME empowerment.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 11-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Institut Català de Finances (ICF) have sealed a €100 million funding agreement—representing the first half of a broader €200 million programme—to bolster sustainable investments by Catalan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through this partnership, ICF will expand its lending portfolio, offering attractive credit lines for businesses eager to adopt green technologies and practices. Eligible initiatives range from the installation of solar panels and energy-saving upgrades in facilities to electrifying company vehicle fleets and modernizing waste-treatment processes under the circular economy model.

Gilles Badot, the EIB’s Director of Public Sector Lending in the EU, remarked that the new facility “lowers financing hurdles for companies dedicated to environmental stewardship, enabling them to accelerate their transition to net-zero operations.” He added that cooperation between public financial institutions like the EIB and ICF exemplifies how strategic alliances can drive meaningful progress toward sustainability goals.

Vanessa Servera, CEO of ICF, noted that “with EIB’s backing, we can extend more competitive loan terms to our local SMEs, empowering them to undertake projects that not only shrink their carbon footprints but also strengthen their market position.” She emphasized ICF’s role as a committed partner in guiding businesses toward responsible growth.

This financing package directly supports the EIB Group’s Strategic Roadmap 2024–2027, which prioritizes climate action, environmental resilience, and tailored support for SMEs and mid-caps—critical drivers of economic vitality and innovation across Europe.

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects that contribute directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment.

In Spain, the EIB Group signed new financing worth €12.3 billion for over 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

ICF

ICF has been the public promotional bank in Catalonia for 40 years, and in that period it has financed 37 000 clients for a total of €16 billion. Its main mission is to promote the financing of companies and entities in order to contribute to the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Catalan economy. ICF acts as a complement to the private sector, offering a wide range of financing solutions focused on loans, guarantees and investment in venture capital. Since 2014 it has been a member of the European Association of Public Banks (EAPB), which brings together a large number of the public promotional banks and financial entities operating in Europe.

Media Contact:

Maite Cordero
m.corderomunoz@eib.org
+34 606 66 82 62

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank