EIB and BNP Paribas Expand Long-Term Financing Access for European Agriculture and Bioeconomy Sectors

EIB and BNP Paribas Expand Long-Term Financing Access for European Agriculture and Bioeconomy Sectors

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have launched a €200 million financing initiative to support SMEs and mid-cap companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors across Europe. The programme will fund investments in sustainable agricultural equipment, renewable energy systems, and climate-friendly technologies, with at least 30% of financing dedicated to climate action and environmental sustainability. Initial funding allocations are expected in Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. The initiative forms part of the EIB’s wider €3 billion agricultural investment programme aimed at modernizing European agriculture, improving financing access for farmers, and supporting the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable agricultural economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) Luxembourg, 13-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have signed a €200 million financing agreement designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies operating in the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors across Europe.

The initiative is part of the EIB’s wider €3 billion agricultural financing programme launched in 2024 to encourage sustainable investment and modernization throughout the European agricultural sector. The programme places particular emphasis on improving financing access for young, new, and female farmers, groups that often encounter difficulties obtaining long-term funding.

The financing will initially be deployed in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Spain, with the potential for broader expansion across additional European Union member states.

At least 30% of the financing will be allocated to climate action and environmentally sustainable investments. Eligible projects include the acquisition of energy-efficient agricultural machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters, renewable energy systems, and technologies that support climate adaptation and emissions reduction within the agricultural sector.

The programme also aims to strengthen agricultural productivity and modernization by supporting investments in long-life equipment and infrastructure that are often difficult to finance through traditional banking channels.

According to the EIB, the partnership with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions will help expand access to long-term financing while lowering financing costs, extending repayment maturities, and mobilizing additional private-sector investment into rural and agricultural businesses. At least 70% of the financing will be directed toward SMEs, while up to 30% may be allocated to mid-cap companies.

Gelsomina Vigliotti, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, stated that the initiative will help European farmers and agri-businesses invest in modern and more sustainable equipment while strengthening resilience against climate and market pressures. She added that cooperation with established financial partners such as BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions is helping make long-term financing more accessible for the agricultural sector.

Neil Pein, Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the transformation of European agriculture through more flexible and accessible financing structures tailored to evolving industry challenges.

The programme contributes to several broader European policy objectives, including the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food. It also aligns with the EIB Group’s 2024–2027 Strategic Roadmap, which identifies agriculture and the bioeconomy as strategic priorities.

The EIB noted that one of the key objectives of the initiative is to address persistent financing gaps affecting rural businesses, particularly the shortage of long-term financing available to agricultural enterprises.

In 2025, the EIB Group provided €6.9 billion in financing to the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors, with approximately 60% channelled through financial intermediaries to SMEs.

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions currently operates across 18 countries in Europe and Türkiye and specializes in equipment financing for sectors including agriculture, construction, healthcare, transportation, green technologies, and industrial equipment.

The partners stated that the new financing initiative is intended to accelerate the transition toward a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive European agricultural sector while ensuring that financing reaches businesses facing the greatest investment needs.

Background information

About EIB Group

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is the financing arm of the European Union, owned by the 27 Member States, and one of the largest multilateral development banks in the world. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory services for over 870 high-impact projects under eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, territorial cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, strong global partnerships and the savings and investments union. Beyond long-term loans for large infrastructure, the EIB Group crowds in private investment for high-risk innovative projects and businesses, with a growing role in Europe’s markets for venture debt, venture capital, guarantees and securitisations

Photos of the EIB Group’s representatives and headquarters, logo files and video B-roll for media use are available here.

About BNP PARIBAS LEASING SOLUTIONS

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions offers capital-efficient business equipment financing solutions in key sectors including agriculture, construction, transportation, materials handling, ICT, healthcare, and green tech.

Drawing on its 70-year history, its partners and clients rely on its market expertise, asset know-how, and advisory services to propel their growth, transformation, and transition to a low-carbon circular economy. In 2025, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions advanced €15.5 billion in asset finance and presently manages a €38.8 billion leased asset portfolio.

Present in 18 countries across Europe and Türkiye, and employing over 3 000 experts, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions also offers vendor finance solutions in the USA and Canada in partnership with Bank of Montreal, and in China through a joint venture with Jiangsu Financial Leasing.

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions is fully owned by BNP Paribas and is positioned within the Group’s Commercial, Personal Banking & Services division.

For more information, visit leasingsolutions.bnpparibas

Media contacts:

Christophe Alix
c.alix@eib.org
+352 4379 – 84303

Lorenzo Squintani
l.squintani@eib.org
+352437982528

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 4379 21000
www.eib.org/press

SOURCE: European Investment Bank