Rabobank and EIB Extend Support for Sustainable SMEs with €300 Million Impact Loan

Rabobank and EIB Extend Support for Sustainable SMEs with €300 Million Impact Loan

(IN BRIEF) Rabobank and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have announced the availability of €300 million through a new impact loan aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on sustainable development. This new funding increases Rabobank’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, adding to over €1.8 billion already mobilized through similar impact loans over the past nine years. The loans offer favorable conditions, including interest reductions of up to 0.65% for qualifying businesses. The partnership emphasizes the growing importance of supporting companies that prioritize both financial and environmental objectives to help drive the transition to a more sustainable economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 28-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a continued effort to support businesses that prioritize sustainability, Rabobank, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has announced the availability of an additional €300 million through its ninth impact loan. This new initiative aims to further the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to sustainable development, making it easier for businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices. With this loan, companies with up to 3,000 employees and borrowing amounts less than €7.5 million could benefit from interest rates reduced by as much as 0.65%.

This latest round of financing expands on the €1.8 billion already mobilized by Rabobank and the EIB over the past nine years, helping over 1,000 SMEs in their transition toward sustainability. Both institutions have made sustainability a central pillar of their long-term strategy, recognizing the importance of supporting businesses that are committed to creating a sustainable future.

Carlo van Kemenade, NL Retail Director at Rabobank, highlighted the growing demand for sustainable financing: “There is a noticeable rise in demand from businesses that not only seek financial growth but also strive to make a positive environmental and social impact. These companies play a key role in the economy’s future, and Rabobank is pleased to continue supporting them through our partnership with the EIB.”

EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting sustainable SMEs in achieving broader climate goals: “The sustainability of SMEs is vital to the success of our climate initiatives, and this collaboration with Rabobank demonstrates that green investments are economically viable and crucial to a sustainable future.”

About Rabo Impactlening

This new €300 million finance contract will once again provide sector sustainability leaders holding one of the selected sustainability or social labels with access to the Rabo Impactlening instrument. This will enable them to benefit from an interest rate reduction of up to 0.65%. Applications submitted for impact loans must meet the usual conditions required by Rabobank and the EIB. The Rabo Impactlening loan is available to companies with up to 3 000 employees. The total investment required for the project must not exceed €25 million and the loan principal is capped at €7.5 million. Rabobank is responsible for the final loan approval decision.

Background information

The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The Netherlands holds 5.2% of the shares. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. Over 90% of its projects are carried out in Europe. Over the past decade, the EIB has lent more than €27 billion to support Dutch projects in a variety of sectors, including research and development, sustainable mobility, clean water, healthcare and SMEs.

About Rabobank Group

The Rabobank Group offers retail banking, wholesale banking, leasing and mortgage services in several countries around the world. The group’s focus is on the common interests of people and communities and creating value for its customers. In the Netherlands, the group is maintaining its position as a global leader. Meanwhile, on the international level, it is working to reinforce its position as a leading bank in the food and agri-food sectors. The Rabobank Group is active in 37 countries and, as of 31 December 2023, had 49 000 full-time equivalent employees. For more information on the Rabobank Group, please visit: www.rabobank.com/nl.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank