EIB and Rabobank Partner to Provide €1 Billion in Financing for European SMEs
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has joined forces with Rabobank and its subsidiary DLL to offer €1 billion in financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps across Europe. This initiative aims to bolster sustainability and agriculture sectors, with a strong focus on climate-relevant and bioeconomy investments.
The EIB is providing two €250 million loan facilities to Rabobank and DLL, which will be matched by their own funds, resulting in €500 million each to support SMEs and mid-caps. At least 40% of Rabobank’s financing is dedicated to climate-relevant investments and bioeconomy sectors, including agriculture. DLL, on the other hand, targets sustainability investments emphasizing circularity, food, and energy transitions across multiple EU countries. Rabobank will focus on projects in the Netherlands, while DLL will support SMEs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. This partnership underscores the EIB's commitment to climate financing as a driver of economic growth and encourages more financiers to support sustainable projects.
Value for SMEs
This €1 billion financing partnership offers significant value for SMEs in Europe. SMEs will have access to substantial financial resources, enabling them to invest in growth and development projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The partnership emphasizes investments in sustainability and the bioeconomy, encouraging SMEs to adopt environmentally friendly practices and technologies. This can lead to long-term cost savings and improved market competitiveness. Additionally, Rabobank and DLL are offering favorable financing terms, making it easier for SMEs to secure loans and invest in sustainable technologies and equipment. The financing is available to SMEs across multiple EU countries, providing widespread support and fostering economic growth in various regions. A significant portion of the financing is dedicated to the agriculture sector, helping SMEs in this industry to innovate and improve their operations.
Carlo van Kemenade, CEO of DLL, stated, "This partnership with the EIB is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals. By providing favorable financing terms, we aim to encourage more SMEs to invest in sustainable technologies and equipment." Lara Yocarini, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rabobank, added, "Sustainability is at the core of our strategy. We are committed to supporting climate-relevant investments and the bioeconomy sector, which are crucial for the future of agriculture and our planet." Rabobank and DLL highlight sustainability as central to their strategies, offering favorable financing terms to encourage investments in sustainable technologies and equipment.