Investing in growth

The importance of creating and maintaining a healthy foundation upon which local, regional and global businesses can grow and prosper is paramount to the economic health and prosperity of Europe.

"Our financing helps businesses to start, to thrive, and to survive."

Competitiveness and growth is one of our Public Policy Goals (PPGs), which - since 2020 - are guiding EIF's activity. Our efforts in support of EU priorities take the form of thematic interventions with clear policy targets. 

The share of SMEs reporting access to finance as a significant problem has remained relatively steady at around 25% in recent years, underscoring the ongoing need for targeted policy measures to address structural barriers in SME financing. The Draghi report also underlined the importance of competitiveness to deliver on the social promise to citizens, as well as in terms of economic security and strategic autonomy. That’s why we have been working with partners across the EU to make sure that European businesses have the support they need to remain competitive and pursue their growth ambitions.

We have committed €3.3bn to growth investments in 2024. Get more insights in the EIF Annual Report.