Investment Plan for Europe: green light for 4 projects in France, €100 million in finance

The projects span several different sectors, from renewable energy to cyber-security. Each project has received financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and is covered by the guarantee of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the core of the Juncker Plan. Here is an overview of the deals:

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  €20 million for CS Communication & Systèmes (CS) Group to finance research, development and innovation (RDI) into new cyber-security systems;

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  €15 million to Sunpartner Technologies to develop new products in renewable energy and open a new production site in Rousset;

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  €20 million to Amoéba SA to create new production lines in water treatment to reduce the environmental impact of chemical waste;

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  €45 million to Saint Jean Industries to invest in new equipment and RDI in the production of smart, low-emission cars.

Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, said: "Last week the Juncker Plan financed four highly innovative projects in France for a total of €100 million. From developing low-emission cars to new cyber-security systems, more and more citizens and businesses in France are feeling the positive impact of the Juncker Plan. Each of these projects is high-risk, which is why the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments and the European Investment Bank is so important to help them get off the ground."

As of September 2017, the Investment Plan is set to trigger €236.1 billion in investment across the EU. €35 billion of this is in France, where the EIB Group has already approved 70 infrastructure and innovation projects and 28 SME financing agreements with intermediary banks or funds. More details about these projects are available on the Investment Plan website.

Background

The Investment Plan for Europe, the so-called Juncker Plan, has three objectives: to remove obstacles to investment; to provide visibility and technical assistance to investment projects; and to make smarter use of financial resources.

The projects and agreementsapproved for financing under the EFSI so far are expected to mobilise €236.1 billion in investments and support around 454,000 SMEs across all 28 Member States. The EIB estimates that by 2020, the Investment Plan is set to increase EU GDP by 0.7% and create 700,000 jobs.

On 13 September, the European Parliament and Member States came to an agreement in principle on the extension and strengthening of the EFSI. This agreement extends the EFSI's duration as well as increases its financial capacity.

Find the latest EFSI figures by sector and by country here. For more info, see the FAQs.

IP/17/3707