EIB Group, EIF, and Groupe BPCE Announce €1 Billion Financing for French SMEs and Renewable Energy 

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, in partnership with European Investment Fund (EIF) and Groupe BPCE,  announced two significant financing initiatives worth over €1 billion to support innovation, research, and the energy transition for French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies. 

These initiatives aim to provide essential financial backing for sustainable growth and renewable energy projects. 

Hélène Madar, Head of Retail Banking and Insurance at Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, said, “These financing initiatives will enable the Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne to accelerate the funding of their customers’ investment needs in key areas of the energy transition and innovation.” 

She added, “It is also a concrete illustration of our close links with the EIB Group as its biggest private sector banking partner in France.” 

The first initiative involves securitizing an €800 million loan portfolio to generate €1.6 billion in financing for SMEs and mid-caps 

This securitization aligns with the EIB's broader efforts to establish a European savings and investment union, promoting SME development through innovation and energy transition activities. 

The EIB and EIF have invested €750 million and €50 million, respectively, in this transaction. 

The second initiative will allocate €250 million to support renewable energy projects for SMEs and mid-caps, focusing on solar photovoltaics, onshore wind, biomass, and biogas production from agricultural waste.  

These projects are in line with French and EU objectives to increase renewable energy production and address climate change. 

The specialized funding envelope corresponds to Groupe BPCE's positive impact approach, emphasizing universally accessible local solutions and aligning with its Vision 2030 strategic plan.