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2 April 2015

EC and EIB offer new funding instruments to support environmental aims

Two new financial instruments to drive investment in energy efficiency, preservation of natural capital and adaptation to climate change have been launched by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. The EC's contribution to the Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF) and the Private Finance for Energy Efficiency (PF4EE) instruments will come through the LIFE programme.

The European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Cañete, said: "With these new financial instruments, we are putting the money where it matters. This is a contribution to protecting the climate, saving energy for our citizens and making Europe less dependent on imported energy."

The NCFF instrument supports projects that help to preserve Member States' natural capital, such as naturally occurring elements that offer protection and services (e.g. protection against flooding), through loans and equity investments. The Commission and the EIB are keen to attract private sector funding to bolster the funds provided. The instrument's beneficiaries may include both public and private entities, such as public authorities, land owners and businesses. Project sizes are generally expected to be between €5 and €15 million, with 9 to 12 operations set to be financed during the pilot stage.

For more information, visit the Europa website.