More than 350,000 European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a new €17.5 billion financing package by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, supported by the European Commission. The initiative, announced today in Brussels, aims to help SMEs cut energy bills, strengthen competitiveness, and advance Europe’s decarbonisation goals.
Running from 2025 to 2027, the programme will nearly double the EIB Group’s current support for energy efficiency and mobilise over €65 billion in total investments. Funding will cover both energy-saving technologies and decarbonisation measures, using debt and equity instruments tailored to SMEs.
“SMEs are the backbone of the EU economy. Helping them cut costs and boost resilience is vital for Europe’s competitiveness,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen added that the scheme would “close the investment gap, simplify access to financing, and accelerate energy efficiency deployment.”
To streamline access, the EIB will create a “one-stop shop” for SME financing and launch dedicated investment platforms with private partners. The initiative also introduces “energy efficiency as a service,” promoted in partnership with the nonprofit Solar Impulse Foundation. Under this model, SMEs pay for energy outcomes—such as light or heat—while providers retain and maintain the equipment, removing upfront costs.
“Every kilowatt-hour spared is money earned and emissions avoided,” said Bertrand Piccard, chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. “With this initiative, hundreds of thousands of SMEs can access profitable, innovative solutions that boost both competitiveness and sustainability.”
The European Commission will back the effort with guarantees and advisory services through InvestEU and the LIFE Clean Energy Transition programme. A new working group under the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition will also focus on tailored financing solutions for SMEs and mid-caps.
A report released by the EIB at the event highlights both opportunities and barriers to energy efficiency investment. It shows that European firms, facing higher energy costs than their US counterparts, are increasingly investing in efficiency measures to stay competitive.
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