Shorouk Express
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 31. In 2024, the EIB
Group, comprising the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the
European Investment Fund (EIF), invested nearly 3.1 billion euros
in the Netherlands, Trend reports.
Of this amount, 2.45 billion euros was provided through loans
and venture debt, while the EIF mobilized approximately 634 million
euros in guarantees and equity contributions. This investment is
part of the EIB Group’s global effort, with a record 89 billion
euros allocated to various projects, including over 50 billion
euros for environmental and climate initiatives.
EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot emphasized the importance of
increased investment in technology, energy, and manufacturing to
ensure Europe’s long-term competitiveness. He noted that the EIB
Group is particularly committed to fostering innovation in the
Netherlands, including through venture capital lending, while
continuing to support projects that enhance everyday life, such as
healthcare, flood control, and SME financing.
In 2024, around a third of the EIB Group’s investments in the
Netherlands were focused on innovation, particularly those
supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme. Notable
examples include venture debt for companies like Samotics, LUMICKS,
and Resato, as well as a financing agreement with chip manufacturer
NXP to boost R&D for next-generation automotive semiconductors.
The EIF also made significant contributions, providing guarantees
for SMEs through ABN Amro and supporting microloans via Qredits.
Dutch venture capital funds, including 4impact Fund, Innovation
Industries, and the European Cyber Security Tech Fund, also
benefited from EIF backing.
Sustainability remained a core principle in EIB Group
investments, particularly in supporting sustainable SMEs. Key
agreements included 450 million euros in financing with ABN Amro,
focusing on sustainable enterprises, and a ninth impact loan with
Rabobank offering reduced interest rates to SMEs certified for
sustainable development.
