Finance opportunities

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the European Union (EU)’s main instrument for investing in people. With a budget of almost € 99.3 billion for the period 2021-2027, the ESF+ will continue to provide an important contribution to the EU’s employment, social, education and skills policies, including structural reforms in these areas.

The Fund will also be one of the cornerstones of EU socio-economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has reversed gains in labour participation, challenged educational and health systems and increased inequalities. The ESF+ will be one of the key EU instrument helping Member States to address these challenges.

As part of cohesion policy, the ESF+ will also continue its mission to support economic, territorial and social cohesion in the EU – reducing disparities between Member States and regions.

• Local authorities and administrative bodies
• Social, cultural and educational institutions
• NGOs, Companies, SMEs and associations

ELENA provides technical assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments targeting buildings and innovative urban transport.

• Public and private project promoters such as local, regional or national authorities
• Transport authorities and operators
• Social housing operators
• Other companies (e.g. estate managers, retail chains, energy service companies).

Investment threshold

Normally, the amount of the investment programme must be above EUR 30 million. The ELENA grant amount can cover up to 90% of the total eligible costs, and the Final Beneficiary must fund the remaining 10% of the eligible costs.

Citizen or energy cooperatives refer to a business model where citizens jointly own and participate in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. In energy cooperatives citizens are involved in both the decision making and financial & economical participation.

Any person can be a member of the cooperative and participate in its financing schemes.

Crowdfunding is the use of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business venture. Using crowdfunding creates you the opportunity to raise the money quickly and easily for projects supported by the like-minded supporters who are eager to help.

Any person or legal entity can be a part of crowdfunding campaign, either as a initiator or a donor.

The European Energy Efficiency Fund aims to support the goals of the EU to promote a sustainable energy market and climate protection. Maximizing its impact, EEEF facilitates investments in the public sector offering funding for energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy projects.

• Regions
• City Councils
• Universities
• Public hospitals
• Other public entities