The EU’s External Investment Plan (EIP) – adopted in September 2017 – aims to encourage investment in partner countries in the EU Neighbourhood region and Africa. By mobilising and leveraging investment, the EIP promotes inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development, with a focus on priority investment areas, such as:
- Sustainable Energy and Connectivity
- Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Financing
- Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Entrepreneurs and Agribusiness
- Sustainable Cities
- Digital for Development
The EIP supports partner countries by:
- mobilising finance - through the European Fund for Sustainable Development
- providing technical assistance to help prepare investment projects
- developing a favourable investment climate and business environment
The External Investment Plan builds on the EU’s experience in implementing eight regional investment facilities outside the EU, including the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF). Since the creation of the first EU blending facilities in 2007, €3.4 billion of EU grants have leveraged €26 billion of loans with a total investment volume in partner countries of around €57 billion.
The EU4Business Women in Business programme is one example of a project already supported by the EU, which will be stepped up with the help of the External Investment Plan, with its current EU contribution of €4.8 million leveraging €54.3 million of total investments.
The EU contribution of €4.1 billion to the EIP will leverage up to €44 billion of investment by 2020.
Please, click here to visit the portal dedicated to the EU External Investment Plan.
