The EIB's intermediated loans support projects that align with its strategic priorities, such as environmental sustainability and bio-economy. As a result, this financing instrument is well-suited for regional/local initiatives that incorporate circular solutions and seek financial support.

Depending on the criteria agreed with a specific intermediator, the following final beneficiaries are eligible: Micro-enterprises, SMEs and mid-caps, Large corporates, National public sector agencies, departments, institutions and ministries, Regional or local authorities.

The intermediated loans are to finance small investments. For SMEs and mid-caps, eligible items include tangible and intangible assets, including purchase or renovation of assets, long-term working capital, etc. For local authorities and public sector entities or private promoters of any size, eligible projects must support at least one of the EIB’s priorities (Climate action and environmental sustainability, Digitalisation and technological innovation, Security and defence, A modern cohesion policy, Agriculture and bioeconomy, Social infrastructure, High-impact global investment, Capital Markets Union).

To small and medium-sized enterprises, the intermediated lending partners provide funds in amounts up to €12.5 million.

SMES and Mid-Caps should apply directly to local partners within or outside of the EU: https://www.eib.org/en/products/loans/sme-mid-caps/intermediated-loans.

Further information concerning EIB support to SMEs and Mid-Caps can be found here.

There is no set deadline/deadline is on a need-basis.