Key Takeaways:
- €1 billion in total funding to support climate-relevant and bioeconomy-focused investments
- Rabobank and DLL to each match €250 million in loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Funding to target SMEs and mid-caps in the Netherlands and across the EU
- At least 40% of financing earmarked for agriculture and bioeconomy sectors
- Partners emphasize the role of sustainable finance in long-term economic resilience
Rabobank, DLL, and EIB Expand Access to Sustainable Finance
Rabobank, DLL, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have announced a joint effort to expand access to sustainable finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies. The collaboration will make a total of €1 billion in new funding available, with a significant share directed toward climate-relevant investments and bioeconomy sectors, including agriculture.
Rabobank will borrow €250 million from the EIB and match that amount with its own funds to support Dutch companies. Meanwhile, DLL will secure an equivalent €250 million loan from the EIB and match it to finance projects in nine EU countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
EIB Funding Focuses on Climate and Bioeconomy Projects
According to the terms of the agreement, at least 40% of the funding will be invested in climate-focused initiatives, and at least 40% will go to bioeconomy sectors, which include agriculture. The goal is to help SMEs and mid-caps across the EU access the capital they need to invest in sustainable technologies, improve efficiency, and align with the EU’s green transition goals.
EIB Director General Jean-Christophe Laloux emphasized the broader purpose of the initiative: “Climate financing is a key driver of economic growth. Climate change is disrupting business and economic behaviours. We hope that this facility can convince other financiers to support entrepreneurs developing more sustainable projects.”
Rabobank and DLL Highlight Continued Commitment to Sustainability
Rabobank’s Carlo van Kemenade noted that sustainability remains central to the bank’s mission: “Sustainability is an important pillar of Rabobank’s strategy. The interest rate discount is both a reward for the impact clients have and an encouragement to continue on this path.”
Lara Yocarini, CEO of DLL and Member of the Managing Board at Rabobank, added that the EIB support would strengthen DLL’s leasing capabilities: “This will enhance our ability to provide more accessible, affordable, and tailored leasing solutions, ultimately reducing barriers for our partners and customers to invest in more sustainable equipment and technology.”
Longstanding EIB Role in Dutch and EU Sustainable Investment
The EIB has a long history of supporting development in the Netherlands and across Europe. Over the past decade, it has provided more than €27 billion for Dutch projects spanning transportation, healthcare, research, and SME development. Owned by EU Member States, the EIB remains the world’s largest multilateral borrower and lender, with more than 90% of its financing activities located within the EU.
Through its collaboration with Rabobank and DLL, the EIB continues to advance EU climate and sustainability goals while helping smaller enterprises navigate the green transition.
