EIB, Rabobank, and DLL launch €1bn fund for green and agricultural SMEs

In a significant push to bolster green and agricultural investment across Europe, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two major financing agreements totalling €500 million with Dutch financial leaders Rabobank and its leasing subsidiary DLL.

Together with matched funds from the two institutions, the partnership will unlock a total of €1 billion in financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies across Europe.

The initiative aims to strengthen access to finance for businesses prioritising climate action, sustainability, and the bioeconomy, with a strong focus on agriculture, circularity, and the energy transition.

Robert de Groot, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership:

“It is important to understand that climate financing is a key driver of economic growth. Climate change is disrupting business and economic behaviours. We have a long track record with Rabobank and DLL in terms of climate-relevant financing and hope that this facility can convince other financiers to make available more support for entrepreneurs developing more sustainable projects.”

Under the agreement, Rabobank will receive a €250 million loan from the EIB, which it will match to deliver €500 million in new funding for Dutch SMEs and mid-caps. The facility is designed to support projects that advance sustainability and the energy transition, with at least 40% of investments earmarked for climate-relevant projects and another 40% targeting the bioeconomy, including agriculture.

Meanwhile, DLL, a global vendor finance company and subsidiary of Rabobank, has secured an additional €250 million from the EIB. DLL will also match this funding, making another €500 million available to businesses across nine EU countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. These funds will be deployed to support SMEs and mid-caps investing in sustainable technologies, equipment, and infrastructure.

Carlo van Kemenade, Director Retail NL and Member of the Managing Board of Rabobank, highlighted the importance of customer collaboration:

“We are proud to build on the successful partnership with the EIB and the new launch of impact loans. Sustainability is an important pillar of Rabobank’s strategy. Clients are also very positive about this impact loan. The interest rate discount is both a reward for the impact they have as a leader in sustainability and an encouragement to continue on the path we have set with our clients.”

Lara Yocarini, Member of the Managing Board of Rabobank and CEO of DLL, added:

“As a transition partner for a better world, DLL believes that sustainability is fundamental to long-term business success. The attractive funding from the European Investment Bank 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.”