Mr Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner and Mr Werner Hoyer, President of the EIB
In the context of the MFF 2014-2020, Commissioner Potočnik stressed the importance of the Bank in financing for resource efficiency and green technologies and the development of innovative financial instruments to support overall objectives.
He stated his appreciation of the very active collaboration between EIB and the Commission services, particularly in the Water sector.
President Hoyer stated that the EIB is fully committed to the application of its environmental standards, and that the Bank shares the common interest to maximise growth and employment, promote the long term recovery of the EU economy and the protection and sustainable use of the natural environment.
In addition, the European Investment Fund is planning to speed up its SME investment activity in the coming years in the eco-innovation sector.
Potočnik and Hoyer agreed that there are additional areas in which the Commission and the Bank can collaborate, in particular the Natural Capital Finance Facility (NCFF), focusing mainly on soil, land and forestry, and the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water.
Working together, the Bank and the European Commission can send strong signals about the fight against climate change, the financing of green infrastructure, the management of natural capital and resources and the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Whereas Growth and Employment must be today’s immediate priority, when growth does resume it will need to reflect the long term environmental challenges that remain, namely Green Growth.
