The InvestEU Programme serves as the EU’s main instrument for attracting public and private sector investments. Its current financial capacity needs to be scaled up to meet rising demands.
The Budgets and Economic and Monetary Affairs committees adopted the InvestEU proposal with 63 votes to 10 and 2 abstentions. The proposal is part of a package (Omnibus II) aiming at EU rules simplification, increasing competitiveness and enhancing investment capacity.
EU guarantee increased
MEPs voted to increase the EU guarantee by €4.5 billion, which is projected to unlock approximately €70 billion in additional investments. MEPs also emphasize the necessity of improved oversight and simplified procedures to encourage greater private sector involvement, especially from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies. Furthermore, advisory services should be expanded with €200 million to support complex sectors such as social housing and defence.
Funding Challenges
The European Union is confronting unprecedented financial challenges to achieve its goals in innovation, green and digital transitions, social investments, skills development, and modern transportation infrastructure. Amid slow economic growth, geopolitical tensions, and escalating climate concerns, strengthening the EU’s independence—particularly in energy—is vital to ensuring economic stability and political resilience.
According to the Draghi report, Europe requires an additional €750–800 billion annually in investments until 2030. Of these funds, roughly €450 billion should be directed toward energy transition initiatives, while €300 to €400 billion are needed to address the urgent housing crisis.
MEPs also encourage member states to explore further avenues for mobilising investments across critical sectors. These efforts should align with the goals of InvestEU, uphold the principles of EU added value, promote fair competition, and preserve the integrity of the internal market, while fostering cross-border cooperation.
Quotes
Aura Salla (EPP, FI), co-rapporteur on behalf of the Committee on Budgets, said: “Today’s vote is a strong signal that the European Parliament is not just talking about simplification, we’re delivering it. The aim has been to make the InvestEU loan programme more accessible, efficient, and impactful, and that result is today one step closer. Now it is time for the trilogues, where the Parliament will also continue to underline the importance of supporting investments in strategic sectors, including defence”.
Irene Tinagli (S&D, IT), co-rapporteur on behalf of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, said: "InvestEU is a successful programme with a strong industrial policy dimension, fully aligned with the European Union’s green transition and social inclusion objectives. We welcome the reinforcement of its capacity and the strengthening of its Advisory Hub, which will make it easier to support local authorities, SMEs, and social organisations in developing high-impact projects. Today, we are enhancing the programme’s capacity and reinforcing its role as a strategic bridge for the years to come. Common European investment instruments will be more crucial than ever in driving investment across Europe and building our shared future"
Next steps
The final text will have to be negotiated with the Council, which has already adopted its position