Council reaches agreement on position regarding expansion of European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)

The Council of the European Union reached an agreement on 6 December 2016 regarding a proposal from the European Commission to extend the lifespan of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the EU's flagship initiative under its 'Investment Plan for Europe'.

The agreed compromise involves extending the EFSI in terms of both duration and financial capacity, mobilising at least half a trillion euros of investments by 2020. It also introduces a number of operational improvements to take account of lessons learned from the first year of implementation.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Investment Plan for Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/investment-plan-for-europe-2/

ESO: Background information: Investment Plan for Europe: evaluations give evidence to support its reinforcement http://www.europeansources.info/record/investment-plan-for-europe-evaluations-give-evidence-to-support-its-reinforcement/

European Commission: DG Communication: PRESS RELEASE: IP/16/4282, 06.12.16: Commission welcomes Member States' agreement on extension and reinforcement of the Investment Plan for Europe http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-4282_en.htm

EUObserver, 06.12.16: EU ministers approve 'Juncker plan' extension https://euobserver.com/economic/136168

EurActiv, 06.12.16: Member states support extension of Juncker Plan with EU funds http://www.euractiv.com/section/euro-finance/news/member-states-support-extension-of-juncker-plan-with-eu-funds/

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