Investment platforms backed by EU funds are investment facilities which typically pool smaller and/or higher-risk projects by geographic location or sector. This helps to better share risk, make it easier to attract private investors and eventually unlock financing for individual projects. By aggregating investment projects, Investment platforms also reduce transaction and information costs which in turn facilitate smaller tickets. The platforms itself can then provide loans and/or equity financing to the underlying projects, depending on their specific needs.

This interactive event will introduce the EU-backed Investment Platforms that are addressing the energy efficiency with an overview of active IPs in Europe. In order to dive deeper into concrete examples, an example of IP for urban investment will be presented. Secondly, it will give space to cities and municipalities to share own experience and learn from each other.

13:55 – 14 :00 Technical check-in

14:00 – 14:05 Welcome: Angela Russo, Covenant of Mayors Office

14:05 – 14:20 Introduction to EU and public-backed investment platforms: Mr Jean-François Machard, Energinvest

• Main characteristics of EU and public-backed investment platforms
• Operating IPs across Europe

14:20 – 14:35 Investment platform in action – an example from Bulgaria: Ms Iva Petkova, Fund for Local Authorities and Governments

• Bulgarian Urban Investment and Advisory Platform

14:35 – 14:55 Q&A

14:55 – 15:20 Interactive session between cities & municipalities : Cities and municipalities exchange experience and best practices

• Investment platforms in the national and local context
• Experience with investment platforms in the local context
• Challenges, advantages and success factors

15:25 – 15:30 Closing remarks & goodbye