EaSI Technical Assistance is a part of the first axis of the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) Programme which is an EU level financing instrument. Its third axis aims to increase the availability and accessibility of microfinance for vulnerable groups and micro enterprises, build up the institutional capacity of microcredit providers and increase access to finance for social enterprises.

Stefan Appel, Head of Financial Instruments and International Financial Institutions Relations Unit, DG REGIO, European Commission, explains how financial instruments have proven their role as efficient and effective deployment modes to reach the objectives of cohesion policy.

Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, explains in this video that blending various funds together will result in greater investment through financial instruments will lead to more jobs and more growth in the European economy, particularly in rural areas.

Andrea Da Pozzo, Policy Officer, DG Employment of the European Commission explains how financial instruments can be used under the European Social Fund (ESF) which is focused on people, social issues, social entrepreneurship and microfinance, and how the private sector is leveraged in the delivery of the funds, releasing national authorities from co-financing obligations.

Olavi Petron, Deputy Secretary General for Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs of Estonia, explains the advantages of using financial instruments in the fisheries sector in his country.

Simon Barnes, Director of Advisory Services, European Investment Bank (EIB), explains in this video that the EIB is helping managing authorities to be able to make decisions when implementing financial instruments. Through the fi-compass initiative, the target audiences have access to the necessary information. He also talks about stabilising agricultural incomes in sectors of high volatility, through the EAFRD.

Olivier Motte, President of the CAP 3RI Fund (France, Nord Pas-de-Calais region) explains in this video how the governance of this Fund of funds is structured.

François Arbault, Head of the Public Affairs Legal Department, DG GROW, talks in this video about public procurement and competition rules applying to the selection of financial intermediaries. Instead of prescribing a specific route for the managing authorities, he talks about offering a “toolbox” of solutions.

Josefine Loriz-Hoffmann, Director, DG AGRI, European Commission, explains in this video how financial instruments are an essential tool for EU spending policies, as well as being the basis for President Juncker’s investment plan. Financial instruments also attract private financing and also provide access to finance for those who otherwise may not have such access.

Eva Rosenthal, from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, explaines in this video how listening to other countries’ experience of implementing financial instruments was of great interest to Sweden.