An ex-ante assessment is a crucial, and therefore mandatory, step in the overall lifecycle of European Structural and Investement Funds (ESIF) financial instruments. Ex-ante assessments help everyone involved to understand the investment needs in a specific area. Results from the ex-ante work will also confirm the role that financial instruments can play in achieving policy objectives for ESIF programmes. This video points out seven key aspects of the ex-ante process. These cover market assessment procedures as well as advice about how to confirm delivery and management details.

The importance of knowledge about using ex-ante assessments properly was one of the main conclusions from the recent fi-compass event focused on the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Knowhow about this and other systematic approaches involved in setting up an EAFRD financial instrument where noted as being extremely useful for EAFRD managing authorities.

Other key topics discussed by the seminar speakers and delegates included the benefits of financial instruments for farmers and agri-food businesses in terms of access to funding, as well as the benefits to managing authorities such as leverage (performance) opportunities.

Good working relationships between managing authorities and financial intermediaries was another piece of valuable advice highlighted during the event, which also emphasised the role that fi-compass can play in supporting the creation of financial instruments under the EAFRD.

Please read the whole story of this event and download all the seminar materials related here.

Members of the fi-compass Community of Practice met in Paris to discuss success factors for financial instruments supported by the European Social Fund. Delegates were able to learn from lessons highlighted by other countries as well as share their own ongoing experiences with financial instruments.

Financial instruments such as loans, bank guarantees, equity investments and venture capital can be co-funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). These financial instruments are an efficient way to invest in the growth and development of people and businesses across the EU.

This film provides an overview of how the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) can be used by Member States and regions to operate EAFRD financial instruments such as loans, guarantees and equity.