EIB Advisory support for advancing the circular economy

About

The circular economy is a key priority of EU policy, recognised as a driver of competitiveness, resilience and reduced dependence on critical raw materials. Recent initiatives, including the Clean Industrial Deal,  the Competitiveness Compass and the EIB Climate Bank Roadmap 2.0, highlight the need to accelerate the transition and close remaining investment gaps.

At the same time, a joint European Commission–EIB report (2026) shows that although investments in circular economy activities have increased, significant financing gaps remain across sectors such as construction, textiles, batteries and vehicles, and along the full project lifecycle. The report calls for joint action by EIB and European Commission to expand advisory services to speed up circular project development and financing in the EU.

EIB Advisory through its JASPERS facility carried out an assessment in 2024 to identify capacity-building needs for developing circular economy projects linked to Cohesion policy funding. The assessment highlighted strong demand for practical support in areas such as:

• project identification and preparation
• SME schemes
• state aid
• cost-benefit analysis
• project selection criteria

This webinar presented the latest policy and market developments, and explored how EIB Advisory support, especially through its JASPERS and C3 facilities, can help turn circular economy opportunities into concrete, mature investments for SMEs and cities. 

 

Target audience

This webinar targeted:

• Managing authorities and intermediate bodies responsible for Cohesion policy programmes
• Public authorities at national, regional and local level, including cities
• Project promoters and implementing bodies involved in circular economy investments
• Financial institutions and advisory organisations supporting project development
• Private sector stakeholders, including SMEs engaged in circular economy activities

Objectives

The webinar aimed to:

• Provide an update on recent EU policy developments and market trends in the circular economy
• Present EIB Advisory support available to help develop circular projects and investment pipelines
• Highlight challenges and opportunities in preparing circular economy projects across sectors and stakeholders
• Foster dialogue with Member States, cities and project promoters on how to make best use of available advisory support
• Identify remaining capacity-building needs to further support the development of bankable circular economy investments