The European Local Energy Assistance facility is run by the European Investment Bank on behalf of the European Commission. It helps the public and private sector implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport Investment projects, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions....

In the wake of the crisis, the capacity of many banks to lend to relatively high-risk sectors such as SMEs and young, innovative firms is seriously impaired by capital constraints and a strong deterioration in the quality of the assets on their balance sheets. Looking forward, it is vital that...