Supporting rural infrastructure and Smart Villages development

This publication describes a pilot technical assistance initiative promoted by the European Commission Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) in collaboration with the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) for supporting rural infrastructure and Smart Villages development.

The objective of the Initiative is to familiarise EAFRD managing authorities with the use of financial instruments to support infrastructure projects and encourage them to assess their needs for financing rural infrastructure with special attention to the possible role of EAFRD financial instruments to supplement EAFRD grants or to be used in combination with EIB financing for rural infrastructure. Depending on the needs of the managing authorities, outcomes could be roadmaps, concrete planning and advice on how to organise the ex-ante assessment process, including recommendation on the structure of a future financial instrument. The Initiative is open to all EAFRD managing authorities and can involve national or local stakeholders whose participation may add value to discussions and processes.