Today, the United Kingdom announced that it will contribute £6 billion (about €8.5 billion) to projects benefiting from finance by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), which is at the heart of the €315 billion Investment Plan for Europe. The co-financing pledge – the biggest yet by any country – will come from various programmes and bodies that are focussed on promoting economic growth. Britain is the ninth country to contribute to the Plan after Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia and Bulgaria, even before the EFSI becomes operational...
European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: "I am delighted that the UK announced £6 billion – nearly €8.5 billion – of co-financing for the European Fund for Strategic Investments projects. This is the biggest announcement yet and will have a big impact on SMEs and infrastructure in the UK. The Investment Plan for Europe is moving into high gear." 