Launched in 2014, the Investment Plan for Europe – known as the ‘Juncker Plan’ – was introduced against a background of low levels of investment and sluggish growth in the aftermath of the economic crisis. It plotted a “roadmap for getting Europe back to work, to boost our economy.” But how much of an impact has it had on European lives?
In addition to financing innovative projects and new technologies, the Juncker plan has supported other EU objectives, such as in digital, ocial and transport policy. Thanks to the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), 15 million households can access high-speed broadband, over 500,000 social and affordable housing units have been built or renovated, 7.4 million households have been supplied with renewable energy, improved infrastructure and healthcare services.
The EFSI has mobilized €335 billion in additional investment across the EU since 2015. The Juncker Plan is estimated to have supported the creation of some 750,000 jobs. By 2020, that figure is set to rise to 1.4 million. It has increased EU GDP by 0.6%. By 2020 the boost will be at 1.3%.