This week’s updates highlight major support for European battery manufacturing and deep-tech scale-ups, improved access to research infrastructure, social climate investment and solutions for urban climate resilience.
🔋 Battery Booster Facility - Up to €1.5B for battery manufacturing
The European Commission has launched a new call under the Battery Booster Facility, offering up to €1.5 billion in interest-free loans for electric-vehicle battery cell manufacturing projects in the European Economic Area.
Selected projects may receive up to €500 million each, helping expand European production capacity, strengthen strategic supply chains and reduce dependence on external battery suppliers.
Source: Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
🚀 EIC STEP Scale Up - €97M proposed for European deep-tech companies
The European Innovation Council has selected six European scale-ups for a combined €97 million in proposed equity investments under the STEP Scale Up scheme.
The companies are developing strategic technologies in areas including AI infrastructure, sovereign computing, laser communications, battery recycling and low-carbon construction materials.
Source: European Innovation Council
🏠 Social Climate Fund - €60.6M plan for Malta endorsed
The European Commission has endorsed Malta’s Social Climate Plan, which will mobilise €60.6 million to support vulnerable households, transport users and micro-enterprises.
Planned measures include energy-efficient social housing, renewable energy installations, electric community transport and targeted support for vulnerable businesses.
Source: Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion - European Commission
🔬 EU Research & Innovation - Easier access to advanced infrastructure
The European Commission has introduced a new Charter to help startups, SMEs and scale-ups access cutting-edge research and technology infrastructure across Europe.
The initiative promotes transparent services, simplified contracts, clearer intellectual property conditions and tailored support for companies using laboratories, pilot lines, testing facilities and scientific equipment.
Source: Research and innovation - European Commission
🌆 LIFE Programme - Projects strengthen urban climate resilience
CINEA has highlighted seven LIFE projects helping European cities prepare for heatwaves, flooding and other climate-related risks.
The projects are testing solutions including urban forests, reflective surfaces, climate shelters, early-warning systems and nature-based infrastructure, helping cities become safer and more resilient.
Source: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency