Capital markets union: Agreement on venture capital rules

31 May 2017

The proposed regulation is part of the EU's plan to develop a fully functioning capital markets union, diversifying funding sources for Europe's businesses and long-term projects. It is also linked to the EU's investment plan for Europe.

The EU has been falling behind the United States in this sector. According to the Commission, an extra €90 billion would have been available between 2009 and 2014 for financing European companies if venture capital markets had been as developed as in the US.

The proposal adjusts rules adopted in 2013 to encourage investment in European venture capital funds (Euveca) and European social entrepreneurship funds (Eusef).

Amending regulations 345/2013 and 346/2013, it makes those funds available to fund managers of all sizes and expands the range of companies that the funds can invest in. It also makes the cross-border marketing of such funds cheaper and easier.

Regulations 345/2013 and 346/2013 lay down requirements for investment in Euveca and Eusef funds, which relate respectively to:

• young and innovative companies;
• enterprises whose aim is to achieve a positive social impact.

Presidency and Parliament representatives agreed on the following amendments:

• larger fund managers, i.e. those with assets under management of more than €500 million, will henceforth be able to market and manage Euveca and Eusef funds;
• the range of companies in which Euveca funds can invest is expanded to include unlisted companies with up to 499 employees (small mid-caps) and SMEs listed on SME growth markets.

Full press release

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