The new EU Commission filled one of its promises yesterday in launching a € 315 bln investment plan to kick start investments in energy transport and ICT infrastructure of which alternative fuel-infrastructure along major roads is mentioned (tick!), environmentally sustainable projects 9tick!) and innovation research and development (tick!). A partnership of the EC and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will be set up to mobilize investment primarily in strategic infrastructure, SMEs and middle capitalisation companies catalysing private sector investment. A Task Force has been set up by the EC and EIB together with the Member States, to look into potential barriers to investments and screen potential projects. Based on the first report of the Task Force, which is expected shortly, the work should be stepped up at EU level to identify and activate key investment projects, as well as inform investors of projects’ progress on a regular basis. Last but not least an investment advisory ‘Hub’ will integrate all investment advisory services and direct all questions regarding technical assistance of project promoters, investors and public managing authorities to one portal. As the EHA and others have been lobbying for ,the objective is to strengthen and accelerate investment by providing comprehensive and swift advice to prepare quality projects and investments and to enhance the effective use and potential leverage of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), Horizon 2020 and other EU funds, in particular through reinforced and flexible use of financial instruments in response to market needs,as well as to improve access to other sources of public and private finance. As only €16 bln of the EU budget will be used as risk financing comments in Brussels were mixed on the feasibility of achieving the 315 bln figure in 2017.