Investment helps to boost jobs, in particular for young people, and supports growth, both in Europe and globally. It is one of the European Commission’s top priorities. That is why the Commission announced the Investment Plan for Europe only three weeks after taking office, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) as its strategic partner in the Plan. At the heart of the Plan is the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). The EFSI was established for an initial period of three years, with the aim of mobilising at least EUR 315 billion in investments with maximum private sector contributions. The EFSI has had a successful first year. The projects and agreements approved for financing under the EFSI so far (by 14 September 2016) are expected to mobilise EUR 116 billion in total investments across 26 Member States and to support some 200,000 SMEs.