Objective
The “Energy for International Competitiveness” measure supports Italian companies in their international growth processes through investments in digital transition, ecological transition and energy efficiency, while also strengthening the financial structure of businesses most exposed to rising energy costs and international geopolitical tensions.
The measure introduces enhanced support conditions for energy-intensive companies and businesses affected by the conflict in the Persian Gulf area, supported by a dedicated €800 million budget allocation.
The Measure
The measure is promoted through public funds managed by SIMEST on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
The scheme provides subsidised loans aimed at supporting investment programmes focused on innovation, sustainability and corporate financial consolidation. The conditions are particularly advantageous for companies that have experienced significant increases in energy costs or reductions in turnover linked to the conflict in the Persian Gulf area.
Beneficiaries
The measure is aimed at Italian companies, including SMEs and other internationally oriented businesses, meeting at least one of the following conditions: having recorded an increase in average unit energy costs of at least 10% compared to the 2025 financial year, or having suffered a turnover reduction of at least 10% as a consequence of the conflict in the Persian Gulf area from 28 February 2026 onwards.
Eligibility requirements must be certified through an attestation issued by an auditor registered with the Italian Register of Statutory Auditors held by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The measure is also accessible to energy-intensive companies, businesses engaged in certified energy efficiency programmes, companies with interests in the United States or the Western Balkans, businesses belonging to production supply chains and companies located in territories affected by the flooding events that occurred from May 2023.
Eligible Expenditure
Beneficiary companies must implement an investment programme structured around two main areas: digital or ecological transition and capital strengthening.
Part of the funding must necessarily be allocated to digital innovation and/or ecological transition investments, while the remaining share may be used to strengthen the company’s financial solidity.
For energy-intensive companies, businesses engaged in energy efficiency programmes and companies affected by the conflict in the Persian Gulf area, the share allocated to capital strengthening may reach up to 90% of the approved amount.
Eligible expenditure also includes share capital increases and shareholder loans in favour of subsidiaries, including foreign subsidiaries, within limits of up to €1.5 million for the categories of companies benefiting from enhanced support conditions.
Budget and Type of Incentive
The measure has a total financial allocation of €800 million.
The scheme provides subsidised financing with a minimum amount of €10,000 and a maximum amount equal to 35% of the average revenues recorded in the last two financial statements, within the limits of €500,000 for micro-enterprises, €2.5 million for SMEs and innovative start-ups, and €5 million for other companies.
Companies may choose between 10%, 50% or 80% of the EU reference rate, fixed for the entire duration of the financing. The overall duration may extend up to 8 years, including a 2-year grace period, with the possibility of advance payments of up to 50% of the approved amount.
A non-repayable grant component is also available, covering up to 20% for large companies and up to 30% for SMEs affected by the conflict in the Persian Gulf area, subject to the limits established under the de minimis regime and in any case within the €200,000 ceiling.
Energy-intensive companies or businesses involved in certified energy efficiency programmes may also benefit from exemption from guarantee requirements.
Deadlines and Applications
Applications must be submitted online through the SIMEST portal according to the operational procedures defined by the managing authority.
Enhanced support conditions are available for applications submitted by 31 December 2026, subject to the availability of funds.
Contacts
For further information regarding the measure, please contact: euprojects@promositalia.com