On 6 May 2026, CCI France represented the EnergyEfficiency4HORECA consortium at the Clean Energy Transition Investment Forum (CETIF) 2026 in Brussels, a key European event bringing together policymakers, financial institutions and project developers to discuss how to accelerate investment in clean energy projects. The forum focused on one of the biggest challenges facing Europe’s energy transition: turning ambitious policy objectives into concrete, bankable investments.
These discussions are highly relevant to the EnergyEfficiency4HORECA project, which supports HORECA SMEs in identifying, planning and implementing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions throughout their value chains. Access to finance remains one of the main barriers preventing businesses from moving from intention to action, making the forum’s insights particularly valuable for the consortium.
Throughout the event, participants explored practical approaches to financing the clean energy transition, sharing successful experiences and innovative funding models that can help scale up investments. Following the forum, CCI France presented the key takeaways during a consortium meeting, ensuring that project partners could benefit from the latest European discussions on clean energy finance.
Among the main messages highlighted was the need to better structure energy efficiency projects so they are easier for investors to understand, aggregate and finance—particularly smaller projects, which often struggle to attract investment on their own. Discussions also underlined the important role of intermediary organisations and facilitation services in helping businesses develop robust project pipelines and prepare investment-ready proposals. In addition, participants emphasised the value of innovative financing approaches, including performance-based and service-based business models, together with public support mechanisms that reduce investment risks and encourage greater private sector participation.
For the EnergyEfficiency4HORECA consortium, these conclusions reinforce the importance of combining technical assistance with viable business models and tailored financing solutions. Supporting SMEs requires more than identifying energy-saving opportunities; it also means providing the tools and guidance needed to transform those opportunities into concrete investments that deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits.
By participating in CETIF 2026, CCI France helped bridge high-level European policy discussions with the practical realities faced by HORECA businesses. These insights will contribute to the project’s final recommendations and support the replication of successful approaches that enable SMEs across Europe to accelerate their energy transition.