United States International Development Finance Corporation (‘DFC’) and the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund S.A. SICAV-RAIF (‘3SIIF’, ‘the Fund’) have agreed to a term sheet that will form the basis of an agreement under which DFC will provide up to $300 million (c.€280m) of financing to the Fund. DFC financing will support energy and infrastructure investments that enhance energy security, facilitate energy diversification, and improve connectivity in the Three Seas region.
DFC is the United States’ development finance institution and has an investment portfolio of more than $37 billion committed globally, with an emphasis on less-developed countries. DFC works with investors to deploy capital across a range of sectors, including critical infrastructure. DFC investments adhere to the highest standards and aim to advance economic and social development in the regions in which it invests.
3SIIF invests in eligible transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure on the North-South axis of the Three Seas region which comprises 12 EU member states in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and aims to reduce the socio-economic gap with the other Member States of the European Union. Investment from DFC would bring the Fund’s capital commitment to c. €1.3bn.
The Fund is delighted to have the backing of the DFC which it believes will further strengthen transatlantic business, energy, and geopolitical ties with the Three Seas region. 3SIIF’s investment strategy reflects DFC’s value-driven approach and focus on sustainable development as well as advancing environmental and social objectives. DFC will play an important role in supporting investment into 3SIIF’s investment pipeline across Three Seas member states.
The Fund and DFC will now work together to finalise the legal documentation to implement the agreement. DFC and the Fund expect the financing to be finalised during 2022.
“The current geopolitical and economic challenges have highlighted the importance of the Three Seas Region,” said Beata Daszynska-Muzyczka, President of the Polish State Development Bank (BGK) and Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund. “The investment needs of this region are critical for EU cohesion, continued economic growth as well as for improved connectivity and energy security. I am very happy that our American friends from DFC share this view and intend to invest in the Three Seas Fund.”
“DFC is committed to investing in the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund. This will promote energy security and counter Russian aggression in Europe,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “The strong U.S. relationship with the Three Seas countries provides an enormous opportunity for values-based, high-standard investment alongside the private sector. The collaboration between DFC and 3SIIF will facilitate inclusive economic growth and development throughout the region.”