Jeremy Whannell

Euronext Sustainability Week 2026 brings together over 3,200 participants across 37 events in 11 countries, focusing on resilience, sustainability, security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Greece joins for the first time. Euronext is introducing new ESG indices, investor tools, governance solutions, and educational initiatives, while strengthening climate commitments and supporting sustainable European capital markets.

The European Investment Bank is investing up to €40 million in Finnish startup Steady Energy to develop its LDR-50 small modular reactor, designed to provide low-emission heat for district heating networks. The funding will support research, testing and licensing through 2028. The investment marks the EIB's first financing of small modular reactor technology.

Fashion industry emissions rose 6.3% between 2023 and 2024, reaching 1.004 billion tonnes of CO₂e, despite progress in renewable energy, efficiency and recycled materials. The Apparel Impact Institute says emissions must fall to 489 million tonnes by 2030 for a 1.5°C pathway. Production growth, particularly in textile processing, remains the central challenge.

Spanish impact investor Impact Bridge is providing up to €6 million to Cegasa Energía to support its expansion in battery energy-storage systems. The financing will help increase production and strengthen Cegasa's European operations. The investment combines financial objectives with environmental and social goals, including supporting renewable-energy infrastructure, European industrial capacity, and skilled employment in Spain.

Colombia has launched a new program to help up to 25 sustainable businesses prepare for impact investment. Supported by Swiss cooperation and implemented by Swisscontact, the initiative will strengthen financial structures, governance, impact measurement and investor materials. Eligible companies can seek capital needs of US$50,000 to US$250,000 while developing sustainable growth opportunities.

Innergex has launched a €5 million crowdfunding campaign for its Grenier des Essences solar farm in Joux-la-Ville, France. Through Enerfip, eligible residents of Yonne and neighbouring departments can participate from €10. The funds will support final construction and commissioning, with operations expected to begin in autumn 2027. Investment returns and risks require careful consideration.

Impact investing in Spain reached €3.217 billion in 2025, doubling its 2023 level, according to SpainNAB and IE University. Total available impact capital rose 51% to €5.051 billion. Direct investment drove most growth, while bank financing also increased. The sector's main challenge is scaling successful initiatives and demonstrating measurable social and environmental benefits.

The Huruma impact investment programme has helped more than 227,000 agricultural producers access finance. Its €30 million public contribution mobilised €90 million in private capital, while supported institutions nearly doubled managed agricultural financing. An interim evaluation also reported improved financial inclusion and climate resilience, highlighting blended finance's potential to support underserved rural communities.

Biogenera is nearing the October 26 deadline for its CrowdFundMe equity crowdfunding campaign, targeting approximately €5 million. The Italian biotech aims to list on Euronext within two years. Its lead candidate, BGA002, targets aggressive pediatric tumors but remains preclinical. Phase I trials are planned for 2027, requiring additional funding to proceed.

Ethical banks demonstrate stronger social impact, financial stability, and gender equality than major European banks. According to the Ninth Report on Ethical Finance in Europe, they prioritize socially and environmentally beneficial lending, maintain lower non-performing loan rates, and reinvest resources responsibly. The report recommends improved credit access for social enterprises and proportionate banking regulations to support sustainable economic transition.