In the new programming period 2014-2020 the focus is more than ever before on investments in sustainable energy in order to achieve the EU2020 targets: The shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors as well as a strong emphasis on renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE).Based on the amounts proposed, the funding instruments will almost lead to a doubling of current investment amounts: For European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) minimum allocations are set for a number of priority areas. For example, 20% of available ERDF resources at national level for more developed and transition regions and 6% for less developed regions are to be reserved for investment in EE and RE. Under the Horizon 2020 programme, €6.5 billion are allocated to research and innovation in ‘secure, clean and efficient energy’.Furthermore, the use of Financial Instruments (FIs) in line with the investment priorities of the EU2020 goals is strengthened to enhance the financial sustainability of ESI Funds by repayable forms of support such as loans, guarantees or equity.Of crucial importance for public spending is the compliance with EU State Aid rules that have recently been revised with the new Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines (EEAG) and the new General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), by which a huge number of measures are covered.