Spatial Structural Measures

This program by Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank supports municipal bodies and legally dependent municipal enterprises in rural areas. The funding aims to improve general infrastructure and public services, where investments must fulfill sovereign tasks and not be considered economic activities under EU state aid law. Eligible applicants include cities and municipalities with up to 50,000 inhabitants, districts, and, to a limited extent, special purpose associations.

The "Spatial Structural Measures" program finances a wide range of investments in municipal infrastructure and public services in rural areas, including new construction, maintenance, and renovation. Refinancing and cash advances are excluded.

Support is provided in the form of low-interest loans, which can cover up to 100% of investment costs and generally do not exceed 10 million Euros per borrower per year. The exact conditions, such as term and fixed interest period, vary depending on the program (No. 298 or 204) and are determined by Rentenbank.

To avail of the funding, certain legal and operational conditions must be met, particularly the fulfillment of sovereign tasks without economic activity in the sense of EU state aid law and the implementation of investments in rural areas. The program allows cumulation with other public funding and the borrower must prove the earmarked use of funds.

The application for the "Spatial Structural Measures" is made indirectly through the borrower's commercial bank, which forwards the application to Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank. The exact conditions are individually coordinated between the commercial bank and Rentenbank.

The "Spatial Structural Measures" program is based on the guideline "Rural Development – Spatial Structural Measures (No. 298 and 204)" from July 10, 2023. This guideline defines the funding conditions and objectives and is the authoritative legal basis for the program's implementation.