EIB and EIF Approve €5.8 Billion in New Financing to Boost EU Innovation, Security

New investments support clean transport, energy, housing, and strategic tech growth across Europe and beyond.

The Boards of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) met this week to approve a combined total of €5.8 billion in new financing initiatives designed to strengthen Europe’s economic resilience, accelerate innovation, enhance strategic autonomy, and deepen global cooperation.

The financing covers a wide range of sectors critical to the European Union’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability, including clean transportation, renewable energy, water infrastructure, affordable housing, digital technologies, and strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

Responding to Europe’s Strategic Needs

“The EIB Group is responding to Europe’s priorities in the current volatile international context, providing financing for projects to boost security, technological innovation, critical infrastructures, and deepen our international partnerships,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño following the board meetings.

Calviño also reiterated the Group’s sustained backing of Europe’s manufacturing base, particularly the automotive industry, which remains one of the EIB’s top focus areas. “We affirmed our commitment to support Europe’s manufacturing champions in the automotive industry,” she said. “The automotive sector is the second largest focus of the EIB Group after energy, where we have committed more than €11.5 billion over the past five years.”

€3.6 Billion Approved by EIB for Infrastructure and Industry

The EIB’s board approved €3.6 billion in financing across several key domains:

Clean and Smart Transport

Over €1 billion was greenlit for low-emission and sustainable transport initiatives. This includes:

• Investment in low-emission transport systems in northern Europe.

• Urban mobility upgrades in Germany.

• Climate-resilient infrastructure enhancements in Poland.

• Modernisation of 350 km of a key transport corridor in Malawi, supporting regional integration and trade in Southern Africa.

Energy and Water Infrastructure

The board endorsed €1.4 billion in financing for major energy and water infrastructure projects. Notable investments include:

• Research and development for advanced heat pump technologies in Poland and Belgium, reinforcing Europe’s energy transition.

• Modernisation of water and sanitation systems in Latvia and Guinea.

• Expansion of electricity distribution infrastructure in Brazil, enhancing access and grid reliability.

Housing and SME Financing

More than 700 new affordable homes will be constructed in Czechia through approved funding aimed at increasing social and economic inclusion.

Additionally, €1.1 billion was allocated to support private sector investments. This includes:

• SME financing programmes in Spain and Greece to promote entrepreneurship and job creation.

• Venture-debt funding for high-growth companies working on cutting-edge innovations such as 3D design software, digital health platforms, and agricultural technologies resistant to climate shocks.

EIF Approves €2.2 Billion for Innovation and Crisis Response

The European Investment Fund’s Board approved €2.2 billion in transactions, with a special focus on supporting innovation and aiding recovery efforts in crisis-affected regions.

Supporting War-Affected Enterprises in Ukraine

Four key operations under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility were approved, aimed at improving access to finance for Ukrainian enterprises impacted by the ongoing war. These efforts are aligned with EU objectives to support economic resilience and recovery in Ukraine.

Strengthening the EU’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

EIF greenlit several equity investments targeting the expansion of Europe’s deep tech capabilities. This includes:

• Participation in a pan-European venture capital fund under the European Tech Champions Initiative. This fund aims to accelerate investments in deep technologies, including cybersecurity, semiconductors, and advanced AI applications.

• Backing a new venture capital fund focused on early-stage technology companies in emerging European VC markets.

Two new investment mandates were also endorsed:

1. A program to foster Poland’s venture capital market, promoting innovation and early-stage entrepreneurship.

2. A mandate targeting technology transfer and deep tech investments in Spain, designed to support commercialization of research and boost national competitiveness in strategic sectors.

Strengthening Europe’s Global Footprint

Beyond Europe, the approved investments will play a role in enhancing EU partnerships with countries in Africa and Latin America, particularly through sustainable infrastructure and energy cooperation. Notably, projects in Malawi, Guinea, and Brazil reflect the EIB’s commitment to promoting inclusive development and global green transition.

A Unified Push Toward Strategic Autonomy

These new approvals underscore the EIB Group’s role as a central actor in Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and technological leadership. As global economic and security challenges continue to evolve, the EIB and EIF are ramping up their financial support to ensure the EU remains resilient, competitive, and sustainable.

With a combined €5.8 billion in new financing, this week’s approvals mark a decisive step toward a greener, smarter, and more secure Europe.