Provides long-term funding for EU projects and policies.
**Summary of the European Investment Bank (EIB)** The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a nonprofit European Union institution based in Luxembourg, owned by the 27 EU member states. Its primary role is to provide long-term project funding, guarantees, and advice to further EU policy objectives, both within and outside the EU. **Focus Areas** The EIB focuses on six priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion. It supports projects that contribute to the balanced and steady development of the internal market in the interest of the Union, particularly in less-developed regions and those that cannot be entirely financed by individual member states. **Financial Resources and Project Financing** The EIB borrows money on capital markets and lends it on favorable terms to projects that support EU objectives. About 90% of loans are made within the EU. The typical project financing amount is above EUR 25 million, with smaller loans facilitated through credit lines to financial institutions. The EIB has invested over EUR 1.1 trillion since its inception in 1958. **Criteria for Funding** Projects must align with EU policy objectives, such as climate action, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The EIB evaluates projects based on their merits and the opportunities offered by financial markets. Recent projects include support for COVID-19 recovery and green finance initiatives. The EIB also provides funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the European Investment Fund (EIF), which offers venture capital and risk finance instruments.
