Provides financing for projects supporting EU objectives and sustainability.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending arm of the European Union and the world's largest multilateral lender. Founded in 1958, it is owned by EU member states and supports projects that further EU objectives both within and outside the Union. The EIB focuses on four main areas: innovation and skills, small businesses, climate and environment, and infrastructure. It also prioritizes cohesion and development. The bank provides loans, guarantees, equity investments, and advisory services. With a capital base of €248 billion, the EIB signed loans totaling €65 billion in 2021, supporting 748 projects. Typical project financing ranges from €25 million to €100 million, with the bank generally funding up to 50% of a project's total cost. To receive funding, projects must contribute to EU policy objectives, be economically, financially, and technically sound, and meet environmental and social standards. Recent projects include support for COVID-19 recovery, renewable energy initiatives, and SME financing. The EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Fund, plays a crucial role in implementing EU initiatives such as InvestEU, which aims to mobilize €372 billion in additional investment between 2021 and 2027. The bank is also committed to supporting climate action and environmental sustainability projects worldwide.