The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has approved €15.5 billion in new financing aimed at bolstering business growth, enhancing transport and energy infrastructure, and investing in housing and water resilience. This decision emerged from the recent board meetings of the EIB and the European Investment Fund (EIF).
Of the total amount, the EIB Board sanctioned €14.5 billion, while the EIF Board authorized €1 billion. This funding will primarily target the green transition, support venture capital and private equity investments, and strengthen credit and infrastructure funds.
EIB Group President Nadia Calviño stated, “These investments focus on building the future, ranging from clean energy to smarter transport and better housing. As the EU’s financing arm, the EIB Group addresses Europe’s priorities.”
In addition to energy investments, the EIB Board highlighted the new Water Resilience Program, which is set to mobilize €40 billion globally over the next three years. This initiative, aligned with the European Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy, aims to improve access to clean water and boost the water sector’s competitiveness.
Recent approvals also include projects to upgrade water and wastewater networks in Greece and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the EIB will support new rail investments in Estonia, Germany, and Italy, while also enhancing road connections in Poland, Romania, and Moldova. Airport energy efficiency upgrades are planned for France, Germany, and Spain.
Regarding energy projects, the EIB’s funding will fortify electricity grids in France, Germany, and South America. It will also improve industrial energy efficiency in Portugal and accelerate biofuel production in Italy.
The Board has also approved financing for three housing projects that support the construction of energy-efficient homes and the installation of solar panels in Germany. Additionally, funding will assist the construction and refurbishment of affordable housing across Portugal.
New financing initiatives will support businesses in Croatia, Italy, Poland, and Spain, foster innovation in the Western Balkans, and promote reforestation efforts in Africa. This includes investments in critical raw material recycling in Germany and low-carbon fertilizer production in South America.
The EIF transactions approved this week include €278 million in new debt operations and €725 million in venture capital and private equity transactions, focusing on clean energy, decarbonization, and biodiversity preservation.
In a move to bolster European security and defense, the EIB Group has expanded its eligibility criteria for such investments. The revised policies aim to support increased financing for selected defense projects, addressing identified funding needs within the EU industry while maintaining the Group’s financing capacity.
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