The European Investment Bank (EIB) approved €9.2 billion of new financing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, accelerate the energy transition and deepen strategic partnerships around the world, according to a press release. Almost half of the package will go toward strengthening companies across Europe, while additional resources will back renewable energy, electricity grids and heating infrastructure. The financing also reinforces Europe’s voice in a shifting geopolitical landscape through win-win investments in partner countries.
The package endorsed by the EIB’s Board of Directors includes €4.3 billion in financing for companies in Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. The support will be channelled through local banks to primarily assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Targeted sectors include security and defence, space, energy and agriculture. This approach aims to reach businesses that form the backbone of Europe’s economy.
The EIB Board also approved financing for electricity networks in Germany and Greece, solar energy in Italy and district-heating infrastructure in Lithuania. These investments will reduce the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen Europe’s energy autonomy. The new financing further covers a key rail link between Croatia and Hungary. Hospitals in France and Poland will also benefit from the approved funding. Together, the measures span energy, transport and social infrastructure priorities.
“EIB Group financing and guarantees support innovative European businesses to grow and expand in critical areas including energy autonomy, space and security and defence,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “Europe is walking the talk, investing with purpose and getting things done.”
Outside the EU, the EIB approved financing for electricity grids in Brazil and solar energy and battery storage in Egypt. Additional support goes to women smallholder farmers in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as medical equipment in Kosovo.
Together, these investments reinforce the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and strengthen sustainable economic partnerships worldwide. The EIB Group is the financing arm of the European Union, owned by the 27 Member States, and one of the largest multilateral development banks in the world. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory services for over 870 high-impact projects. Its work spans eight core priorities aligned with EU policy objectives. The latest approvals underscore the Bank’s continued role in advancing competitiveness, the energy transition and global partnerships.