The European Investment Bank (EIB) invested €3 billion in Portugal in 2025 — a 43% jump from the previous year — setting new records across housing, climate action, transport, and innovation, as outlined in an official statement published by the EIB. The figure is expected to unlock roughly €12 billion in total investments, equivalent to nearly 4% of Portugal’s GDP. EIB Group President Nadia Calviño called 2025 “an extraordinary year,” noting that the milestone comes 40 years after Portugal joined the EU and 50 years after the EIB Group began operations in the country.
Climate financing dominated the portfolio, with €2.1 billion — almost seven in every ten euros invested — going toward green transition projects, from industrial decarbonization and renewable energy to energy-efficiency upgrades in homes and schools.
Social infrastructure hit a record too. More than €1 billion went to housing and schools, including €750 million to support Portugal’s National Affordable Housing Programme — funding the construction and renovation of around 12,000 housing units — and €300 million to modernize approximately 500 public school buildings. Transport financing reached nearly €1 billion, headlined by the first tranche of a €3 billion loan for the landmark Lisbon–Porto high-speed rail line, one of the largest infrastructure investments in Portugal’s recent history. Innovation financing climbed to a record €500 million, with the European Investment Fund (EIF) backing ventures in AI, deep-tech, biotech, and climate technologies.
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises also reached new heights, with over €500 million channeled to more than 10,000 Portuguese businesses, helping sustain around 245,000 jobs. A standout moment was the signing of Portugal’s InvestEU Member State Compartment, expected to mobilize €6.5 billion for SMEs, mid-caps, and individuals using Next Generation EU funds.
Cohesion financing totaled €2.4 billion — nearly 80% of the Group’s total investment — reinforcing the EIB Group’s role not just as a financier, but as a structural partner in Portugal’s long-term economic and social development.