EIB Approves €12.8 Billion for Sustainable Projects Across Europe and Beyond

The approved financing will also address critical needs in healthcare, education, water management, and disaster preparedness.

Today, the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) greenlit €12.8 billion in new financing aimed at advancing sustainable transport, renewable energy adoption, student housing development, disaster resilience, and business expansion initiatives.

EIB President Nadia Calviño emphasized the significance of these investments, stating, "Today we approved nearly €13 billion for flagship projects around Europe and beyond. These investments will enhance lives and underscore the EIB Group’s commitment to fostering resilience, productivity growth, and innovation in Europe."

Enhancing Transport Infrastructure

A significant portion of the approved funds, €5 billion, will bolster rail transport improvements across Europe, including the construction of a high-speed rail line between Porto and Lisbon, train upgrades in Germany and the Czech Republic, tram and bus replacements in Lille, and the development of a light rail system in Helsinki. Additionally, investments in port infrastructure in Cape Verde and urban transport projects in Ukraine were also endorsed.

Expanding Renewable Energy

The EIB allocated €2.6 billion to scale up renewable energy projects, encompassing new wind and solar initiatives, enhancements to electricity distribution networks, support for small-scale renewable energy applications in industry, and financing for biofuel and biomethane production. Highlighted projects include the construction of an onshore windfarm in Lithuania, district heating initiatives in the Netherlands, and various small-scale renewable energy projects in France and Greece.

Promoting Business Innovation and Investment

Furthermore, the Board approved €2.1 billion in financing to stimulate corporate innovation, including support for semiconductor manufacturing expansion, digital distribution technology development, energy-efficient steel production, and the conversion of industrial facilities for renewable packaging production. The funding will also facilitate improved access to finance for businesses in Ukraine and support female entrepreneurs in Africa and the Caribbean.

Enhancing Public Infrastructure and Resilience

The approved financing will also address critical needs in healthcare, education, water management, and disaster preparedness. Projects include upgrades to healthcare facilities in Belgium and Malta, expansion of higher education and student housing in the Netherlands and Cyprus respectively, and initiatives to address wastewater challenges in Germany. Additionally, investments will support the rehabilitation of buildings and infrastructure damaged by earthquakes in Italy, alongside measures to mitigate landslide and flood risks.

Support for Ukraine

Recognizing Ukraine's strategic importance, the EIB will invest in improving business access to finance, enhancing urban and national rail connectivity, and establishing a new 112 emergency call system in the country, contributing to economic development and emergency response capabilities.

Today’s decisions underscore the EIB’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and resilience across Europe and its neighboring regions, fostering economic growth while addressing critical societal and environmental challenges.