By the numbers
€742 million
Approved projects
in 2023
€2.2 billion
Approved projects
in 2022 - 2023
€8 billion
Financing available
from 2022 - 2027
Eligible activities
We finance research, development, and innovation with both civilian and potential military applications, known as dual-use RDI. This includes support for sectors like space, aeronautics, and others where civilian and military technologies converge.
When supporting such projects, the EIB requires that most future revenue will come from civilian applications that benefit European society and the economy.
The cybersecurity sector plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses and governments against increasingly advanced digital attacks. Recognising how central cybersecurity is to Europe's security and prosperity, the EU has made it a strategic priority.
We support European cybersecurity companies and help them to overcome challenges in growing and scaling their businesses.
We support investments in civilian security infrastructure, including land, water and air transportation systems and communication networks, as well as projects aimed at protecting infrastructure against physical and cyber threats.
The EIB is committed to financing transport infrastructure across and beyond the EU. We stand ready to support military mobility projects that are essential for a rapid response in times of crisis and to strengthen the EU's ability to support allies during conflicts.
These projects enhance Europe's ability to deter threats, defend its interests and promote global security.
Military operations have traditionally relied heavily on fossil fuels. As the EU's climate bank, we can finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects implemented by defence bodies as long as they provide benefits to the public in addition to military purposes.
While enhancing security, these clean energy projects also support the transition to renewable energy sources and the net-zero targets.
Critical infrastructure like power and transit systems are vital for society to function. Disrupting them threatens EU security and citizens.
We finance projects enhancing infrastructure protection and resilience, investing in safeguarding infrastructure from threats, minimising disruption impacts, and improving emergency response.
The European space industry drives innovation and competitiveness. As the biggest financier of this sector, we support both established operators launching new initiatives and up-and-coming companies scaling up.
By financing Europe's space programs, we catalyse cutting-edge research and development, fuel new business growth, and generate high-skilled jobs.
Featured projects
Luxembourg
Better satellite connectivity in Europe, Africa, Middle East
We provided a €300m loan to SES, a satellite operator, to procure three satellites that will deliver advanced broadcast and broadband services in Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The satellites will deliver broadband connectivity and video services to 176 million households in Europe and provide connectivity to governments in the Middle East and Africa.
Activity: Space industry
Loan amount: €300 million
Italy
Leonardo’s breakthrough tech tackles today’s most pressing challenges
Leonardo, an Italian high-tech company, is tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges with its breakthrough technology. We are supporting their research, development and innovation in several areas, including helicopters, security, IT infrastructure, commercial electronics, space and Leonardo Labs, a network of research and development laboratories.
Activity: Dual-use research, development and innovation
Loan amount: €260 million
FRANCE
Access to energy-efficient housing for military personnel
We signed a €484 million financing contract for the Cegelog project, which aims to renovate and construct housing across France for military and civilian personnel and their families. The project will increase the number of homes available from 8 000 to 15 000 units and improve access to affordable housing. The renovated and new units will be modern, energy-efficient, and meet high-quality standards.
Activity: Green security
Loan amount: €484 million
Ireland
Siren: Developing intelligence capabilities for cybersecurity
We supported investigative intelligence firm Siren. The company provides advanced intelligence solutions to law enforcement agencies and organisations fighting crime. The platform helps investigators search, organise results and create reports visually. Our support will enhance Siren's cyber threat intelligence, operational monitoring, anti-financial crime and law enforcement capabilities.
Activity: Cybersecurity
Loan amount: €12 million
Get support
We work with public and private sector partners to support European defence and security projects.
We provide advisory support and a broad range of financial instruments such as:
- public sector investment loans and corporate loans for larger projects
- Project finance investment loans for civil infrastructure projects with dual-use defence and security components.
- Venture debt financing and quasi-equity for smaller, highly innovative projects
Key publications
European Cybersecurity Investment Platform
Supporting the European Cybersecurity industry to develop in Europe with access to additional financing options
The future of the European space sector: How to leverage Europe’s technological leadership and boost investments for space ventures
The study reviews access-to-finance conditions met by companies active in the European space sector and proposes potential solutions to improve them.
Artificial intelligence, blockchain and the future of Europe
This report, produced by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, provides a global overview of the state of play of both technologies. It shows that Europe needs to address an investment gap of up to €10 billion that is holding back development and deployment of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies in the EU.