EIB continues strong support for SMEs in Europe

The EIB’s Board of Directors today approved loans worth up to EUR 1.8 billion for the benefit of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in the European Union. This brings total EIB support for SMEs and mid-caps in the EU approved so far in 2013 to some EUR 14 billion compared to EUR 7.3 billion in the same period of 2012.

With the approval of  the EIB’s Board of Directors at their meeting today, the EIB Group’s support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in the European Union reaches EUR 21.2 billion for 2013, including EUR 2.85 billion from the EIF.

The European Investment Bank continues its strong support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in the European Union. The EIB also puts strong emphasis on investments in innovation. EIB President Werner Hoyer stated: “SMEs are the backbone of the European economy and the main provider of jobs. They will remain a top priority for the EIB Group this year.” He also said: “Given the global competition, Europe has to enhance its long-term growth potential by supporting investments with strong positive external effects like research, development, innovation and infrastructure. Europe must unlock its bottlenecks to sustainable growth.”