Health and life sciences

Healthcare is central to development, prosperity, and security in the European Union and beyond. Access to high-quality, affordable services is crucial for improving lives and tackling shared health priorities.

Innovation in Life Sciences—including medical research, biotechnology, and new treatments—drives medical progress and economic growth. These breakthroughs reduce the burden of chronic diseases, extend life expectancy, and enhance quality of life.

Through our Health and Life Sciences initiatives, we strengthen healthcare systems, support groundbreaking research, and improve public health. Our work helps countries prepare for future health needs and challenges.

Our priorities

Research and development

Supporting companies in the creation of new and innovative medical products (drugs, diagnostic tests, medical devices. etc.), ensuring that these products are not only safe and effective but also easy to use and affordable.

Infrastructure

Supporting the principle of universal health coverage, building resilient and sustainable health systems, promoting innovative primary, integrated and long-term care solutions, with a focus on less developed EU regions.

Global partnerships

Collaboration is essential to advancing global health and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3. We work with partners to finance medical research, strengthen healthcare systems, and support vaccination campaigns, disease prevention programmes, and efforts to address health workforce shortages.

Health Impact Investment Platform

Bridging the health financing gap

The Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) brings together WHO, multilateral development banks, and countries to mobilise funding for resilient primary health care. By integrating expertise and resources, it supports investments in vulnerable communities. Learn how the platform is driving sustainable health solutions.

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Health projects eligible for financing

We cover a wide range of health-related topics, including support for the growing demand for long-term care, the digital transformation of healthcare, and vaccination as one of the most cost-effective public health tools.

Hospitals and infrastructure investments
Medical research, education and training
Health informatics and innovation
Integrated and people-centred approach to healthcare networks, especially involving cross-border cooperation
Services providing universal access to safe and affordable care and designed to meet the varying needs of people across the course of their lives

Partnering to support healthcare and research

Collaboration is key to advancing global health. The EIB works with international partners to finance medical research, strengthen healthcare systems, and support critical health initiatives worldwide.

Global Polio Eradication

€500 million investment with the European Commission, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, and UNICEF to eliminate polio.

HERA Invest

A €100 million guarantee with the European Commission to accelerate advanced research and development investments.

COVID-19 Response

€4.9 billion pledged with the European Commission to end the pandemic and strengthen global health security.

WHO Collaboration

Joint efforts to combat COVID-19 and build resilient healthcare systems.

Vaccine Development

Advisory partnership with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to accelerate vaccines for infectious diseases.

EU Malaria Fund

Investment from the from the European Union, the EIB, Investitionsbank Berlin, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other European national and private actors to support scientifically promising projects that aim to prevent and treat malaria.

Emergency Preparedness

Collaboration with United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to help governments respond to health crises and natural disasters.

Innovation in Health

Cooperation with Israel’s National Technological Innovation Authority in the field of bio-convergence.

Our stories

Real stories speak louder than general policies. Discover the impact of our projects

3 June 2026

Investment that keeps Ukraine moving

EU investments in trains, winter heating, schools and hospitals help keep Ukraine moving, despite the Russian invasion - and give hope to Ukrainians

Infrastructure Environment Railways Transport Health and life sciences Climate Education and training Slovakia Austria Romania Ukraine Russia Hungary Poland Eastern Neighbourhood European Union EU enlargement countries Climate and environment Social infrastructure
19 May 2026

Why cleantech is central to Europe’s energy transition

Why cleantech is no longer a niche sector, how it supports decarbonisation and competitiveness, and why access to capital is critical

Competitiveness Biotechnology Health and life sciences Podcast Investment European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Social infrastructure
12 May 2026

Why biotech matters for Europe’s economy and sovereignty

Why biotech is vital for Europe’s economy and sovereignty, the challenges the sector faces, and how long-term investment can bring innovation to patients

Competitiveness Biotechnology Health and life sciences Podcast Investment European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Social infrastructure
10 March 2026

How social infrastructure investment drives inclusive growth

Social investment is not just about social protection. It helps more people contribute to Europe’s economy. Learn where this investment is focused now and why

Venture capital & equity Urban development Health and life sciences Podcast Affordable and sustainable housing Education and training European Union Social infrastructure Affordable and sustainable housing
11 December 2025

Bond to back women pharmacists in Spain

First intermediated financing in the EU dedicated to women entrepreneurs benefits women pharmacists or pharmacies employing mostly women across Spain

Employment Institutional SMEs Health and life sciences EIB policies Diversity and gender Finance Spain European Union Capital Markets Union Social infrastructure
6 November 2025

Swedish and Spanish companies drive plant-based food innovation

The first pea protein plant in Sweden and a Spanish company’s quest to make more creative plant-based food

Biotechnology Bioeconomy Environment Health and life sciences Food industry Circular economy Sustainability Spain Sweden European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Agriculture and bioeconomy Climate and environment Social infrastructure
11 September 2025

New energy programme in Cyprus for batteries, solar

New battery and solar programme to help Cyprus make the most of its solar power potential

Environment Health and life sciences Jaspers Climate Advisory services Financial instruments Technology Development solutions Cyprus European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Climate and environment Social infrastructure Social and territorial cohesion Energy
1 July 2025

The power of connections in developing countries

LeapFrog brings financial services, healthcare and clean energy for millions of people in Africa and Asia.

Transport Health and life sciences Climate Nigeria India Ghana Indonesia Kenya Asia and the Pacific Sub-Saharan Africa Global development Climate and environment Social infrastructure Energy
12 June 2025

Flanders hospital boosts research, teaching and treatment

Discover how UZ Leuven hospital in Belgium combines clinical care, research, and teaching to pioneer better healthcare, with support from the European Investment Bank.

Hospitals Health and life sciences Development solutions Belgium European Union Social infrastructure
22 May 2025

Health partnerships are key

Global leaders must ensure that all countries have the resources they need to identify new disease outbreaks and respond quickly – otherwise we will all be at risk.

Interviews Institutional Health and life sciences Partnerships Partners Covid-19 Management committee Nadia Calviño Global development Social infrastructure
25 April 2025

Our support for Ukraine in 2025

More than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s resilience is extraordinary and Europe’s commitment to support the country remains unwavering. The European Investment Bank Group continues to stand by Ukraine. Here is how we have supported Ukraine in 2025.

SMEs Railways Solidarity with Ukraine Transport EU for Ukraine Health and life sciences Water, wastewater management Education and training Ukraine Eastern Neighbourhood EU enlargement countries Global development Climate and environment Social infrastructure
18 November 2024

Adjustable antibodies

France’s Fabentech is developing antibodies that adapt to mutating viruses with pandemic potential. The treatments could stop the viruses from spreading.

Venture capital & equity Venture capital SMEs Health and life sciences Venture debt France European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Social infrastructure

Venture debt

We offer a long-term venture debt financing to address the unique funding needs of fast growing innovative companies. We help SMEs and mid-caps grow and invest in research and development.

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in focus

Why biotech matters for Europe’s economy

Invested by Europe is our new podcast series where we explore the forces shaping Europe’s economy. In this episode, we explore why biotech is strategically important for Europe — and why long-term investment is essential in bringing innovation to patients.

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Contact us

We offer a wide range of financial products, as well as advisory support.

For enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB, contact the Information Desk
Contact us
Tel. +352 4379-22000
Frequently asked questions

Contact our Press office
Tel. +352 4379-21000
press@eib.org
www.eib.org/press