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The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group contributes to Europe's peace and security through the reinforcement of Europe's security and defence capabilities.

We facilitate access to finance for European businesses and innovators with projects that protect our citizens. From reconnaissance and surveillance, spectrum protection and control, to cybersecurity solutions, infrastructure and military mobility, our financing solutions are designed to bolster projects that keep Europe safe, resilient and innovative.

Connect with our Security and Defence Office, our one-stop shop for financial support and expert assistance, to find the right solution for you.

What is dual-use?

Dual-use products, services, and technologies serve both civilian and military purposes. To qualify as dual-use by the EIB Group, a project must show at least one current or potential civilian application. Weapons, ammunition, and equipment solely for military use are not eligible.

Our initiatives

European Investment Bank

Strategic European Security Initiative

In 2022, the European Investment Bank launched the Strategic European Security Initiative (SESI) to support dual-use research development and innovation, security infrastructure, technology projects focused on cybersecurity, New Space, AI and quantum technologies. By June 2023, in response to changing geopolitical conditions and increasing demand, the EIB expanded its security and defence funding to €8 billion.

European Investment Fund

Defence Equity Facility

The Defence Equity Facility provides €175 million in equity to support venture capital and private equity funds investing in European companies with dual-use technology potential. The facility aims to leverage additional investments of around €500 million to support European companies. The initiative, implemented under InvestEU, is funded by the European Investment Fund and the European Defence Fund.

Are you an SME or mid-cap seeking support?

We have updated our eligibility criteria to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and innovative startups within the security and defence sector. These companies can now access our specialised financing products, including venture debt financing, dedicated credit lines and equity investments.

Key benefits

Flexible criteria

We have updated our eligibility criteria to accommodate a broader spectrum of projects and technologies

Bespoke financing

Our financing options support a wider range of small and medium companies that are active in the security and defence sector

Fast access

Our Security and Defence Office brings together expertise from both the EIB and the EIF, ensuring faster access to financing and advisory services

Contact our Security and Defence Office today to learn how your business can access the financing you need.

Types of support

We provide a comprehensive range of financial support and solutions designed to meet the demands of companies and public sector entities in the security and defence sector, regardless of their size. Our services include loans, guarantees, equity investments and advisory services to support research and development, infrastructure, and other critical areas. 

Get support for your project

If you are a European firm or innovator in the security and defence industry looking for financing, or want to learn how we can support your project, contact our Security and Defence Office.

What is eligible

We invest in a safe and secure Europe by supporting dual-use products, services, and technologies that benefit both civilian purposes and law enforcement or military applications, with a clear market opportunity.

research, development and innovation (RDI)

We finance research, development, and innovation with both civilian and potential military applications.

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Quantum technologies
  • Biotechnologies
  • Advanced sensors
  • Advanced propulsion
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Special materials
  • Simulation and training
Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity sector is vital for protecting businesses and governments from advanced digital attacks. We support European cybersecurity companies and help them to overcome challenges in growing and scaling their businesses.

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Encryption technologies
  • Threat intelligence
  • Network protection
  • Intrusion detection systems
Critical and civilian security infrastructure

We invest in security infrastructure and support projects that protect critical infrastructure, enhance emergency responses, and minimize disruptions to our societies. 

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Border control
  • Protection of critical infrastructure against physical and cyber threats
  • Resilience of communication networks 
military mobility

We provide finance for transport infrastructure throughout the European Union. We support military mobility projects critical for a rapid response in crisis situations. These projects enhance Europe's ability to deter threats, defend its interests and promote global security.

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Strategic lift capabilities
  • Logistical and supply chain management systems
  • Reinforcement of bridges
  • Upgrade of rail infrastructure
  • Advanced propulsion
green 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. While enhancing security, these clean energy projects also support the transition to renewable energy sources and the net-zero targets.

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Renewable energy technologies
  • Sustainable military facilities
Space

The European space industry drives innovation and competitiveness. As the biggest financier of this sector, we support both established operators launching new initiatives, and enable smaller New Space companies to access risk financing and scaling-up for technological transition and commercialisation. By financing Europe's space programs, we catalyse cutting-edge research and development, fuel new business growth, and generate high-skilled jobs.

This includes, among others, projects within:

  • Satellites
  • Launch infrastructure
  • Research, development and innovation for space services and software
  • Space clean up solutions

What is the EIB Group’s one-stop-shop for security and defence?

The one-stop-shop is a centralised office within the EIB Group that coordinates lending and advisory activities in the sector. Its aim is to facilitate and simplify access to EIB Group financing. 

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Latest news

Contact us

Get support

If you're a European firm or innovator in the security and defence industry looking for financing or want to learn how we can support your ambitions, contact our Security and Defence Office.

Media

For media enquiries about security and defence, please contact:

Nikos Chrysoloras

General enquiries

Contact our Information Desk for enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB

Contact the Information Desk
Tel.  +352 4379-22000

Frequently asked questions

What is new in the EIB Group’s Security and Defence Industry Action Plan?

The new framework approved in May 2024 broadens the scope of EIB Group financing of the sector and introduces more flexibility in deploying the EIB’s resources in support of Europe’s defence and security industry:

  • Direct lending
    Under EIB previous rules, dual-use projects eligible for EIB financing had to derive over 50% of their expected revenue from civilian uses.
    This “revenue test” is now waived and there is no minimum threshold for revenues by civilian applications or share of civilian users.
    In order to qualify as a dual-use project, the project promoter must provide evidence that there is a credible civilian use case for the proposed technologies, products or services. In the case of infrastructure, the project would need to be open to civilian use (e.g. military hospitals) or serve civilian needs more generally, such as with investments in civil protection.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises
    Previous EIB rules excluded small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) which are active in the security and defence sector from a key credit line instrument – the Bank’s Multi-Beneficiary Investment Loans (MBILs).
    In other words, SMEs in this area were not eligible for access to EIB’s intermediated loans, which are channelled via local banks and other partners to the real economy.
    Under the new plan, SMEs active in the security and defence sector, can be eligible for financing using EIB-backed intermediated credit lines.
  • New team
    The EIB Group created a dedicated Security and Defence Office acting as a one-stop shop within the Group, to accelerate investment deployment.
  • Partnerships
    The EIB Group is strengthening partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the EU Ministries of Defence, DG DEFIS, the EU External Action Service, the European Defence Agency, the European Space Agency, National Promotional Banks and the NATO Innovation Fund. The aim is to increase impact, synergies, and complementarity.
Does EIB finance weapons and ammunition?

No, weapons and ammunition remain excluded from EIB financing.

 

Does EIB finance equipment or infrastructure dedicated to military/police use?

No, under EIB direct lending, equipment dedicated solely to military purposes are ineligible. The EIB finances only projects with a plausible civilian use (“dual-use”). Under EIB intermediated lending, SMEs whose activity is partly, but not mainly in defence, can be eligible for financing.

Is the EIB Group’s Security and Defence Industry Action Plan compatible with the Climate Bank Roadmap?

Reinforcing our position as the Climate Bank remains our top priority. Furthermore, the EIB Group remains committed to safeguard its highest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.

Also, the EIB Group continues to exclude investments in weapons and ammunition under the plan.

Does the EIB Group finance security and defence projects outside the European Union?

EIB Group financing for the security and defence industry is only available for companies domiciled and projects implemented inside the EU.

What is the role of the EIB Group Security and Defence Office?

The Security and Defence Office provides a one-stop shop on security and defence for the whole EIB Group. It is operational since May 2024. Security and defence projects often need a combination of different banking products and special advisory services. The coordination of these services across the EIB Group is taken care of by this central entry point for clients from the sector. Establishing such a central point of contact strengthens the cooperation within the Group and accelerates the assessment and approval of requests for financing.

Key publications