The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group contributes to Europe's peace and security through the reinforcement of Europe's defence capabilities.
We facilitate access to finance for European businesses and innovators with projects that protect our citizens. We finance cybersecurity firms, fund research in space and aeronautics, invest in military mobility and back healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure designed for both military and civilian use.
Connect with our Security and Defence Office, our one-stop shop for financial support and expert assistance, to find the right solution for you.
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.
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.
We offer tailored debt financing for companies and public sector entities with projects in the security and defence industry. Our financing covers both investment loans and project finance.
We provide a long-term venture debt product tailored for rapidly growing innovative companies, featuring bullet repayment and equity risk-linked remuneration, complementing existing venture capital financing.
We provide equity investments to venture capital and private equity funds investing in small and medium companies, and startups in the sector. This can help accelerate growth and innovation.
We offer a large and comprehensive range of advisory services that support and enhance all stages of the project cycle and beyond, to make your security and defence projects happen.
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 finance research, development, and innovation with both civilian and potential military applications. This includes support for sectors like space and aeronautics.
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
Germany
Quantum Systems: Long-range drones with extended travel times
Autonomous aircraft
€10 million
Italy
Leonardo: Breakthrough tech tackles today’s most pressing challenges
Dual-use research, development and innovation
€260 million
France
Cegelog: Access to energy-efficient housing for military personnel
Green security
€484 million
Ireland
Siren: Developing intelligence capabilities for cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
€12 million
Spain
Skydweller: First solar-powered, fully electric, unmanned drone
Autonomous aircraft
€30 million
Luxembourg
SES: Better satellite connectivity in Europe, Africa, Middle East
Space industry
€300 million
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:
- n.chrysoloras@eib.org
- +352 4379-83078
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
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.