The European Investment Bank (EIB) Board of Directors has approved a €3 billion financing initiative to accelerate energy efficiency upgrades for low- and middle-income households and small businesses across Europe, in coordination with the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2). The program, developed in partnership with the European Commission, also covers investments in sustainable transport solutions such as electric bikes, public transport, and EV charging infrastructure. The allocated financing may increase depending on market demand. This “Frontloading Facility” aims to lower energy costs, improve energy security, and advance climate action across EU Member States.
The EIB and the European Investment Fund (EIF) Boards have also approved the third Gender Action Plan for 2026–2030 to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. The plan emphasizes expanding access to capital, leadership opportunities, employment, skills development, and inclusive infrastructure and services, including health initiatives. These measures reflect the EIB Group’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth both within the EU and globally.
The EIB Group has endorsed a total of €12.4 billion in new financing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and global partnerships. Projects include urban development in Estonia, bioeconomy and sustainable transport in France, business competitiveness in Greece, digitalisation and environmental sustainability in Italy, university facilities in Poland, water management in Portugal, and sustainable transport and business competitiveness projects in Slovenia and Spain. The EIF also approved new funding under the European Tech Champions Initiative, supporting European tech startups and scale-ups, increasing the number of unicorns on the continent from nine to eleven.
Beyond the EU, the EIB Group is financing initiatives in Africa and Eastern Europe, including electricity network projects in Burundi, climate adaptation in Rwanda, water management in Togo, and business finance in Ukraine. These efforts are part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to promote partnerships, sustainable development, and a stronger European presence internationally.
In 2025, the EIB Group achieved a record €100 billion in new financing, supporting over 870 high-impact projects across climate action, technological innovation, social infrastructure, security, and global partnerships. The EIB and EIF continue to crowd in private investment for high-risk and innovative projects, supporting venture capital, guarantees, and securitisation programs to strengthen Europe’s economic resilience and competitiveness, while fostering entrepreneurship and scale-up opportunities for high-potential European businesses.
