Infrastructure and the EIB
Reliable and smart infrastructure is key for economic growth, sustainability and the creation of jobs. It is also crucial in ensuring Europe’s competitiveness.
As the EU bank, we have made it our top priority to invest in cleaner transport, digital networks, energy efficiency and sustainable urban development. Our lending in urban areas also includes the development of social infrastructure, affordable housing and key public buildings. By financing comprehensive regeneration projects we aim to make neighbourhoods and cities more inclusive in the way they provide citizens with services whilst also investing in cultural heritage.
Please note: The priority area “Infrastructure and the EIB” is evolving into “Sustainable cities and regions” and “Sustainable energy and natural resources.” Our website will reflect these changes shortly.
Since the beginning of its operations in 1958, the EIB has provided long-term finance to support the development of infrastructure. Today, we play a significant role in shaping a low-carbon future in Europe and beyond. In our effort to support a green and competitive economy, we support projects involving:
- energy efficiency
- smart, accessible and sustainable mobility
- sustainable urban development
- water and wastewater management
In 2021, the EIB provided €13.80 billion to support sustainable cities and regions
and €15.38 billion to support sustainable energy and natural resources
11 400 MW
of electricity generation capacity built, 99.7 % from renewables
346 million
additional annual trips made on EIB-financed transport
783 million
people benefiting from improved health services, including COVID-19 vaccines
3.8 million
people with improved sanitation
Areas of eligibility
Sustainable transport
Transport is a critical economic factor that helps to bring people closer together, enables trade, boosts competitiveness and drives prosperity. However, transport also generates vast amounts of CO2 and exhaust gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Supporting sustainable transport is therefore not only critical to the continued success of mobility, trade and development but is also at the centre stage of any response to the climate crisis. With the EU taking the lead in the fight against climate change, the EIB Group plays a significant role in the transformation of transport into a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Clean energy
The EIB finances infrastructure projects that address climate change to provide a secure and sustainable supply of energy at affordable prices. By placing particular emphasis on key energy links, energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy, the EIB contributes to making energy supply sustainable for Europe’s citizens and businesses.
In 2019, the Board of the EIB agreed on a new energy lending policy and confirmed the EIB’s increased ambition regarding climate action and environmental sustainability. The EIB will no longer consider new financing for unabated, fossil fuel energy projects, including gas, from the end of 2021 onwards.
Water management
By 2025, 800 million people will have to cope with water scarcity. Along with ageing or insufficient infrastructure and poor water and wastewater management, water scarcity has a lasting impact on people, economic activities and the environment.
The EIB is the largest lender to the global water sector to date. In the last decades, we have financed over 1 500 projects that have increased access to water sources, provided flood protection and improved water treatment and the disposal of residual waste
Sustainable communities
We support investments in integrated urban development, urban regeneration and renewal, as well as in water and waste management services, sustainable mobility, education and health infrastructure that benefit all citizens.
We support local authorities by offering practical and long-term solutions to:
- purchase zero-emission public transport;
- construct energy-efficiency social housing;
- subsidise energy-saving and photovoltaic systems in buildings.
Infrastructure for those need it most
In the developing world, over one billion people live without electricity, more than 600 million people don’t have access to clean drinking water, and one in three people lack access to flushing toilets and sewerage infrastructure. In addition, countries face the urgent need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable, efficient energy sources.
The link between climate, development and infrastructure is indelible and engrained in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The EIB’s activities foster this holistic approach to development finance. We support infrastructure projects in developing countries to promote sustainable growth, to reduce poverty and inequality, and improve people's livelihoods around the world.
Interconnected Europe
The expansion of the Trans-European Transport and Energy Networks (TENs) remains one of our key objectives. The EU’s Trans-European Networks connect regional and national infrastructure to create coherent European systems. Strong Trans-European Networks increase the potential to generate trade, create jobs and boost competitiveness. That is why we support the development of high performing, sustainable and efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in transport, energy and digital services.
In the spotlight
Tailored support for your project
We have a wide range of products to support public and private investments offering flexibility, expertise and creativity to get projects off the ground
- Project loans
- Intermediated Loans
- Equity and fund investments
- Guarantee instrument for TENs Transport
- ESIF financial instruments
- Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions (JASPERS)
- Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE)
- Joint Action to Support Microfinance Institutions (JASMINE)
- Private Finance for Energy Efficiency (PF4EE)
- European Local ENergy Assistance (ELENA)
- Cleaner Transport Facility