Our initiatives
European Investment Bank
Strategic European Security Initiative
European Investment Fund
Defence Equity Facility
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
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 make loans to financial institutions which subsequently "on-lend" to final beneficiaries. Our support improves access to finance and financing conditions for small and medium companies.
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 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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?
Featured projects
Italy
Leonardo: Breakthrough tech tackles today’s most pressing challenges
Dual-use research, development and innovation
€260 million
The AW609 represents a revolution in point-to-point transportation by air, combining the speed, range, and comfort of a fixed-wing aircraft with the convenience and flexibility of a helicopter. The AW609 TiltRotor is ideally suited to a range of missions including VIP and Executive Transport, Parapublic, Medical and Rescue Services and Energy Services, delivering an unprecedented level of performance. Flying at almost twice the speed of a conventional helicopter, the AW609 features a comfortable pressurised cabin designed for cruising efficiently at 25,000 ft. Digital VFR/IFR avionics feature triple-redundant fly‑by‑wire controls to reduce pilot workload and maximise situational awareness.
©Leonardo S.p.a. and subsidiaries 2020
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Germany
Quantum-Systems: Long-range drones with extended travel times
Research, development and innovation
€10 million
Drones from Quantum Systems
©Quantum Systems
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Spain
Skydweller: First solar-powered, fully electric, unmanned drone
Autonomous aircraft
€30 million
Powered by the sun
©Skydweller Aero Inc.
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Ireland
Siren: Developing intelligence capabilities for cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
€12 million
How to mobilise more investment in Cybersecurity in Europe
©Shutterstock
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France
Cegelog: Access to energy-efficient housing for military personnel
Green security
€484 million
Energy efficient housing for military personnel
©defense.gouv.fr
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Spain
Sateliot: Satellite network to provide IoT connectivity in low coverage areas
Space industry
€30 million
EIB finances with €30 million Sateliot’s satellite network rollout to provide IoT connectivity in low coverage areas
©Sateliot
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Satellite
©Shutterstock
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Luxembourg
SES: Better satellite connectivity in Europe, Africa, Middle East
Space industry
€300 million
Satellites by SES Luxembourg
Photographer: SES
©SES
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Greece
COVID-19: Transformation of civil protection and pandemic preparedness
Critical and civilian security infrastructure
€595 million
EIB backs transformation of civil protection and pandemic preparedness in Greece
©Greek General Secretariat of Civil Protection
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Denmark
Esbjerg port: Expansion of Europe’s largest port for shipping offshore wind turbines
Critical and civilian security infrastructure
€115 million
The project will deepen the navigation channel of the port so it can accommodate larger vessels, including naval forces. In addition, a 57-hectare terminal will be constructed to provide a hub for the growing offshore wind energy industry in the North Sea.
©Port of Esbjerg
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Latest news
Contact us
Get support
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
Frequently asked questions
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.
No, weapons and ammunition remain excluded from EIB financing.
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.
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.
EIB Group financing for the security and defence industry is only available for companies domiciled and projects implemented inside the EU.
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.