* This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.
The EIB has worked with Palestine since 1995. The Bank operates in Palestine in line with the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and other EU bilateral agreements.
We have invested over €600 million to finance energy, water and transport projects, as well as to support small businesses and the banking sector. For example, our technical advice is supporting the Palestinian Water Authority’s project preparation efforts for the Gaza Central Desalination Plant, which will provide drinking water to more than 2 million people in Gaza.
Palestine also benefits from EIB support through the Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI). Under the ERI, we recently signed an $18 million loan agreement with the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF) to finance the installation of rooftop photovoltaic systems on 500 public schools in the West Bank. This will generate 35 MW of clean energy – enough to power more than 16 000 houses across the West Bank and save 31 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of Palestinian people by improving public services, economic conditions and access to affordable credit. In the private sector, the EIB focuses on providing funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as microfinance and private equity funds.
The EIB helps make funding available for local SMEs through lines of credit to local banks or through risk-sharing instruments. Recently, the Bank signed loans of $132 million with three Palestinian banks. We also encourage entrepreneurship through Arab Bank, which provides loans at lower rates to local SMEs and mid-caps.
Furthermore, through the Risk Capital Facility, we support microfinance via Vitas and Faten, which help people obtain funds to start or maintain their own micro-business and overcome poverty.
At a glance
The EIB provides finance and expertise for sound and sustainable investment projects in Palestine.
1995
€ 0.73 bn
EIB stories in Palestine
General stories speak louder than general policies. Discover how EIB activities have improved the quality of life in Palestine.
Get EIB support in Palestine
We can provide you with various type of financing to implement projects that promote growth and jobs in your country. We support small businesses, innovation, climate and infrastructure. Get an overview here for the whole EIB Group product range*
* These products refer to EIB activity worldwide and may not apply to EIB operations in the Southern Neighbourhood.
Do you need a loan to finance your project?
If you are a public authority and need a loan over €25m
Contact our headquarters
If you need a loan below €25m
Contact our local partners
Do you have a question?
For enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB
Contact the Information Desk
Tel. +352 4379-22000
Frequently asked questions
Are you a journalist?
Contact our press officer
Press office
Tel. +352 4379-21000
press@eib.org
www.eib.org/press