Mobilising billions for the COVID-19 response
In collaboration with the European Commission, the EIB Group is using existing financial instruments like the InnovFin Infectious Disease Finance Facility to support projects that work towards halting the spread of, finding a cure for and developing a vaccine against COVID-19.
BioNTech and CureVac are two of the companies financed by the EIB to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, while Pluristem, Atriva Therapeutics and Immunic benefit from EIB backing to work on potential therapies.
Scope Fluidics has received EIB support to continue their work on new, affordable methods to detect pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
As part of the Team Europe effort, the Bank also supports the COVAX facility, whose goal is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
At the COVAX AMC Investment Opportunity in January 2022, President Hoyer announced that the EIB would make an extra €300 million available to enable African countries to access additional doses through COVAX.
BioNTech advances towards COVID-19 vaccine with EIB backing
When Özlem Türeci and her husband, Uğur Şahin, announced that the COVID-19 vaccine developed by their company, BioNTech, had excellent results in its latest tests, the couple took a short break from their round-the-clock research schedule. But only long enough to drink a cup of tea.
Conscious of the vital nature of their research, the two immune engineers have led the Mainz-based company to the frontrunner’s spot in the race for a vaccine.
Health projects eligible for financing
- Hospitals and infrastructure investments
- Medical research, education and training
- Health informatics and innovation
- Integrated and people-centred approach to healthcare networks, especially involving cross-border cooperation
- Services providing universal access to safe and affordable care and designed to meet the varying needs of people across the course of their lives
Health Solutions
Life science is a vital solution for crucial global problems like COVID-19. EIB life sciences experts have been at the heart of the effort to combat COVID-19, financing the first vaccine, treatments and diagnostics, as well as working on many other diseases. Health Solutions gives you their insights. Go inside the battle to beat COVID-19 — and to guard against future pandemics.
EIB health projects on the map
From funding hospital renovations to financing medical equipment, the EIB supports the health and life sciences sector. Explore our health projects in Europe using this interactive map.
Partnering to support healthcare and research
The EIB cooperates with international partners to provide financing for medical research and improve healthcare.
- Together with the European Commission, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the WHO and UNICEF, the EIB will provide €500 million for investment in support of the Global Polio Eradication Programme.
- Together with the European Commission, the EIB has established HERA Invest, a €100 million guarantee to support advanced research and development investments in the health sector.
- The EIB joins the EU-led global Pledging Conference, contributing €4.9 billion in partnership with the European Commission to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
- World Health Organization (WHO) and EIB strengthen efforts to combat COVID-19 and build resilient health systems
- An advisory agreement with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to accelerate the development of vaccines against infectious diseases
- EU Malaria Fund: investment from the European Union, the EIB, Investitionsbank Berlin, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other European national and private actors to support scientifically promising projects that aim to prevent and treat malaria
- Partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to help governments better respond to emergencies and natural disasters
- EIB and National Technological Innovation Authority of Israel agree to cooperate in the field of bio-convergence
- AMR Action Fund: Teaming up to tackle antimicrobial resistance
Browse our projects
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Case studies
Real stories speak louder than general policies. Discover the impact of our projects