European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank, the EU Bank, is owned by the Member States of the European Union with a mission to finance projects in support of EU policies both within the EU and beyond. In addition to being the world’s largest multilateral financial institution, the EIB is one of the most important providers of finance for environmental sustainability and climate action. The bank aims to increase the share of climate and environmental financing from a quarter in 2018, to half its total activity by 2025. This should help mobilise one trillion euros for climate and environmental projects by 2030.
The EIB offers equity financing on attractive terms directly to private sector companies, or indirectly via local, specialised funds. The EIB invests in innovative small and mid-size companies, and in projects on environmental sustainability, climate action and infrastructure development. In some cases, long-term venture debt is offered directly to fast growing innovative companies to address their unique funding needs.
A wide range of projects and initiatives is financed by the EIB, focusing specifically on four areas. Climate action and cohesion are cross-cutting goals across all four areas of activity.
- Innovation and skills
- Small businesses
- Infrastructure
- Environment
The EIB’s available equity instruments are listed below. Are you seeking for other financing opportunities? The EIB also offers debt, guarantee instruments, and advisory services.
What is the relevance for circular city initiatives?
As home to most of Europe’s population, cities have an important role in the transition towards a circular economy and, therefore, the EIB actively supports projects furthering this development. On the EIB website 
, you can learn more about how the EU bank supports the circular economy, including a guide: “The 15 circular steps for cities ”.
How to apply?
Small and medium-sized companies are eligible for equity investments by the EIB. The EIB also provides financing to funds that can act as financial intermediaries to allocate the bank’s equity to local and smaller companies and projects.
If you want to learn more about how you can apply for financing, you can contact the EIB Information Desk .
Equity instruments EIB:
Venture debt / quasi equity for SMEs and mid-caps
The EIB offers a long-term venture debt product to address the unique funding needs of fast growing innovative companies.
- Investments in R&D up to 3 years
- Min. EUR 7.5 million commitment
Investments in infrastructure and environmental funds
Private investment funds and captive investment funds or investment platforms sponsored by public sector entities can benefit from an EIB contribution of equity or debt finance. These funds must be focused on projects dealing with climate action and/or infrastructure.
Investments in SME and mid-caps funds
The EIB makes investments in debt and equity funds focused on private sector development and/or pursuing social impact goals mainly outside the EU. Companies benefit from the EU support when the fund invests in those businesses.
- Investments range from EUR 5 – 100 million.
The Hague, the Netherlands 
