Strengthening Europe's security and defence industry

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group contributes to Europe's peace and security through the reinforcement of Europe's defence capabilities.

We facilitate access to finance for European businesses and innovators with projects that protect our citizens. We finance cybersecurity firms, fund research in space and aeronautics, invest in military mobility and back healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure designed for both military and civilian use.

Connect with our Security and Defence Office, our one-stop shop for financial support and expert assistance, to find the right solution for you.

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Our initiatives

European Investment Bank

Strategic European Security Initiative

In 2022, the European Investment Bank launched the Strategic European Security Initiative (SESI) to support dual-use research development and innovation, security infrastructure, technology projects focused on cybersecurity, New Space, AI and quantum technologies. By June 2023, in response to changing geopolitical conditions and increasing demand, the EIB expanded its security and defence funding to €8 billion.

Read the press release

European Investment Fund

Defence Equity Facility

The Defence Equity Facility provides €175 million in equity to support venture capital and private equity funds investing in European companies with dual-use technology potential. The facility aims to leverage additional investments of around €500 million to support European companies. The initiative, implemented under InvestEU, is funded by the European Investment Fund and the European Defence Fund.

Read the press release

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.

Debt financing

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.

Venture debt

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.

Equity investments

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.

Advisory services

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 areas such as:

research, development and innovation (RDI)

We finance research, development, and innovation with both civilian and potential military applications. This includes support for sectors like space and aeronautics.

Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity sector plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses and governments against increasingly advanced digital attacks. Recognising how central cybersecurity is to Europe's security and prosperity, the EU has made it a strategic priority.
We support European cybersecurity companies and help them to overcome challenges in growing and scaling their businesses.

civilian security infrastructure

We support investments in civilian security infrastructure, including land, water and air transportation systems and communication networks, as well as projects aimed at protecting infrastructure against physical and cyber threats.

military mobility

The EIB is committed to financing transport infrastructure across and beyond the EU. We stand ready to support military mobility projects that are essential for a rapid response in times of crisis and to strengthen the EU's ability to support allies during conflicts.
These projects enhance Europe's ability to deter threats, defend its interests and promote global security.

green security

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 as long as they provide benefits to the public in addition to military purposes. While enhancing security, these clean energy projects also support the transition to renewable energy sources and the net-zero targets.

Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure like power and transit systems are vital for society to function. Disrupting them threatens EU security and citizens.
We finance projects enhancing infrastructure protection and resilience, investing in safeguarding infrastructure from threats, minimising disruption impacts, and improving emergency response.

Space

The European space industry drives innovation and competitiveness. As the biggest financier of this sector, we support both established operators launching new initiatives and up-and-coming companies scaling up.
By financing Europe's space programs, we catalyse cutting-edge research and development, fuel new business growth, and generate high-skilled jobs.

Featured projects

Quantum Systems
Drones from Quantum Systems
©Quantum Systems
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AW609 AC3 prototype - Leonardo
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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CEGELOG
Energy efficient housing for military personnel
©defense.gouv.fr
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Cybersecurity report
How to mobilise more investment in Cybersecurity in Europe
©Shutterstock
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Powered by the sun
Powered by the sun
©Skydweller Aero Inc.
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SES - Luxembourg
Satellites by SES Luxembourg
Photographer: SES
©SES
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Latest news

12 April 2024

EU Finance Ministers set in motion EIB Group Action Plan to further step-up support for Europe’s security and defence industry

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) will update its policies and framework for lending to the security and defence industry. This includes an update of the definition of dual-use goods and infrastructure, as well as support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, and a commitment to accelerate the deployment of funds to strengthen Europe’s security and defence capabilities.

Management committee Defence and security Nadia Calviño Research, innovation and technology
28 February 2024

President Calviño welcomes support for EIB activities and shares strategic priorities for EIB Group with European Parliament in Strasbourg

President Nadia Calviño shared the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group’s ambitious new strategy with EU lawmakers in Strasbourg today, laying out eight strategic priorities for financing and support. During their plenary session, Members of Parliament voted on a resolution on the financial activities of the EIB, in which the Parliament expressed its strong support for the EIB Group’s role as a key instrument for advancing EU policy objectives.

Climate Climate action Management committee Defence and security Nadia Calviño Education and training Research, innovation and technology Agriculture Climate action and environment Health and life sciences
28 February 2024

President Nadia Calviño at the European Parliament plenary

EIB President Nadia Calviño's opening remarks to the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on the 2023 EIB Annual Report.

Interviews Solidarity with Ukraine EU for Ukraine Partners Management committee Defence and security Nadia Calviño Ukraine Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus Education and training Research, innovation and technology Cybersecurity Agriculture Development Climate action and environment Balanced regional development Energy Institutional InvestEU SMEs Digital and telecoms Water, wastewater management Health and life sciences Capital markets
23 February 2024

"Building on our strengths," President Nadia Calviño shares her vision for the EIB Group

After meeting with EU finance ministers on Friday at an informal gathering of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in Ghent, Belgium, EIB President Nadia Calviño held a press conference to discuss the EIB Group's ambitious plans with a focus on eight core priorities.

Interviews Partners Management committee Defence and security Nadia Calviño Research, innovation and technology Cybersecurity Agriculture Development Climate action and environment Balanced regional development Energy Circular economy Institutional SMEs
20 February 2024

Informal ECOFIN meeting | Press conference by Nadia Calviño on the Strategy of the EIB Group

At the informal ECOFIN meeting in Ghent (Belgium), EIB President Nadia Calviño is invited to present the strategic priorities of the European Investment Bank Group. ---------------------------------

Defence and security Research, innovation and technology
24 January 2024

European institutions join forces to boost the European space sector

The European Commission, the EIB and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed today at the Space Conference a collaboration arrangement to join forces to strengthen the European space sector. This will include small and medium businesses (SMEs) and start-ups and enhance Europe's position in space.

Space Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Research, innovation and technology
18 December 2023

Belgium: EIB and Walloon Region partner up to grow the Walloon space sector

A memorandum of understanding was signed this morning by the Walloon Region, represented by Minister-President Elio Di Rupo, Vice-President and Minister for the Economy Willy Borsus, and Budget Minister Adrien Dolimont; and the European Investment Bank (EIB), represented by Vice-President Kris Peeters. The two sides seek to use the transformation potential of the space technology sector to serve the region and position it as a sector leader in Europe.

Space Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Belgium European Union Research, innovation and technology
16 June 2023

EIB pledges record funding for Europe’s security infrastructure, vows more support for Ukraine

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) will increase financing for the security industry to the highest level to-date, affirming its commitment to support Europe’s defence, strategic autonomy, as well as its ambitious climate agenda.

Solidarity with Ukraine EU for Ukraine Management committee Defence and security Ukraine Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus Research, innovation and technology Development Institutional
23 February 2023

Ireland: Cybersecurity firm Siren accelerates momentum with €12 million EIB backing

Siren, the investigative intelligence company on a mission to keep people, assets and networks safe, today announced that it had received EUR 12 million in funding from the European Investment Bank.

Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Ireland European Union Research, innovation and technology
6 February 2023

Bulgaria and the EIB: our impact from 2018 to 2022

We have worked in Bulgaria since 1992, financing projects that reduce regional disparities and strengthen economic competitiveness. We helped Sofia to develop an environmentally sustainable transport system that improves the everyday life of its people. We supported Bulgarian businesses suffering from the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bulgaria is one of the largest beneficiaries of the EIB's advisory services. Our advisory support has helped projects across Bulgaria in sectors such as transport, water and the environment.

Infrastructure Space Defence and security Bulgaria European Union Urban development Research, innovation and technology Transport Climate action and environment SMEs
11 January 2023

Luxembourg: EIB lends €300 million to finance SES’s new satellites programme

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the financing institution of the European Union, and leading global content connectivity solutions provider SES announced details of their €300 million financing agreement today at a press briefing at the SES headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. The seven-year term loan will back investments related to the design, procurement and launch of three previously announced satellites that will deliver advanced broadcast and broadband services spanning Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The loan is the largest amount ever provided by the EIB to a Luxembourg-based company.

Telecommunication Space Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Luxembourg European Union Research, innovation and technology Digital and telecoms
30 November 2022

Denmark: EIB finances GomSpace with EUR 18 million, in support of EU space innovation and strategic autonomy

The European Investment Bank (EIB) as the long-term lending institution of the European Union, and GomSpace, an innovative Danish space company, has announced a venture debt financing agreement of up to EUR 18 million. The EIB is a key financier of new space technologies in the European Union, including recent combined EUR 45 million financings into “new space” leaders such as Spire Global, D-Orbit and EnduroSat. Now, the EIB is again supporting space “deep tech” with a venture loan to GomSpace, a Danish space company and pioneer in the global market for nano-satellites, platforms, systems, and space missions. The project concerns research and development for an enlarged platform, including streamlined subsystems for their entire product range. For payloads, the focus is on high frequency applications, which are crucial for the telecom sector.

Venture debt Space Management committee Defence and security Denmark European Union Research, innovation and technology Venture capital & equity Institutional
7 November 2022

Italy: Leonardo - EIB provides €260 million of “Sustainability-Linked” funding driven by innovative key performance indicators (KPIs) meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) technological objectives.

Leonardo and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a €260 million financing contract. The “Sustainability-Linked” loan is aimed at promoting R&D and innovation (RSI) activities in the fields of helicopters, security and electronics for defence and space, along with research activities carried out by Leonardo Labs, helping at the same time to combat climate change.

Management committee Defence and security Gelsomina VIGLIOTTI Italy European Union Research, innovation and technology
22 March 2022

France: Climate technology specialist Kayrros receives €15 million EIB loan

This transaction, which is part of a €40 million financing round, will enable Kayrros to consolidate its position as a world leader in geospatial data, in order to help companies and public authorities meet their sustainable development objectives.

Ambroise FAYOLLE Space Management committee Defence and security France European Union Research, innovation and technology Climate action and environment
16 March 2022

EIB and EUSPA publish first Global Navigation Satellite Systems Investment Report

The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have published the GNSS Investment Report today. The report provides a comprehensive investment analysis of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) market, examining and forecasting the dynamics of the sector overall. It also outlines the current state of play regarding available public and private funding and identifies needs and funding gaps for GNSS companies and startups in the European Union.

Space Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Research, innovation and technology Digital and telecoms
10 March 2022

The EIB continues its support to the EU’s Security and Defence Agenda

Today, the Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved the “Strategic European Security Initiative” (SESI). The new EIB initiative aims to mobilise investment in support of Europe’s dual-use security and defence systems by backing Europe’s technology industry and civilian security infrastructure. Depending on demand, SESI will make available financing of up to € 6 billion for eligible projects.

Space Management committee Defence and security Kris Peeters Research, innovation and technology Health and life sciences
10 March 2022

EIB approves Strategic European Security Initiative, confirms Ukraine disbursement and backs €543 million business and clean energy investment

The Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) today agreed to scale up financing for European security and defence innovation and approved EUR 543 million business and clean energy investment.

Board of directors Solidarity with Ukraine Management committee Defence and security Ukraine Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus Research, innovation and technology Climate action and environment Energy Institutional InvestEU
25 January 2022

Boosting space research and exploration in Europe

The European Investment Bank is supporting new innovative and disruptive startups that are building the new Space Industry and designing nanosatellites and services that give more and more people access to space data. The European Union will invest nearly 15 billion in the space sector by 2027.

Satellites Space Defence and security European Union Research, innovation and technology Digital and telecoms
26 August 2021

Bulgaria: EIB invests €10 million in new space scaleup EnduroSat

Today, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the long-term lending institution of the European Union, and EnduroSat, a fast-growing Bulgarian company providing solutions for the global Space market, announced a venture debt financing agreement of up to €10 million. The financing is being offered under a newly available venture debt instrument backed by the European Guarantee Fund (EGF), which was set up by the EIB to support EU businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EGF Venture debt Covid-19 Space Management committee Defence and security Bulgaria European Union Research, innovation and technology Venture capital & equity Institutional
13 January 2021

France: EIB supports Eutelsat for the procurement and launch of the KONNECT VHTS satellite

The EIB and Eutelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite operators, announced a €200 million financing agreement at the European Space Conference today. This eight-year loan will back investments related to the procurement and launch of the KONNECT VHTS satellite for the provision of advanced broadband services in Europe and neighbouring areas.

Satellites Telecommunication Ambroise FAYOLLE Space Management committee Defence and security France European Union Research, innovation and technology Institutional Digital and telecoms
3 December 2020

Luxembourg: EIB Announces First Direct financing for a start-up in the European “New Space” sector - €20 million venture loan for Spire Global

Today at Web Summit 2020, the EIB and Spire Global, a company with the world’s largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites announced a venture debt financing agreement of up to €20 million. The financing will back capital expenditure and research and development (R&D) activities to further develop Spire’s constellation of small satellites and high-quality maritime, aviation and weather space data and analytics. It will also back the development of new software applications for customers and create high-skilled jobs in Luxembourg. The transaction follows the EIB’s commitment to strengthen support for European space start-ups and cooperate with space agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA). It is backed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the main pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe.

Venture capital Venture debt Space EFSI impact Management committee Defence and security Teresa Czerwińska Luxembourg European Union Research, innovation and technology Cybersecurity Venture capital & equity Institutional Digital and telecoms
8 July 2020

Germany: EIB provides funding of €20 million to NavVis as part of the Investment Plan for Europe

The EIB and NavVis GmbH announced today the signing of a contract which provides financing of €20 million to NavVis GmbH, a global market leader in digital twin technology. NavVis has experienced unprecedented growth and demand for its indoor spatial intelligence solutions, and will further invest in expanding operations to meet the need for technological innovation in the enterprise manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing Ambroise FAYOLLE Space EFSI impact Management committee Defence and security Germany European Union Research, innovation and technology Institutional Digital and telecoms
21 January 2020

European Commission and EIB Group join forces to boost space sector investment with EUR 200 million of financing

The European Commission is partnering with the EIB Group, announcing EUR 200 million of investments into the EU space sector, supporting ground-breaking innovation in the industry. During the European Space Policy Conference in Brussels, EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle is signing an agreement with André-Hubert Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup, confirming a EUR 100 million loan for the new Ariane 6 launcher programme.

Ambroise FAYOLLE Space InnovFin Management committee Defence and security Research, innovation and technology Institutional
10 September 2019

EIB and the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) announce partnership to advance European space technology

Today, the EIB and the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency signed an agreement to cooperate on supporting investment in the European space-based service economy. The signature took place in Prague during the celebration to mark the 15th anniversary of GSA.

Space Defence and security Research, innovation and technology
23 January 2019

New report: The future of the European space sector - How to leverage Europe’s technological leadership and boost investments for space ventures

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle and Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska took the opportunity of the 11^th Conference on European Space Policy to present a new report on “The future of the European space sector”. The report, produced by the joint European Commission–EIB initiatives InnovFin Advisory and European Investment Advisory Hub, established under Horizon 2020 and the Investment Plan for Europe respectively, assesses the current investment landscape in the space industry, identifies gaps in financing and proposes key recommendations and solutions to improve the existing conditions.

Space InnovFin Defence and security Research, innovation and technology
28 February 2018

EIB and European Defence Agency sign cooperation agreement

Alexander Stubb, Vice-President of the EIB and Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.

Defence and security Research, innovation and technology

Contact us

Get support

If you're a European firm or innovator in the security and defence industry looking for financing or want to learn how we can support your ambitions, contact our Security and Defence Office.

Media

For media enquiries about security and defence, please contact:

Nikos Chrysoloras

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

Key publications

19 October 2022

European Cybersecurity Investment Platform

Supporting the European Cybersecurity industry to develop in Europe with access to additional financing options

22 January 2019

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.

1 June 2021

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.

Our initiatives

European Investment Bank

Strategic European Security Initiative

European Investment Fund

Defence Equity Facility

Types of support

Get support for your project

What is eligible

Featured projects

Germany

Quantum Systems: Long-range drones with extended travel times

Italy

Leonardo: Breakthrough tech tackles today’s most pressing challenges

France

Cegelog: Access to energy-efficient housing for military personnel

Ireland

Siren: Developing intelligence capabilities for cybersecurity

Spain

Skydweller: First solar-powered, fully electric, unmanned drone

Luxembourg

SES: Better satellite connectivity in Europe, Africa, Middle East

Latest news

Contact us

Get support

Media

General enquiries

Key publications