BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.6. The European
Investment Bank’s board has approved a €3 billion financing
initiative to accelerate energy efficiency upgrades for low- and
middle-income households and small businesses across Europe, the
bank said, Trend reports via the Bank.
The plan coincides with the rollout of the European Union’s new
Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport
(ETS2).
Under the scheme, designed in partnership with the European
Commission, financing may also support sustainable transport
projects, including electric bikes, public transit and electric
vehicle charging infrastructure. Funding levels could increase
depending on market demand.
The so-called Frontloading Facility aims to help EU member
states provide affordable heating and cooling solutions while
lowering energy costs for households and micro, small, and
medium-sized enterprises. The initiative is part of the EIB Group’s
Climate Bank Roadmap Phase 2 and is intended to strengthen energy
security and accelerate climate action.
In a separate decision, the EIB and its subsidiary, the European
Investment Fund (EIF), approved a third Gender Action Plan covering
2026-2030. The plan aims to promote gender equality and women’s
economic empowerment by expanding access to capital, leadership
roles, employment opportunities, skills development, and inclusive
infrastructure and services.
The EIB Group also endorsed €12.4 billion in new financing to
support European competitiveness and global partnerships. Projects
include urban development in Estonia, bioeconomy and sustainable
transport in France, business competitiveness in Greece,
digitalization and environmental initiatives in Italy, university
facilities in Poland, water management in Portugal, and sustainable
transport in Spain.
The EIF approved new initiatives under the European Tech
Champions Initiative, supporting venture capital funds and
scale-ups. The program has helped 38 companies grow, including
raising the number of European unicorns from nine to 11.
Beyond Europe, the EIB Group supported electricity networks in
Burundi, climate change adaptation in Rwanda, water management in
Togo, and business financing in Ukraine. These projects form part
of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to strengthen international
partnerships and European influence.
The board reviewed the EIB Group’s 2025 activities, noting a
historic €100 billion in new financing for over 870 projects across
eight priority areas, including climate action, digital innovation,
security, cohesion, agriculture, social infrastructure, global
partnerships, and investment mobilization.
The EIB Group is the EU’s financing arm, owned by its 27 member
states, and one of the world’s largest multilateral development
banks. Its subsidiary, the EIF, provides guarantees and equity to
support European small and medium-sized enterprises and startups,
mobilizing private investment in venture capital and innovative
projects.
