BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Nineteen European Union countries, including France and Germany, are calling for the European Investment Bank to boost lending for the defence industry as the 27-nation EU seeks ways to improve its military against a possible future Russian attack.

The EIB, the largest multilateral lender, will double its funding for defence and security from €1 billion to €2 billion by 2025. Its group president defends a proactive approach to both sectors within the bank's remit.

Germany and 18 other European Union countries on Friday spoke out in favour of expanding arms financing through the European Investment Bank (EIB) days ahead of an EU leaders' defence meeting. "By expanding funding mechanisms and employing all available means,

Faced with a flagging economy and heightened competition with the United States, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is trying to harness the EU’s €1.2 trillion common cash pot to boost the bloc’s autonomy in a bid to make Europe economically strong again.

A letter signed by 19 EU countries means there appears a majority to allow more lending for defence projects – but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) touted record climate-related spending in 2024, with nearly 60% of its total operations going in support of the green transition, but concerns remain over the transparency of the bank's sustainability reporting.

Next year, the EIB is planning on freeing up €2 billion for defence and security projects, doubling its 2024 spending figure, EIB President Nadia Calviño said. The bank is also “conducting market research to assess whether further changes in eligibility rules are needed” for investment into defence and security-related projects.

This loan is the largest contribution by any financial institution from its own resources to the Baltica 2 project, and forms part of a €1.4 billion package approved by the EIB, with backing from several EU climate and energy initiatives.

The European Commission released a five-year plan to increase innovation and compete with China and the U.S. BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission set out a years-long plan to regain competitiveness in global industries, as European businesses face fierce competition from China and new challenges under U.S. President Donald Trump.

While Donald Trump’s second administration turns its back on climate action, Europeans can gain a competitive advantage through funding and developing low-carbon technologies. This requires targeted income,

The EBRD continues to be a key partner in supporting Serbia’s transition from coal to clean energy. This includes financing renewable energy projects, offering technical expertise, and helping to modernise the country’s energy infrastructure to meet green energy goals and EU environmental standards.

Schiphol is going to borrow hundreds of millions of euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance the airport’s investment plans. Royal Schiphol Group and the EIB have closed a loan agreement of 175 million euros,