At the European level, the European Investment Bank (EIB) finances investment projects in cooperation with private banks. The EIB provides loans below general market conditions, offers long-term repayment periods, and is a host of other favorable conditions. It specializes in large investment projects.
To receive support, projects must be viable in four areas:
- Economics
- Technology
- Environment
- Finance
The EIB only finances projects contributing to the EU's general economic policy objectives - enhancing the development and integration of economically weaker regions and building up the general structure of the EU as a business location. The EIB acts as a financial partner until the investment project is completed. Loans are granted to projects in both the public and private sectors. EIB loan programs are open to large enterprises as well as SMEs. As a rule, the EIB lends up to 50 percent of investment project costs.
The main financing tools are intermediated loans. Credit lines to banks and financial institutions help them to provide financial means to SMEs with eligible investment programs or for projects costing less than EUR 25 million.