The European Investment Bank will increase funding for defense projects to 4.5 billion euros by 2026, focusing on military mobility and critical infrastructure.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will increase funding for defense projects from 3.5 billion euros in 2025 to 4.5 billion euros in 2026, according to EIB President Nadia Calvino. This increase is based on already existing projects and will focus on military mobility, critical infrastructures, the eastern border, and anti-drone systems. The EIB will assess funding needs annually, having a total estimated lending budget of 100 billion euros for 2026, a large part of which will be directed towards combating climate change.

In addition, the EIB will continue to support the innovative technology sector in the EU through a 70 billion euro program aimed at companies facing difficulties in accessing capital. This program has already generated nine "unicorn" companies, and the EIB intends to expand the European Tech Champions initiative to attract even more funds and support innovation in Europe.