BEI announces the extension of support for defense and technological sovereignty, including an "exit toolbox" for investors and founders

The European Investment Bank Group announced at its Forum in Luxembourg new instruments for financing tech companies and defense, including the expansion of the European Tech Champions Initiative and the launch of a pilot "exit toolbox" for investors and founders, while President Nadia Calviño presented measures related to the Savings and Investment Union and the expansion of the Defence Equity Facility.

The European Investment Bank Group announced in Luxembourg new measures to strengthen European security and defense and to enhance technological sovereignty, including plans to expand the European initiative for tech champions and the introduction of a pilot tool to facilitate investor exits from investments, aimed at early-stage investors and founders of newly established enterprises, during the fourth edition of the EIB Group Forum.

In short 1. EIB President Nadia Calviño announced new funding for security and defense and a set of actions to advance the Union of Economies and Investments, with the goal of supporting companies that wish to innovate, expand, and compete globally.

2. The EIB will propose to its Board of Directors the expansion of the European initiative for tech champions to increase funding for companies in the accelerated development phase and the introduction of a pilot tool to facilitate investor exits from investments, including extended development loans, convertible financial instruments, funding for acquisitions, and support for listing on European stock exchanges.

3. The EIB intends to expand the Defence Capital Facility, through which the European Investment Fund acts as a main investor for capital investments in European defense companies, mobilizing capital in specialized private funds.

4. This week, a major investment in a pan-European venture capital fund dedicated to advanced technologies and defense technologies is expected to be announced.

5. The report mentions that EU firms are on par with those in the US in terms of digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence, that 90% continue to invest in the green transition, and that renewable energy has reached two-thirds of the EU's energy production capacity.

In her opening speech, Nadia Calviño emphasized Europe's "solid foundations" and the need to accelerate investments, as well as the integration of capital markets and simplification, stating that strengthening Europe's sovereignty and enhancing global partnerships are more important than ever in "these turbulent times."

According to the EIB, the package of tools that the institution will propose to its Board of Directors aims to complement regulatory measures with pan-European instruments, in support of the Union of Economies and Investments, including the expansion of the European initiative for tech champions and a pilot tool aimed at early-stage investors and founders. "These tools will help ensure that ideas, technologies, and companies born in Europe can grow and thrive in Europe," Calviño said.

On the defense component, Calviño stated that the EIB Group intends to expand the Defence Capital Facility, through which the European Investment Fund acts as a main investor for capital investments in European defense companies, mobilizing capital in specialized private funds. The EIB also announced that this week a major investment in a pan-European venture capital fund dedicated to advanced technologies and defense technologies is expected to be communicated.

During the Forum, the EIB also presented conclusions from its annual investment report, based on a survey of about 13,000 companies in the EU. The report shows that European firms have demonstrated resilience despite uncertainties related to geopolitical changes and recent shocks regarding tariffs and energy, and that global investors continue to perceive Europe as a stable and reliable market.

The report notes that EU firms are on par with those in the US in terms of digitalization and the adoption of artificial intelligence and that 90% of them continue to invest in the green transition, while renewable energy has reached two-thirds of the EU's production capacity. The report also highlights the need to accelerate investments in networks, storage, and cross-border interconnections and to strengthen coordination of investments in defense.

In the same report, the EIB indicates that removing barriers in the single market could increase firms' investment intensity by 10%, especially for intangible assets relevant to innovation, and that ongoing free trade agreements could increase exports by over 20% to partner countries.

Debora Revoltella stated: "Investments in Europe have been resilient, but they need to accelerate. The growth of investments will depend on a decisive push for private investments, driven by business opportunities. In this context, leveraging the scale of the EU single market is critical. This will increase business opportunities, firm investments, and resilience to external shocks. The scale of the EU market is also critical for the growth of strategic sectors and for further strengthening Europe's global role."

The EIB Group Forum brings together decision-makers, innovators, academia, and business leaders in Luxembourg and is organized in 2026 under the theme of building "A Strong Europe in a Changing World." During the forum, the EIB Group announced its intention to expand pan-European instruments for financing tech companies in the accelerated development phase and to strengthen the European venture capital ecosystem, as well as measures to enhance European defense capabilities, including the expansion of the Defence Capital Facility and the announcement of a pan-European fund dedicated to advanced technologies and defense technologies.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/bei-anunta-extinderea-sprijinului-pentru-aparare-si-suveranitate-tehnologica-inclusiv-un-exit-toolbox-pentru-investitori-si-fondatori