Investment Bank

Role and organisation of the EIB

The task of the European Investment Bank, the European Union's financing institution, is to contribute towards the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the Member Countries.

To this end, it raises on the markets substantial volumes of funds which it directs on the most favourable terms towards financing capital projects according with the objectives of the Union.

Outside the Union the EIB implements the financial components of agreements concluded under European development aid and cooperation policies.

EIB Priority Objectives

Within the EU the EIB has 6 priority objectives for its lending activity which are set out in the Bank’s business plan, the Corporate Operational Plan (COP).

Cohesion and Convergence
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Environmental sustainability
Implementation of the Innovation 2010 Initiative (i2i)
Development of Trans-European Networks of transport and energy (TENs)
Sustainable, competitive and secure energy

The COP is approved by the Board of Directors and defines medium-term policy and operational priorities for objectives given to the Bank by its Governors. It is also an instrument evaluating the EIB's activities. This rolling plan spans three years, with the strategic projections adapted annually to take account of new mandates and changes in the economic climate.

Outside the EU EIB lending is determined by EU external cooperation and development policies.

EU Mandates are:

Pre-Accession:
Candidate and Potential Candidate countries of the Enlargement region
European Neighbourhood:
Mediterranean Neighbourhood
Russia and Eastern Neighbours
Development:
Asia and Latin America (ALA)
Africa, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP)
Republic of South Africa

Lending under these mandates focuses on:

Private sector development
Infrastructure development
Security of energy supply
Environmental sustainability