1/5
Bridging European policy and markets. This is the EIF.
Funding SMEs and infrastructure projects
When SMEs thrive, Europe thrives.
This is why, our goal is to make it easier for SMEs and infrastructure projects to access finance. By strengthening European businesses in key areas of the economy, or breaking new ground with our investments, we foster EU objectives that benefit people and the entire EU economy.
Backing bold ideas: no matter how small or big.
From the start-up phase and the very first steps right through to scale-up and growth finance, our support helps businesses grow. EIF financial instruments make equity funding flow through the ecosystem and ensure that debt financing stays available and affordable for entrepreneurs.
2/5
Building a green and sustainable future
Together with the EIB - one of the world’s main financers of climate action - we play a leading role in financing businesses and infrastructure projects. The second phase of our Climate Bank Roadmap doubles down on our climate objectives, placing sustainability at the heart of our activities.
3/5
Safeguarding our security
The EIB Group has responded to calls by European leaders to step up its support to defence and security. The joint Security and Defence Office is our one-stop-shop for financing and expert assistance, including the EIF dedicated funding instruments. Bolstering projects to keep Europe safe, resilient, and innovative.
4/5
Creating a single market for capital
The capital markets union (CMU) remains a core EIB Group and EIF priority to deepen the financial integration across the European Union and diversify funding sources for businesses. In this way, we aim to strengthen economic resilience, drive competitiveness, and boost cross-border growth.
5/5
Financing housing and infrastructure
More and better homes are part of the EIB Group's commitment to strengthening Europe's housing sector by providing finance and expertise. While EIF's social infrastructure projects are showing promising results, we also prioritise investments in green and digital infrastructure.
Latest calls for intermediaries
Why our work matters for
Scaling Europe's innovation ecosystem
Our EIF Equity Survey 2025 highlights the EU’s relative strength in innovation and technology potential, attractive investment opportunities, founders' ambition, and access to talent.
Still, important gaps persist between the EU and the US in many areas. The EIF uniquely sits at the intersection of finance, policy, and European value creation to unlock market and investment conditions for further growth.