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At the end of last year, the Bank’s outstanding loans amounted to around €395 billion, more than the loan portfolio of all other multilateral financial institutions combined. Around €13 billion went to small and medium sized enterprises, while some €18 billion were invested in projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and supporting the EU’s global role in fighting climate change.
With around €10 billion, the EIB supported the so-called “knowledge triangle” of research, innovation and education. “These areas are absolutely essential for creating a modern economy and key elements of any growth strategy”, said EIB-President, Werner Hoyer.
In 2011, the EIB – the world’s largest supranational bond issuer - raised €76 billion, almost half of it (46 per cent) with non-European investors, which shows the continued trust and confidence in the EIB and in Europe. Regarding the overall slowdown of investment activity in Europe, Hoyer said: “This has once again highlighted the importance of public lenders such as the EIB”.
The EIB will continue to concentrate its action on projects and sectors that make a significant contribution to Europe’s competitiveness. “Lending to SMEs is clearly a priority for us”, Hoyer said.