The EIB's loans for the private sector support projects that align with its strategic priorities, such as environmental sustainability and bio-economy. This financing instrument is therefore well-suited for Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to implement project finance structure, including Public-Private Partnerships, that incorporate circular systemic solutions and seek financial support.

The following beneficiaries are eligible: Large corporates or groups, Mid-caps, Special Purpose Vehicles for project finance (including PPPs and Concessions). Any project promoted must be in line with EIB eligibility criteria, and be financially and economically sound. Promoters must provide a detailed description of their capital investment and prospective financing arrangements. Further information can be found in application documents.

Loans to private sector entities to finance projects or investment programmes must be aligned with one or more priorities of the EIB (Climate action and environmental sustainability, Digitalisation and technological innovation, Security and defence, A modern cohesion policy, Agriculture and bioeconomy, Social infrastructure, High-impact global investment, Capital Markets Union). These priorities aim to accelerate the green transition, boost technological innovation, bolster security and defence, support regional cohesion and social infrastructure development. Eligible costs include investment costs (typically over a period of up to three years, but can be longer), such as for research and development expenditures on facilities or activities.

The EIB typically covers up to 50% of a project’s total cost. These loans typically start at €25 million and in certain cases the EIB will consider lower amounts.

There is no standardised documentation requirement. EIB expects to receive a comprehensive feasibility study, a detailed description of the capital investment together with the prospective financing arrangements. A project appraisal is carried out by the Bank’s teams of engineers, economists and financial analysts, in close cooperation with the promoter. Criteria are typically tailored to each specific project.

A report then goes from the Management Committee to the Board of Directors, who meet 10 times per year, for a final decision. Once they approve, the loan can be drawn down in one or more instalments according to borrower requirements. An EIB appraisal procedure can take anywhere between six weeks and 18 months depending on the project scope, the degree of complication of an operation, and the efficiency of the appraisal process on the part of both the EIB itself and the project promoter.

There is no set deadline/deadline is on a need-basis.