In a bold push to reclaim technological leadership, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has unveiled a €70 billion initiative called TechEU aimed at revitalizing Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Targeting startups, research institutions, and tech-driven companies, the plan is expected to unlock up to €250 billion in private investments by 2027.
This marks the largest program ever launched by the EIB exclusively for European innovation. It is designed to support the full innovation pipeline from early-stage research to public listings while shielding European talent and intellectual property from foreign acquisitions, particularly from the U.S.
A centerpiece of the initiative is the TechEU platform, a centralized financing hub set to debut later this year. The platform will streamline funding access across the EU and the EIB, with faster appraisal times and reduced bureaucracy. National promotional banks such as Germany’s KfW are expected to join, further strengthening the ecosystem.
The move comes amid declining research budgets in the U.S. and rising fears of a talent exodus. The EIB sees this moment as a chance for Europe to attract top global talent and become a magnet for venture capital and innovation.
In response to long-standing criticism about risk aversion, the EIB will boost venture capital investments, aiming to support 1,000 innovation-led firms annually. It has also expanded into defence and dual-use technologies, tying security to technological progress.
With final approval expected in June, TechEU could become a historic turning point in Europe’s quest for tech sovereignty and global competitiveness.