15 October 2026

The operation consists of a pan-European lending envelope delivered through partner banks to support European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities while accelerating artificial intelligence (AI)-driven and digital transformation. It will finance investments in digitalisation, AI adoption and cybersecurity upgrades, strengthening resilience to cyber threats and improving efficiency.

The AI and Cybersecurity Lending Envelope is a pan-European EIB financing framework under the TechEU initiative that aims to improve access to finance for SMEs and mid-caps investing in digitalisation, AI, cybersecurity and other strategic technologies. Implemented through eligible financial intermediaries, it supports investments across the full value chain, from technology development to applications and data-driven services. The lending envelope uses a broad range of EIB Group instruments, including funding, risk-sharing solutions and capital market products tailored to financing needs and market conditions in each EU Member State. It also complements other EIB Group activities, including advisory services. By helping financial intermediaries develop dedicated financing products and expand their lending capacity, the lending envelope supports the uptake of innovative technologies, strengthens digital resilience and productivity, and contributes to the competitiveness of the European economy and EU strategic autonomy objectives.

The Lending Envelope and its sub-operations fall within the scope of the EIB's Environmental and Social Standards: "Standard 11 Intermediated Finance". The Borrower / Financial Intermediary has adequate capacity, systems and processes to identify, assess, manage and monitor the environmental, climate and social risks associated with potential sub-projects supported by the EIB. Final beneficiaries must comply, where applicable, with national and EU environmental and social legislation.

Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.