Digital economy sector

All aspects of everyday life and business are becoming increasingly digital. That is why broadband networks, software development, cyber security and telecom services are priority areas for the EIB. In 2020 alone, EIB financing helped to launch 60 satellites into space that provide broadband internet and enabled 2.6 million subscriptions for 5G services.

Projects eligible for financing

We finance digital economy projects involving various aspects of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, equipment, services, applications, research and development. Examples include:

• Mobile, TV broadcasting and transmission networks that enable national or international connectivity through high-capacity fibre-optic cables, satellites or submarine cables outside the EU
• Data centre facilities and hosted services such as cloud computing
• Manufacturing of handsets, network equipment, software, audio-visual equipment, displays (e.g., LCD) and chips (nano- and microelectronics)
• ICT applications for the automotive, electricity and healthcare industries
• Public services, such as e-government, e-health and e-business