The EIB was created in 1958 under the Treaty of Rome to be the long-term financing institution of what later became the European Union, with a mission to underpin EU policy objectives by financing investment. Since
then, it has provided nearly EUR 600 billion for projects in the EU Member States, candidate and partner countries

The task of the Bank is to contribute towards the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the EU Member States.

The EIB raises substantial volumes of funds on the capital markets which it lends on favourable terms to projects furthering EU policy objectives. The EIB continuously adapts its activity to developments in EU policies.

Besides supporting projects in the Member States, its main lending priorities include financing investments in future Member States of the EU and EU Partner countries. The EIB operates on a non-profit maximising basis and lends at close to the cost of borrowing. The Bank's consistent AAA rating is underpinned by firm shareholder support, a strong capital base, exceptional asset quality, conservative risk management and a sound funding strategy.

In 2008, the EIB raised nearly EUR 60 billion.

The EIB supports the EU’s policy objectives in the following areas:
• cohesion and convergence
• the knowledge economy
• trans-European networks
• small and medium-sized enterprises
• environmental protection and sustainable communities
• sustainable, competitive and secure energy

In 2008, some 89% of the total EIB financing of EUR 59.3 billion went to projects in the EU. Outside the EU, the EIB is active in over 150 countries, working to implement the financial pillar of EU external cooperation and development policies.

The EIB is a non-profit, EU policy-driven public bank which only invests in projects that further EU policy
objectives. The EIB does not engage in over-the-counter, private customer accounts or foreign exchange
business.