Supporting the investments of SMEs, the engine of Europe’s economy, is one of the EIB Group key priorities.During 2011, the EIB Group provided EUR 13 billion of finance for SMEs and midcaps companies. Overall more than 120 000 SMEs received EIB Group support across Europe last year.SMEs account for more than two thirds of private sector employment in Europe and grow more quickly than larger firms, making them an important source of new jobs.However, their size also makes them more vulnerable in times of crisis as they have more difficulty accessing finance in adverse economic circumstances.The funding provided in 2011 reflects the exceptional level of SME loan contracts the EIB concluded with partner banks in 2009/10 and the efforts made by the EIB and the European Investment Fund to reach micro enterprises, another important mechanism for getting people out of unemployment.EIB loans for SMEs are channelled through commercial banks.
