The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €35 million loan to support a major expansion of fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic investment, under the theme EIB Funds Rapid EV Charging, aims to accelerate the region’s transition to clean mobility while supporting EU climate and regional development objectives.
A Significant Boost to EV Infrastructure
The financing will enable Tallinn-based charging network operator Eleport to install more than 250 fast-charging hubs across eight countries—Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. These hubs will be located at major shopping and commercial centres, improving access to high-speed EV charging where people already spend time.
Each hub will offer up to 12 charging plugs, delivering power of up to 400 kilowatts per plug. This allows EV drivers to recharge quickly while shopping, working, or managing daily errands. The rollout is scheduled for completion by 2028, marking a significant upgrade to the region’s infrastructure.
Making Charging Part of Everyday Life
Eleport’s strategy focuses on convenience and integration. By placing chargers at retail and commercial locations, the company aims to eliminate friction from the EV ownership experience. According to Eleport’s leadership, drivers should be able to stop briefly, charge efficiently, and continue their journeys without disruption. This practical approach strengthens the case for electric mobility and reflects how EIB Funds Rapid EV Charging supports real-world usability.
Supporting EU Climate and Development Goals
The EIB has classified this project as 100% climate action and environmental sustainability. It directly supports EU goals to reduce transport emissions, accelerate EV adoption, and promote balanced regional development. By backing scalable fast-charging infrastructure, EIB Funds Rapid EV Charging helps address one of the biggest barriers to EV uptake—reliable and accessible charging.
InvestEU Enables Growth-Stage Financing
The loan is supported by the InvestEU programme, which allows the EIB to offer flexible, long-term financing and take on higher risk to support fast-growing companies. InvestEU is expected to mobilise over €372 billion in additional investment between 2021 and 2027, with a strong focus on green transition and sustainable infrastructure—making EIB Funds Rapid EV Charging a cornerstone of this ambition.
Building the “Electric Amber Road”
Eleport already operates over 400 fast-charging points and is developing the “Electric Amber Road,” a cross-border charging network inspired by historic trade routes. Using a single app across countries, the network is expected to reduce range anxiety, simplify travel, and strengthen EV adoption across Central and Eastern Europe.
Driving Europe’s Clean Mobility Future
By combining high-power chargers, strategic locations, and interoperable digital services, this expansion closes critical infrastructure gaps. The project highlights how EU-backed finance and innovative private operators are working together to deliver cleaner, more connected transport systems for Europe’s green future.
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