How a €35M Loan Is Plugging Eastern Europe Into EVs

A €35M EIB loan backs fast chargers across eight countries, closing infrastructure gaps and nudging private investors to take notice

9 Feb 2026

Europe’s electric vehicle race is no longer just about ambition. It is about execution. A €35 million loan from the European Investment Bank is now set to speed up that shift in Central and Eastern Europe, where charging infrastructure has lagged behind the West.

The funding, awarded to charging network operator Eleport, will support the rollout of more than 250 fast charging hubs across eight countries, from the Baltics to the Balkans. Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia are all on the list. For drivers in these markets, reliable high-speed charging has often been the missing piece.

The gap is becoming harder to ignore. While electric vehicles are increasingly common in Western Europe, many Central and Eastern European motorists still face long detours or slow chargers. That imbalance has fed hesitation among consumers and slowed adoption, even as interest grows.

Eleport’s plan focuses on visibility and convenience. The new hubs are designed to charge multiple vehicles at once and sharply cut waiting times, a practical answer to one of the most persistent concerns about EV ownership. Policymakers see this kind of infrastructure as essential. Without it, targets remain theoretical.

There is also a strategic angle. By concentrating on underserved markets, Eleport avoids the fierce competition found in Western Europe while aligning closely with EU climate and transport goals. That alignment has unlocked support through frameworks such as InvestEU, signaling confidence in the regional approach.

The ripple effects could be significant. Analysts note that publicly backed charging projects often lower risk for others, making it easier for automakers, utilities, and mobility providers to follow. Over time, that can reshape entire ecosystems.

Obstacles remain, from slow permitting to grid constraints and uneven EV ownership. Still, experience across Europe suggests a clear pattern. Build the chargers, and drivers tend to come.

The EIB loan marks a broader shift in Europe’s EV strategy, moving from targets to tangible progress. For Central and Eastern Europe, it could be the spark that finally plugs the region into the continent’s electric future.