Building Europe’s Foundations: The Role of Private Capital in Infrastructure

Infrastructure is the foundation of Europe’s economy, powering mobility, clean energy, education, healthcare and the digital systems that drive innovation.

The 2024 Draghi report’s call for €800 billion in extra annual EU investment underscores the urgency and the essential role of large-scale private capital.

Building Europe’s foundations: The role of private capital in infrastructure, is Invest Europe’s first report into infrastructure fundraising, investment and divestment activity in Europe. This landmark new study is testament to the contribution of this essential and growing investment sector to Europe and its position in managers’ and investors’ portfolios.

Infrastructure connects economies, businesses and individuals across Europe. We interact with transport, utilities, social or digital infrastructure many times a day. However, billions in additional investment are needed each year to upgrade critical services and ensure Europe’s green and digital transitions. There will never be enough public money for these projects and companies, but private capital reserves are sizeable, and investors are attracted to infrastructure’s ability to deliver outperformance and diversification, as well as yield and stability.

Invest Europe’s report tracks capital from fundraising, through investment and to divestment. It breaks down activity by region, greenfield and brownfield assets, fund size, and investment sector.

Source: Closing keynote speech at the Invest Europe conference "Investing into Europe's infrastructure future", 2 December 2025