The European Investment Bank (EIB) said it is joining forces with bourse Euronext to bolster small and Mid-Cap companies in Europe’s aerospace and defence industries.

Under an advisory agreement, the EIB said it will support Euronext in setting up a programme to ensure scale-up companies in the two sectors are able to navigate financial markets and access European capital.

“The goal is to help aerospace and defence entrepreneurs understand their financing options and the steps needed to prepare for stock-market listings, also known as initial public offerings or IPOs,” said the EIB.

“The planned Euronext programme, called IPOready Defence, is due to begin between 1 July and 30 September this year.”

EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot said: “Our collaboration with Euronext is important in empowering European innovators.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to support companies in the defence and aerospace sectors, helping them grow and maintain their strategic independence.

“This initiative focuses on enhancing autonomy in security and defence, steering Europe towards a stronger growth model that ensures European companies born in Europe to stay in Europe.”

EuronextCEO Stéphane Boujnah said: “This partnership will enhance our IPOready programme.

”The programme aims to give innovative and high-growth small and mid-sized companies that contribute to the European continent’s strategic autonomy increased visibility and access to capital markets.”