EIB Board Of Directors Approves €5.3 Billion Investment For Climate Resilience And Business Competitiveness
Business
The Board also discussed the action plan being implemented to further strengthen transparency, accountability and well-being at the workplace across the EIB Group. The Directors welcomed the plan presented by President Nadia Calviño, which includes the establishment of an independent Ombudsman function to provide confidential support for staff, as well as stronger procedures to protect whistleblowers and deal with any form of misconduct.
Supporting smart cities and urban development
The September Board of Directors meeting approved more than €3.5 billion of financing for investment in towns and cities across Europe.
This includes technical and streamlined financial support to accelerate smart city schemes and new energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport and urban renewal investment to enable “EU Mission Cities” across Europe to become climate neutral.
The Board also agreed new financing for urban development across Bulgaria alongside EU Structural Funds and upgrading energy infrastructure in the southern German city of Reutlingen.
Supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland
The EIB approved increased support for accommodation, education and health services for 1.4 million Ukrainian refugees in all 16 regions across Poland. This is part of the EIB’s dedicated Ukraine Solidarity Package and managed by Poland’s national promotional bank BGK.
Backing business growth and innovation
Directors approved new financing for corporate innovation and business investment totalling €1.4 billion. This includes backing automotive and aviation industrial research, alongside development of clean transport, hydrogen and battery technology.
Streamlined financing for sustainable business investment backed by the EIB and EIF across Europe was approved alongside a new business financing scheme in Guinea.
A new initiative to strengthen investment by agricultural companies across Côte d'Ivoire, including enhancing skills and employment opportunities for young people was also approved.
Expanding water and sustainable transport
The Board also agreed €350 million to back investment to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure in Bratislava and a 44km expansion of the Nagpur metro in India.