On 16 March 2023, a delegation of Members from the Committee of Foreign Affairs (AFET) and on Development (DEVE) visited the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Members held discussions on EIB external action, especially activities of the ‘EIB Global’ branch which was set up in January 2022. This new branch promotes investments outside the EU, supporting EU partnerships around the world, in particular in climate change, innovation and development.
EIB Global os a key ally in the implementation of the Global Gateway Initiative launched by the European Commission in December 2021.
EIB Global is also part of the efforts to revamp the European Financial Architecture for Development, making it more effective, and part of a bigger worldwide effort to close the ever-increasing financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030.
Hosted by EIB President Werner Hoyer, Members exchanged views with the EIB leadership, and assessed the activities already performed during the first year of EIB Global. The EIB response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine featured prominently on the agenda, featuring discussions on Solidarity Package for Ukraine, Solidarity Lanes, as well as the global consequences of the war on food and energy security aspects. Furthermore, discussions on Global Gateway, climate action, global health and other topical issues are also expected to be raised.