For Europe and the world, tackling climate change remains one of the most important challenges of our time. In order to maintain leadership in the ongoing technological transformation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to adapt to the increasing costs associated with extreme weather events is essential substantial investmentThe European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, as the financial institution of the European Union, represents the second phase its Climate Bank Roadmap Phase 2 for the period 2026 – 2030.

This new phase builds on the successful results of the first phase (2021-2025) and replaces the EIB Group Roadmap 2021-2025 and the EIB Climate Strategy 2020. The EIB Group has already demonstrated significant progress in the first phase, increasing its share of Group Green Finance from less than 40 % in 2020 to almost 60 % of total financing in 2024, significantly exceeding the target of >50 % set by 2025. Since 2021, the EIB Group has allocated more than 50 % of its resources to this financing. By 2030, the EIB Group is on track to support green investments worth a total of 1 trillion euros.

Ambitious goals and expanded scope

For Phase 2, all key commitments are extended to the entire EIB Group, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), underlining its growing strategic role in supporting cleantech innovation and the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) ecosystem.

The EIB Group's main objectives for the period 2026-2030 are:

1. Robust framework: All new operations of the Group will continue to be in line with the objectives and principles of the Paris Agreement.
2. Volume: The proportion of the Group's annual financing dedicated to Green Financing will exceed 50 %.
3. Leverage: Group financing will support €1 trillion of green investments over the period 2021 – 2030This volume represents approximately €50 billion of Green Finance annually.

Focus on high impact and triple dividend

While the first phase was driven by regulatory frameworks and public support, the second phase is increasingly motivated by questions competitiveness and securityThe EIB will focus in the second phase on strategic investments, where One euro of EIB investment will bring multiple benefits, boosting competitiveness, increasing prosperity and strengthening European security and resilience.

The strategic focus is divided into three mutually reinforcing pillars:

1. Competitiveness

The EIB will focus on reducing energy costs in the EU and increasing industrial efficiency (in line with Clean Industrial DealThis includes supporting innovation for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors (including hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as aviation and shipping), as well as strengthening the value chain. critical raw materials (Critical Raw Materials) and support for the circular economy.

2. Inclusive prosperity

The aim is to ensure that all segments of the population benefit from the clean transition. The EIB will support just transition (Just Transition) in fossil fuel-dependent regions and provide solutions for social inclusion, including affordable and sustainable housing (EIB Affordable and Sustainable Housing Plan). At the global level, EIB Global will work to support the goals of global climate finance for developing countries.

3. Safety and preparedness

The EIB Group will strengthen its focus on climate change adaptation and resilience. It will focus on "resistance by design" (resilience by design) for all long-term infrastructure and allocates an aggregate amount 30 billion euros to finance adaptation measures during the period 2026-2030. The new Water resistance program (Water Resilience Programme) will focus on the efficiency and resilience of the entire water cycle. Support will also focus on the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (including farmers) and vulnerable cities and regions.

Simplification and transparency

For clients, the EIB Group implementation frameworks will significantly simplifyThe EIB will rely on market-recognised EU benchmarks and international harmonised standards, limiting specific requirements that would unnecessarily burden clients. For SMEs, processes will be based on the principle of proportionality, with minimal information requirements and using self-assessment tools such as online Group Green Checker.

The EIB Group, as a key player in the green and sustainable bond space (with over €100 billion in bonds issued), will continue to align its CAB and SAB frameworks with the EU Green Bond Standard, issuing the first in April 2025. Climate Awareness Bond in accordance with this standard.

In conclusion, the new Roadmap consolidates the EIB Group's position as a climate bank with the tools and financial capacity to ensure that the green and just transition is a European success. JRi