Climate and environmental sustainability

The European Investment Bank is one of the world’s main financiers of climate action and environmental sustainability.

The decade 2021-2030 is critical to address our planet's climate and environmental emergency. To achieve this, trillions of euros of investment are required. We must:

limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century,
adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change
combat environmental degradation,
halt biodiversity loss, and
stop widening inequalities.

The European Union is at the forefront of the global fight against climate change and environmental degradation. With the European Green Deal, the EU aims at making the European economy sustainable and inclusive. The EIB is an important partner in this new growth strategy, and plays a leading role in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

We put sustainable development at the heart of our activities. All our projects must meet our Environmental and Social Standards, with social development considerations mainstreamed in everything we do.

The climate crisis impacts everyone, especially women. The EIB Group has launched the Women Climate Leaders Network to leverage women's leadership in the areas of climate action, environment and sustainability. The network gathers women leaders from the private sector who have showcased exceptional drive for climate action.

Our climate and environmental sustainability financing

In 2023, the share of EIB investments that went to climate action and environmental sustainability projects rose to €44.3 billion, or 60%*.

* Climate action and environmental sustainability financing by the EIB, own resources. Figures are unaudited and provisional.

Key areas

Climate action explained

Our lending is aligned with the Paris Agreement and promotes adaptation, mitigation and environmental sustainability

Climate Bank Roadmap

Find out how the roadmap provides a framework to counter climate change and protect the environment during the critical decade ahead

Environmental sustainability

We carefully check that our projects meet our environmental and social principles and standards and conform with our corporate responsibility commitments

Supporting your project

We work with many parts of the public and private sectors to increase investment in projects that help the climate and environment

Curious about the green transition?

Our latest stories, videos, podcasts, reports and surveys illustrate inspiring projects, citizens’ and businesses’ concerns and teach about climate change and environmental sustainability.

EIB Climate Survey 2023-2024: the global edition

Climate change for the classroom

Award winning 360° experience: innovative climate solutions across Europe

EIB Investment Survey - European Union Overview

Podcast: the story of the ozone hole

What is sustainable finance?

Our stories

15 April 2024
Ambroise Fayolle

To change our plastic habits

Plastics are a constant part of lives for their usefulness and price, but they are also a growing problem for our environment, our oceans and our health. Here’s what we can do to change our plastic habits.

Water Environment Water treatment Climate action and environment Water, wastewater management Health and life sciences
10 April 2024
Ambroise Fayolle

Adaptation: The high price of inaction

Urgent adaptation investment is needed for the world to cope with global warming, protect vulnerable populations, and safeguard our future

Infrastructure Climate action and environment
25 March 2024

Krakow: Climate and social projects for a sustainable and inclusive city

Krakow is becoming a green city with the support of the European Investment Bank. The second largest city in Poland has embarked on a journey to develop a sustainable, integrated, resilient and inclusive urban environment. The EIB financing is helping Krakow achieve climate neutrality and provide, at the same time, improved social infrastructure for a city committed to help Ukrainian refugees.

EIB support for Poland

Social sustainability Solidarity with Ukraine Social housing Ukraine Poland Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus European Union Urban development Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
13 March 2024
Ambroise Fayolle

New green partnerships for Africa

Africa needs new partnerships, bolder ambitions and policies to tackle climate action and environmental sustainability

Development Climate action and environment
12 March 2024
Chris Knight

A green model in Africa

Infrastructure Research, innovation and technology Transport Climate action and environment Energy SMEs
8 March 2024

The Economic Power of Gender Equality

Ensuring gender equality and equal rights for all is an economic issue of paramount importance.

Development Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
8 March 2024
Moa Westman

Gender inclusion to boost climate action

Women’s leadership accelerates climate action, enhances gender diversity and social inclusion. Here’s how diversity fosters resilience and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

Social sustainability Environment Climate European Union Development Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
13 February 2024
Chris Knight

Small businesses by the big river

Egypt sets its sights on a million new small business entrepreneurs, less congestion in big cities, and more electric transport – as well as better use of the water carried down the Nile

Infrastructure Egypt Mediterranean countries Transport Development Climate action and environment Energy SMEs
12 February 2024

The EIB Group Forum 2024

The second edition of the EIB Group Forum took place in Luxembourg with senior policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives. Over the two days, keynote speakers and panellists shared insights about the growth outlook for the European economy, against the backdrop of war, inflation, and tight financial conditions, which have added to chronic structural challenges such as an ageing population.

Climate change Climate Climate finance Climate action Climate action and environment Energy SMEs Diversity and gender Digital and telecoms

Key publications

29 February 2024

Climate action and environmental sustainability - Overview 2024

This publication gives an overview of the European Investment Bank Group’s support to climate action and environmental sustainability.

Climate action and environment
27 November 2023

Mid-term review of the EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap

This review summarises the EIB Group’s progress in delivering on its Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025. The Roadmap lays out how the EU bank would support the European Green Deal and a just transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development.

Climate action and environment
27 November 2023

The EIB Group PATH Framework: Version 1.2

Version 1.2 November 2023 - Supporting counterparties on their pathways to align with the Paris agreement

Climate action and environment
14 November 2022

The EIB Environment Framework

How is EIB supporting environmental investments across the world and enhancing the environmental impact and risk assessment of its operations and activities?
23 May 2022

European Investment Bank Climate Action - Eligible sectors and eligibility criteria

As part of the Climate Strategy, the European Investment Bank drew up a List of eligible sectors and eligibility criteria for climate action.

Climate action and environment
4 March 2022

EIB Environmental and Social Standards Overview

An brief overview of the recently published revised set of EIB Environmental and Social Standards.

Social sustainability Environment Human rights Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
28 October 2021

The path to a better planet

Our new climate adaptation plan and a new Paris alignment framework for clients show how we will make smarter investments around the world using the latest science and help everyone transition to cleaner ways of working and living.

Climate action and environment
29 June 2023

EIB Group Sustainability report 2022

The EIB Group is responding to the myriad crises facing the European Union by making sustainable investments that will help the green transition, spur innovation and grow small businesses.

Sustainability Climate action and environment Energy Corporate
1 February 2024

EIB Group Activity Report 2023

A blueprint presents drawings, dimensions and notes. This report draws vivid pictures of the beneficiaries of European Investment Bank projects in 2023.

Research, innovation and technology Climate action and environment Energy Digital and telecoms

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