Fragility and conflict

Building resilience

Today, nearly a quarter of the world’s population lives in fragile or conflict-affected contexts or areas, driven by crises including armed conflict, forced displacement, food insecurity and climate change.

Addressing these challenges requires investment that strengthens institutions and makes economies and societies more resilient. That is why the European Investment Bank is scaling up the volume and types of financing it provides to fragile and conflict-affected contexts through public and private sector investments.

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Our goals

We have a long record of investing in fragile and conflict-affected areas worldwide. Our operations aim to:

Promote prevention

of conflict through supporting resilience and addressing fragilities

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by protecting existing investments and financing projects that mitigate conflict

Support recovery

and peace through investments that support future resilience and growth

Respond to crisis

by carrying out urgent interventions that address the roots of the crisis

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Where we work

The EIB works to support stability and peace in fragile and conflict-affected contexts around the world.

In focus

Conflict sensitivity in projects

With conflicts and violence at the local, sub-national, cross-border and regional level becoming increasingly fractured – particularly in Africa’s Sahel region – this tip sheet gives the private sector practical measures on how to “do no harm” and identify opportunities to reduce conflict risks.

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Our stories

Individual stories speak far louder than figures and charts. Learn how our work impacts lives in fragile or conflict-affected contexts around the world.

4 December 2023 Yasmine Pagni

Impact adaptation

Adaptation to better manage the impacts of climate-related migration is crucial to protect economies – and millions of lives

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Climate Adaptation Zambia Nigeria Malawi Pakistan Jordan China Bangladesh Philippines Africa, Caribbean, Pacific countries + OCT Mediterranean countries Asia and Latin America Development Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
22 June 2023

What it will take to transform development finance

We can achieve a sustainable future only by reforming the financial system, scaling up climate investment, and listening to vulnerable states, say Barbados PM Mia Mottley and EIB President Werner Hoyer

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Management committee Development Migration Climate action and environment Institutional Diversity and gender
3 May 2023 Andreia Nuno

Road to a better life

An upgrade to 1 400 km of rural roads across Laos brings quick access to markets, hospitals and schools. Mee’s story shows how a better road can change lives

Infrastructure Mobility Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Lao People's Democratic Rep. Asia and Latin America Transport Development Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender
3 May 2023 Dawid A. Fusiek

Never too late to learn

In Uganda financial literacy training for refugees and host communities develops the skills necessary to grow refugee businesses and transform lives

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Uganda Africa, Caribbean, Pacific countries + OCT Development Migration SMEs Diversity and gender
31 March 2023 Chris Knight

5 ways to rebuild during a war

Report on recovery of Ukraine economy calls for more targeted assistance and greater cooperation among aid groups

Infrastructure Social sustainability Solidarity with Ukraine Fragility and conflict Ukraine Russian Federation Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus Development Migration Diversity and gender
16 February 2023

On the move in Laos: Mee's story

Roads are essential for connecting farmers to vendors, allowing their goods to be delivered safely and quickly.

Mee lives in a small remote village in Laos. She makes her living by selling chickens, ducks, and vegetables in the nearest Paksan District. Due to the bumpy and dangerous road that leads to Paksan, it took Mee five hours to access the market, suffering losses along the way because her chickens died or vegetables rotted.

In June 2020, the road passing through Mee's village was improved and paved. Since then, it takes Mee only an hour to reach Paksan. Her animals survive, and vegetables stay fresh.

The European Union and the European Investment Bank supported the Lao government in rehabilitating 1 400 km of unpaved roads in six provinces in Laos. The upgraded road network now guarantees safe transport for 1.6 million people. Watch Mee's full story.

Discover how the EIB improves lives around the world.

Infrastructure Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Roads Lao People's Democratic Rep. Asia and Latin America Transport Development Migration Diversity and gender

Our publications

Understanding the global landscape is key to taking action. Explore our latest research, economic studies, surveys and other resources.

3 May 2023

EIB Global Report 2022/2023 — The impact

Looking back on EIB Global’s first year, this report details the impact of EIB Global operations, accompanied by an analysis of the development challenges in different regions, and in light of the main EU priorities.

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Development Migration Balanced regional development Diversity and gender
3 May 2023

EIB Global Report 2022/2023 - The story

EIB Global plants the seeds for growth in climate action, sustainability and green energy. The challenges we face know no borders. EIB Global is our commitment to better societies everywhere.

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Development Migration Balanced regional development Diversity and gender
6 February 2023

The European Investment Bank’s approach to human rights — information note

The EIB is committed to respecting and promoting human rights in its lending operations. This document details our policies, procedures and practices to avoid and address human rights risks and impacts.

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Human rights Development Migration Diversity and gender
4 October 2022

EIB Strategic Approach to Fragility and Conflict

The European Investment Bank adopted its first Strategic Approach to Fragility and Conflict. It outlines the bank’s vision and approach to working in fragile and conflict affected contexts, with the aim to enhance EIB’s development impact.

Social sustainability Fragility and conflict Human rights Development Migration Climate action and environment Diversity and gender