The evaluation function (IG/EV) of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group promotes accountability through evidence-based assessments of the Group’s performance and results. It also contributes to learning, feedback and knowledge-sharing to inform EIB Group decisions on policies, strategies, products, projects and organisational matters, and to improve performance.
Every year, the EIB’s independent evaluation function presents to its governing bodies its yearly activity report and a forward-looking three-year rolling work programme.
The work programme for 2025-2027 prioritises evaluations in four thematic areas, closely aligned with the EIB’s Public Policy Goals and the Group’s eight policy priorities:
These thematic areas will provide timely information to support the implementation of the Group’s priorities. The principles of utility and timeliness will continue to inform how evaluations are selected for inclusion to ensure their contribution to improving the EIB groups’ performance and impact.
About the report
Delivering as the climate bank
The Evaluation Division is helping the EIB Group fulfil its climate finance ambitions. In 2025, the division will publish two evaluations related to climate finance:
- an evaluation of the EIB Group’s Climate Bank Roadmap;
- an evaluation of the EIB Energy Lending Policy.
Contributing to a resilient Europe
The EIB Group aims to boost investment in key areas, focusing on closing the investment gap in Europe. In 2025, three evaluations focus on the EIB Group’s impact on building a competitive, resilient and inclusive Europe:
- an evaluation of EIB Group debt support for small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps;
- an evaluation of the use of EIB framework loans in addressing disasters and emergencies;
- an evaluation of the European Guarantee Fund.
Investing worldwide for impact
In 2024, the division completed two evaluations and a study on the EIB’s work beyond the European Union:
- an evaluation of EIB support for agriculture and bioeconomy beyond the European Union;
- an evaluation of the partnership between the EIB and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in support of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Southern Mediterranean region;
- a preparatory study for an impact evaluation of a water project in Madagascar.
Managing for quality, efficiency and impact
The division’s work programme includes evaluations and studies with a primary focus on assessing how the internal organisation, procedures and products are conducive to quality, efficiency and impact. In 2025, the division will finalise:
- an evaluation of the EIB Group’s gender strategy;
- a synthesis on the role and contribution of the EIB Group to the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework;
- an evaluation of the EIB Additionality and Impact Measurement.
Looking ahead, the division will launch several new evaluations in 2025, including evaluations of:
- the EIB’s support for health infrastructure in the European Union;
- the Group’s contribution to InvestEU;
- the EIF’s private sector mandates.
The international evaluation community provides an environment that fosters learning and collaboration across institutions, regions and stakeholders. In 2024, the division contributed to it by helping to promote best practice, explore new approaches and improve skills and processes.
