In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Nadia Calviño, the recently appointed President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), shares insights into how the EIB is steering Europe towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and aiding Ukraine’s reconstruction. The interview covers the EIB’s role as a major multilateral lender, emphasizing its shift towards financing green initiatives instead of fossil fuels and its commitment to supporting global innovation and competitiveness.
Calviño discusses the EIB’s longstanding involvement in Ukraine, detailing the €2 billion already invested and the recent agreement to reinforce support for the country’s reconstruction efforts. The conversation then delves into the EIB’s pivotal role as a “climate bank,” with Calviño highlighting the €49 billion invested in green projects last year. The projects encompass the entire spectrum of the green transition, ranging from research and development to the decarbonization of heavy industry.
Addressing challenges, Calviño acknowledges the disruptive nature of transitioning to a green economy and stresses the need for public sector, political, and institutional support to facilitate this shift. She underlines the EIB’s role in de-risking investments and mobilizing private and public capital for projects like green hydrogen and circular battery factories.
The interview also touches upon geopolitical tensions and potential impacts on the EIB’s initiatives. Calviño emphasizes the importance of unity among Europeans and a resolute response to challenges, irrespective of global political developments.
Looking ahead, Calviño expresses optimism about Europe’s future, mentioning the ongoing efforts towards a capital markets union and her hope for a united, integrated, and prosperous European Union in the next six years. However, she acknowledges the uncertainties posed by geopolitical events, the pandemic, and other challenges, expressing a desire for efficient responses and sustained peace on the Union’s borders.
