President Nadia Calviño Opens Third EIB Group Forum, Emphasising Security and Economic Prosperity

President Nadia Calviño opened the third EIB Group Forum, emphasising security and economic prosperity. The EIB Group Investment Report highlights market integration, simplification, and innovation as key to Europe’s competitiveness, stressing investment in AI, digitalisation, green energy, and social infrastructure.

The third edition of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Forum commenced with an address by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, focusing on the integral relationship between security and economic prosperity. The event gathers policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss Europe’s economic growth, security challenges, and global cooperation.

President Calviño outlined the EIB Group’s commitment to reinforcing security through strategic investments in industries, defence, energy infrastructure, green transition, social infrastructure, and global partnerships. She underscored that every investment made by the EIB Group contributes to Europe's collective security.

“In such turbulent times, it’s back to basics – we must safeguard ‘security’,” stated President Calviño. “This is a big word, with many facets, which includes an environment of freedom and peace for our countries, stability, certainty and opportunities to grow for our businesses, and an inclusive society where people are confident about the future for themselves and their children... Security and shared economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing and work in tandem.”

Security and defence: Expansion of EIB financing

A key announcement during the forum was the EIB’s proposal to expand security and defence financing eligibilities. Following a comprehensive market assessment, the EIB Group plans to present recommendations to its Board of Directors later this month. These recommendations aim to refine the scope of excluded activities while enabling the EIB Group to respond effectively to financing needs.

President Calviño emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts, stating, “There is a need to join forces and have a coordinated approach, where each institution focuses on where it can provide more value. These changes reflect the EIB Group’s readiness to remain responsive and relevant in a shifting global landscape.”

Additionally, the EIB Group is working towards integrating its existing eight billion euro programme into a new cross-cutting and permanent public policy goal.

EIB Group Investment Report 2024/2025: Strengthening market integration and innovation

The forum also marked the launch of the EIB Group Investment Report 2024/2025, which presents a detailed analysis of investment trends across Europe. The report is based on a survey of approximately 13,000 European firms and highlights key challenges and opportunities in the economic landscape.

President Calviño outlined three essential levers necessary to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and security:

1. Market integration – The report identifies market fragmentation as a major challenge for European firms and underscores the need for a more unified market.
2. Simplification – Regulatory clarity and streamlined policies are recognised as crucial drivers of investment in sustainable technologies and innovation.
3. Large-scale investment in innovation – The report highlights Europe’s strong industrial and research base, particularly in artificial intelligence and digitalisation, which could enhance productivity and competitiveness.

“To secure Europe’s future, we must prioritise structural transformation, innovation, digitalisation, and decarbonisation,” stated EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella.

“Increasing our investments in these vital areas, along with dedicated financing for scaling key technologies, is essential. The findings of our Investment Report serve as a crucial roadmap for policymakers and investors, guiding us through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The new geopolitical context only reinforces the urgency to act.”

Key findings from the investment report

• A significant number of European firms are affected by market fragmentation, highlighting the need for deeper EU market integration.
• Europe’s industrial and research capabilities offer opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and digital technologies for enhanced productivity in manufacturing and services.
• Ambitious climate policies are yielding positive results, with substantial progress in renewable energy and green technology patenting on a global scale.
• A consistent regulatory framework plays a vital role in attracting investment in sustainable technologies. The recent trend towards simplification introduces pragmatism while maintaining clarity on long-term objectives.
• Social investment is shown to generate economic returns, particularly in addressing the skills gap and enhancing labour force participation. Increased workforce inclusion, particularly among women, could contribute significantly to Europe’s economic growth.
• The report underscores the importance of targeted policy instruments and EU-wide coordination to maximise the impact of public investment. Tailored support mechanisms significantly increase firms’ likelihood of investing in energy efficiency and innovation.

EIB’s commitment to Europe’s long-term development

The EIB Group, which comprises the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, remains a key financial institution supporting EU policy objectives. With a focus on eight core priorities—including climate action, digitalisation, security and defence, social infrastructure, and financial market integration—the EIB Group plays a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s economic resilience.

In 2024, the EIB Group signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects aimed at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and security. These investments reflect the institution’s long-term commitment to fostering a prosperous and secure European economy.