EIB to deploy at least €2 billion for infrastructure projects, private sector support and advisory services under the Ukraine Facility - EIB Group President

Exclusive interview with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank Group

Text: Oksana Gryshyna

Six months ago, you took over as President of the European Investment Bank Group – the financial arm of the European Union. And you recently presented your priorities for the EIB Group. Where does Ukraine feature here?

Our priorities when investing beyond the European Union focus on creating a significant positive impact, starting with Ukraine. The EIB Group is the main investment partner for the country and, since the war began, we have provided over €2 billion there for emergency needs – rebuilding national infrastructure, roads, railways and energy facilities. This will help Ukraine restore and maintain essential municipal services like schools, hospitals, kindergartens and local transport. We’re also facilitating investment to support Ukraine’s businesses, especially SMEs, to keep the economy running. Our Ukrainian partners tell us these efforts have been key to maintaining the resistance, and resilience in the face of Russian aggression.

 As the financial arm of the European Union, we remain steadfast in our support. We are committed to helping preserve Ukraine’s stability, security and resilience now, and – soon, I hope – the country’s reconstruction after the war and its path to EU accession.

 Our support has mainly been channelled through the EU for Ukraine Initiative, based on the contributions of 11 Member States. In the future, we will be implementing the EU’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility.

How are you showing this commitment at the Ukraine Recovery Conference taking place today in Berlin?

The Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin is an excellent platform for coordination between donors and