EIB Unveils NOK 3bn Gender-Focused Sustainability Bond to Drive Social Impact

EIB Unveils NOK 3bn Gender-Focused Sustainability Bond to Drive Social Impact

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued a NOK 3 billion Sustainability Awareness Bond (SAB) maturing on April 2, 2030, with an annual coupon of 4.329% and a reoffer spread of NOK mid-swaps +6bps. This marks the second SAB transaction and the first new issue since the SAB framework was extended to include gender equality and women’s economic empowerment objectives. The proceeds will support projects that enhance access to finance for women and promote female entrepreneurship and gender equality. The issuance has attracted strong investor interest from major institutions such as Nordea Liv, Sparebanken Vest, and several other leading banks. Comments from industry representatives underscore the significance of gender-focused sustainable investments and highlight the bond’s role in advancing EIB’s strategic commitment to social impact. Structured as an EMTN listed in Luxembourg, the bond also features a settlement date of April 2, 2025 (T+6) and reaffirms EIB’s dedication to transparency and accountability in sustainable financing.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 26-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, successfully priced a new NOK 3 billion Sustainability Awareness Bond (SAB) with a maturity date set for April 2, 2030. This bond, which carries an annual coupon of 4.329%, was priced at a reoffer spread of NOK mid-swaps plus 6 basis points. It marks the second SAB transaction and the first fresh issuance following the announcement on March 5, which extended the SAB framework to embrace two new social objectives: “gender equality” and “women’s economic empowerment.” The funds raised through this bond will be allocated specifically to projects that promote access to finance for women, bolster female entrepreneurship, and enhance gender equality.

The issuance has garnered robust support from prominent investors, including Nordea Liv, Sparebanken Møre, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, SpareBank 1 SMN, SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge, Sparebanken Vest, Sparebanken Øst, and Sparebank 1 Østlandet, who see this opportunity as a strategic alignment with their sustainable investment goals. Anders Wallacher Haukås, Head of Sustainable Investment at Nordea Liv, commented, “Gender diversity and equal opportunity are central to our sustainable investment strategy. Nordea has internal targets for gender equality, and we are proud to support initiatives that promote female entrepreneurship and gender equality through EIB’s projects.” Thomas Colliander, Finance Manager at Sparebanken Vest, added, “The new EIB SAB framework presents a rare market opportunity to channel funds into projects with a clear gender dimension, underscoring the vital role of gender equality in fostering economic growth and prosperity. This aligns perfectly with our mission as a savings bank.” Per Egil Aamo, Deputy Head of Treasury at Sparebank 1 SMN, noted, “We appreciate that the SAB framework takes a broad view of sustainability—extending beyond the climate agenda—and aligns with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and key aspects of the EU taxonomy. Its comprehensive scope underlines the importance of providing a level playing field for all as a driver of economic growth.” Anna Sjulander, Head of SSA Origination at SEB, expressed pride in bringing the NOK transaction to market for EIB, stating, “Our investor clients have welcomed this exceptional opportunity to leverage capital markets to address gender equality while supporting EIB’s sustainability strategy.” Olivier Chapiteau, Funding Officer at EIB, remarked, “This transaction highlights the market’s keen interest in gender-focused initiatives. Our rigorous approach to SABs, underscored by transparency and accountability, reinforces our commitment to extending SAB objectives to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment—an effort that lies at the very heart of our values.”

The bond is structured as an EMTN listed in Luxembourg. Key terms include a settlement date of April 2, 2025 (T+6) and a re-offer price of 100%, reflecting a steadfast commitment to sustainability and social impact through innovative financing.

Media contact:

Investor Relations
investor.relations@eib.org
+352 43 79 – 53000

SOURCE: European Investment Bank