EIB Delegation Engages in 32nd Economic Forum, Discussing Investments and Sustainability in Central and Eastern Europe

EIB Delegation Engages in 32nd Economic Forum, Discussing Investments and Sustainability in Central and Eastern Europe

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation led by Grzegorz Rabsztyn is participating in the 32nd Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland. The forum’s theme is “New Values for the Old Continent – Europe on the Threshold of Change.” Discussions will cover challenges facing Europe, including the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. The EIB’s role in supporting companies’ growth in Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe (CESEE) will be highlighted, with the EIB actively involved in sustainable investments and green financing. Additionally, the EIB has collaborated with the Warsaw School of Economics for a special report on business models in the CESEE region. EIB experts will contribute to various panel discussions on topics such as sustainable investments, EU funds for regional projects, and capital markets perspectives.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 6-Sep-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The delegation from the European Investment Bank led by Grzegorz Rabsztyn – the Head of the EIB Group Office in Poland, is participating in the 32nd Economic Forum in Karpacz, in Lower Silesia (Poland). In the opening session, he will be talking about investments in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (CESEE) and how the EIB can help companies in this region to develop and gain a competitive advantage.

The theme of this year’s Economic Forum is ‘New Values for the Old Continent – Europe on the Threshold of Change‘. For three days, Karpacz will host top leaders from across the country, including politicians, economists, local government representatives and prominent figures from the world of culture and science. Journalists from all over Europe will be following the debates.

“The Economic Forum in Karpacz provides a platform for top level discussions on how to manage the challenges that Europe is facing. The energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine has hindered economic development. The EIB is making every effort to support companies in their growth journey so that they can pursue their plans and investments.” – said the Head of the EIB Group Office in Poland, Grzegorz Rabsztyn.

This year the EIB started a co-operation initiative with the Warsaw School of Economics (Szkoła Główna Handlowa), the most renowned economic university in Poland. The EIB’s Economics Department has prepared a special piece for this year’s event, “Upgrading the business model: Are Central, Eastern and South-Eastern European firms investing enough?” which is included in a special report that will be presented at the forum.

Additionally, Grzegorz Rabsztyn is participating in the panel session “EU taxonomy. Is this an opportunity to implement sustainable investments?”. Last year, the EIB’s pro-climate financing reached 58% of its total financing and the EIB met its commitment to devote at least 50% of its resources to climate action and environmental sustainability, well ahead of its 2025 target. Green financing has increased significantly in Poland, up from 42% in 2021 to 49% in 2022.

Artur Rudnicki, the principal advisor representing EIB advisory services, is contributing to the discussion “EU funds for regional investments – balance of profits and losses.” The advisory services of the EIB have supported various project promoters in Poland in a number of large-scale projects exceeding €10 billion within the last few years.  In addition, a total of €3.19 billion of EIB financing was approved in 2022 to support the sustainable development of Polish cities and regions. The EIB Group’s support has enabled investment in the green transformation of urban infrastructure and has helped to develop sustainable transport infrastructure.

EIB economist Marcin Wolski will share analysis and conclusions from the EIB Economics Departement in the panel session “The perspectives for capital markets in the CESEE region.” According to the 2022 EIB Investment Survey results, Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe is not shy of using external finance to fund investment. Almost every second firm in the region (45%) that invested in the last financial year had financed at least some of their investment through external finance, which is similar to the EU average. Nonetheless, the share of finance-constrained firms is structurally higher in the region, which could amplify financing challenges in an environment of high interest rates.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank