EIB Group Unveils 2026–2030 Gender Action Plan to Strengthen Women’s Economic Empowerment

EIB Group Unveils 2026–2030 Gender Action Plan to Strengthen Women’s Economic Empowerment

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank Group has launched its third Gender Action Plan for 2026–2030, aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in Europe and globally. The plan focuses on expanding economic opportunities for women, investing in inclusive infrastructure and services, and ensuring equal rights and dignity across all operations. The EIB Group will increase advisory support fivefold, introduce digital tools for gender-smart project development and issue Sustainability Awareness Bonds with gender equality objectives to mobilize additional private capital.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 4-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank Group has presented its third Gender Action Plan, reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s economic empowerment across Europe and globally.

The announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day and at a time when progress on gender equality remains uneven worldwide. Through the new framework, the EIB Group signals a renewed determination to integrate gender considerations across its financing, advisory and capital market activities.

EIB Group President Nadia Calviño emphasized that gender equality is both a fundamental European value and a driver of sustainable economic growth. She highlighted that supporting women’s economic participation contributes to more resilient, prosperous and inclusive societies.

The Gender Action Plan covers the period 2026–2030 and concentrates on three strategic pillars. First, it aims to expand economic opportunities for women by improving access to finance, leadership roles, employment and skills development. Second, it prioritizes investment in inclusive infrastructure and essential services — including healthcare — ensuring that people of all gender identities can access the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. Third, it reinforces the promotion of security, dignity and equal rights throughout all EIB Group operations.

To translate these objectives into measurable impact, the EIB Group plans to significantly increase its advisory support, multiplying it fivefold to help partners incorporate gender perspectives from project design through implementation. The Group will also introduce new digital tools intended to simplify and mainstream gender-smart project development.

In addition, the EIB Group will continue to mobilize private capital by issuing Sustainability Awareness Bonds with gender equality objectives. These instruments are designed to channel additional financing toward projects that foster inclusive and equitable growth.

Through the new action plan, the EIB Group strengthens its institutional approach to embedding gender equality into long-term investment strategies, reinforcing its broader mission to support sustainable development and economic resilience.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank