Former Head of Dutch Representation in Brussels to Join EIB Management Committee

Former Head of Dutch Representation in Brussels to Join EIB Management Committee

(IN BRIEF) Robert de Groot, the former head of the Dutch Permanent Representation in Brussels, has been appointed as the new Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). He will assume his role on February 1, 2024, succeeding outgoing Vice-President Kris Peeters. De Groot’s appointment follows a unanimous decision by the EIB’s shareholders, the EU Member States. With over three decades of experience in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including roles as European affairs advisor to the Dutch Prime Minister and Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the European Union, De Groot brings a wealth of expertise in EU affairs to the EIB. His appointment was welcomed by EIB President Nadia Calviño, who emphasized the importance of engaging with EU institutions in shaping the bank’s future direction. De Groot expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the EIB’s crucial role in supporting innovation, competitiveness, and the transition to climate neutrality in Europe. The EIB is the EU’s long-term lending institution, financing investments aligned with EU policy goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 24-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert de Groot to its Management Committee, following a unanimous decision by the Bank’s shareholders, the EU Member States. Mr. De Groot, the former head of the Dutch Permanent Representation in Brussels, will officially assume his role as Vice-President of the EIB on February 1, 2024, succeeding outgoing Belgian Vice-President Kris Peeters.

With a distinguished career spanning over three decades at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. De Groot brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the EIB. His career, which began in 1988, included pivotal roles such as European affairs advisor to Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok between 1998 and 2002 and later as Director General for European Cooperation at the ministry. In 2017, he assumed the role of Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the European Union. Mr. De Groot holds a master’s degree in economics from the Erasmus University Rotterdam.

EIB President Nadia Calviño welcomed the appointment, stating, “A seasoned diplomat with deep knowledge of EU affairs, Robert de Groot will further strengthen the EIB’s leadership team. As we chart the Bank’s future for the years ahead, engagement with our shareholders and stakeholders in the EU institutions is a key priority. I am glad to welcome a colleague with such breadth of expertise in this area.”

Mr. De Groot expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “From supporting innovation and boosting competitiveness to financing a just transition to climate neutrality, EIB financing can direct investment where it’s needed the most. I look forward to working together with President Calviño and fellow members of the Management Committee to help steer the Bank’s activities for the benefit of our businesses and households, the European economy and our partners around the world.”

The European Investment Bank, owned by its Member States, serves as the long-term lending institution of the European Union. It finances sound investments aligned with EU policy goals and collaborates closely with other EU institutions to advance shared priorities, including competitiveness, innovation, equitable growth, and the swift transition to climate neutrality.

Media contact:

Tim Smit
t.smit@eib.org
+352 4379 – 89076

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank