• This is the first comprehensive document on the bank’s approach to human rights.
  • It outlines policies, procedures, practices and actions taken by the EIB to promote human rights.
  • It explains how the EIB performs its human-rights-responsive due diligence.

The European Investment Bank’s approach to human rights: Information note, published today, outlines the EIB’s commitment and approach to respecting and promoting human rights in its lending operations, presents the policies it has in place to fulfil this commitment, and describes how it addresses human rights risks and impacts in its investments.

The information note builds upon an explanatory note prepared for the EIB’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Framework consultations and on the feedback received during these consultations.

EIB President Werner Hoyer said:

“Respect for human rights is a fundamental value for the EIB. As the EU bank, equality and human dignity are central to our mission. To make sure that our investments promote human rights across the world, we will continue to work together with our partners and civil society organisations and keep improving our policies and practices.”

In addition to avoiding and addressing negative human rights impacts and risks, the EIB promotes human rights by investing in projects that enhance quality of life, further gender inclusion and equal opportunities, build resilience to climate change and unforeseen crises, and support quality employment and financial inclusion. The Bank seeks to contribute to building peaceful and stable societies, and to promote social inclusion and cohesion in fragile regions and areas affected by conflict.

Later in 2023, the EIB will prepare a good practice note on human rights to support its clients in identifying, preventing and addressing human rights risks and impacts under its Environmental and Social Sustainability Framework.

The EIB will continue engaging with other development finance institutions, UN entities, trade unions, promoters, industrial associations, impact assessment practitioners, civil society organisations and others to continuously improve its approach, enhance its positive impact on human rights and address shared challenges.

Read: The European Investment Bank’s approach to human rights

Read the Blog: Right on Rights

About the EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union’s bank owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy objectives and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Europe and beyond. Over the last ten years, the EIB has invested more than €70 billion beyond the European Union.

Launched in January 2022, EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnerships within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.

Source – EIB