NIB joins IFI partners to support EU eastern border regions

NIB together with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and national and regional promotional banks, have today signed a joint declaration in support of the EU’s eastern border regions.

The signatories highlight the severe security, economic, and social impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the EU eastern border regions. These areas have faced reduced investments and trade, placing additional strain on their communities. In response to these challenges, the signatories commit to more coordinated financing, knowledge sharing, and long-term support to strengthen regional resilience through the establishment of the EastInvest facility.

EastInvest is a dedicated financing platform aimed at connecting the beneficiaries seeking financing with participating financial institutions. The initiative is expected to mobilise significant public and private investment. It is a key component of the European Commission’s Communication on the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, which sets out a comprehensive strategy to address the unique security and economic challenges faced by nine EU member countries along the EU’s eastern border regions.

NIB will participate in the EastInvest facility to support the financing needs of the border regions within NIB member countries.

Jeanette Vitasp, NIB Head of Lending, said: “Eastern border communities are carrying a disproportionate burden from today’s geopolitical instability. By joining forces through EastInvest, we aim to channel sustainable long-term financing in line with NIB’s mission to strengthen resilience and contribute to quality of life in the eastern regions of our member countries.”

NIB is the international financial institution of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The Bank finances projects that improve productivity and benefit the environment of the Nordic-Baltic region. The Bank is headquartered in Helsinki with a regional hub in Riga. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s.

For further information, please contact
Dmitri Kouznetsov, Head of Public Sector & Utilities, +358 10 618 0218, dmitri.kouznetsov@nib.int

Arild Moen, Associate Director, Communications, +358 10 618 0496, arild.moen@nib.int