The Parliament's Committee on Budgets, on Monday 2 March, adapted their stance on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank (EIB), calling on the bank to become more focused on achieving the EU's climate goals (see EUROPE 12415/14).
The draft report by David Cormand (Greens/EFA, France) highlights the crucial role of the EU Bank in implementing the European "Green Deal" and the Just Transition Mechanism, which aims to mobilise €100 billion of investment in the regions most affected by the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
The Committee on Budgets welcomes the EIB's decision to align, from 2019, its policies with the goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It also calls for a "concrete roadmap" to reach the target of 50% climate lending by 2025 (see EUROPE 12370/11).
MEPs call on the EIB: - to make the geographical distribution of EIB financing more balanced and address systemic shortcomings that prevent certain regions or countries from taking full advantage of its financial activities; - to put a stronger focus on human rights in its activity outside the EU ; - further increase transparency, for example on meetings and outcomes of the Management Board.
The report, adopted by a large majority (24 votes in favour, 4 against and 3 abstentions), will be voted on at the April plenary session. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)