EIB and ADB strengthen cooperation on climate

On 2 November 2021, at the United Nations Climate Change conference COP26, the Presidents of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a memorandum of understanding strengthening their cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.

The cooperation focuses on increasing co-financing of green projects, while crowding in the private sector, and providing technical assistance to get bankable projects off the ground.

The EIB and ADB will work on sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable transport and urban development, sustainable agricultural value chains, water security, forestry and land use, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, biodiversity conservation, and clean oceans and blue economy.

In addition the two banks will explore collaboration on developing risk-mitigating financial instruments and local currency funding for ADB’s developing member countries; share  expertise, in particular on product development and best practices; and strengthen staff secondments and knowledge exchanges.

“With ADB’s ambition to deliver $100 billion in climate financing to our developing member countries in 2019-2030 and EIB’s climate bank roadmap in place, our partnership can provide substantial support as countries in Asia and the Pacific plan for, adapt to, and mitigate climate change impacts,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa.  Mr. Asakawa also congratulated the EIB Group on its decision to establish a development branch for activities outside the European Union.

“To reach the Paris goals, multilateral development banks must work together and scale up climate finance,” said EIB President Werner Hoyer. “We have a long track record of working closely with the Asian Development Bank to finance sustainable energy and transport projects. The memorandum of understanding we are signing today at COP26 will strengthen our cooperation even further in particular in Asia and the Pacific. Together, we are determined to support countries in their transition towards green economies and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.”

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

For 25 years, the EIB has supported the economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific region through projects ranging from cutting travel times for people of Bangalore with a new metro line, to providing cheaper, cleaner energy in western Nepal.