EAPB CEO Conference - Water Resilience at the Core of EU Challenges

On 22 November, the EAPB Annual CEO Conference brought together top executives and EU representatives to address critical challenges, including geopolitical tensions, trade competitiveness, and climate resilience.

A central focus was water resilience, particularly in discussions with Director-General Fink-Hooijer. Public banks emphasized the integration of water and biodiversity considerations into investment strategies across sectors like agriculture, energy, and transport. As key players in sustainability, EAPB members are uniquely equipped to finance complex, multi-sector projects using guarantees, subsidized loans, and blended funding solutions.

To advance sustainable transitions, EAPB highlights the need to enhance the usability of the EU sustainable finance framework, ensuring that both public and private sector clients can access the necessary funding. This aligns with the role of public banks in driving investments to mitigate climate risks and safeguard essential resources like water.

Next Steps

EAPB members are eager to collaborate with the incoming European Commission on implementing a Water Resilience Strategy, which reflects growing recognition of water as a pivotal element in climate adaptation policies.

Background

Europe’s recent experience with extreme weather—ranging from droughts to floods—underscores the urgency of water-focused strategies. A forthcoming EU Blue Deal, championed by institutions like the EESC, CoR, and European Parliament, aims to address increasing water demand and scarcity.

For detailed insights, refer to the EAPB Paper on the Role of Promotional Banks in the Transition towards a Sustainable Economy.