The EAPB welcomes the Reflection Group’s report on Mobilising Climate Resilience Financing

The report, presented to Commissioner Hoekstra, makes an important contribution to the debate on how to direct funding toward climate resilience projects.

We were privileged to contribute to the Commission Reflection Group and remain committed to identifying effective solutions for financing climate resilience.

Key takeaways from the report:

• Mobilizing Private Capital – NPBs fund their lending through issuing (green and social) bonds on the international capital markets, crowding in private investment.
  
  
• Local and regional involvement: Recognizing the expertise of local actors is crucial. National Promotional Banks (NPBs) have proven reliable partners alongside the European Commission and Member States. Applying the principle of subsidiarity ensures local knowledge is fully utilized.
  
  
• Leveraging EU Funds – Acting as implementing partners, NPBs amplify the impact of public spending by using diverse financial instruments.
  
  
• Public sector leadership: Achieving projects at scale requires public sector guidance. NPBs can help by financing grouped programs and providing advisory services, enabling municipalities to combine smaller projects and attract more financing. Blending local resources with national or EU grants is often essential.
  
  
• EU financial framework improvements: Reforming capital requirements and better aligning projects with the EU Green Bond Standard and EU Taxonomy can enhance financing conditions. Reflecting climate resilience measures in capital requirements will support both risk mitigation and new lending, while addressing current limitations of the EU Taxonomy for public sector and promotional banks can unlock further green financing potential.

The EAPB looks forward to supporting policies and tools that channel financing effectively, leveraging local expertise and public-private collaboration for resilient communities across Europe.

EAPB President Lidwin van Velden:

“This report underscores what Europe needs most: practical, scalable solutions for climate-resilience financing. Resilience by design turns the page from being reactive to proactive. National Promotional Banks stand ready to work with EU institutions and local authorities to mobilise private capital, strengthen local expertise, and turn ambitious climate resilience goals into real projects on the ground.”

Access the report 

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