Mikaela Gavas (CGD) and San Bilal (ECDPM) host Thomas Östros, Vice President of the European Investment Bank to discuss the role of the bank in the debate on the European Financial Architecture for Development. Thomas emphasises the importance for the EIB to raise its development profile building on its in-house expertise on issues such as climate change and health and its close relationship with the European Commission. Responding to criticisms raised regarding the EIB’s limited presence on the ground and its insufficient development impact, he shares, among other things, the willingness of the EIB to increase local presence in countries of operation and develop upstream activities.
