As part of the EIB Group's bigger, bolder and more focused approach to cohesion, this report, the first in a new series, presents the EIB Group's activities in EU cohesion regions in 2021. The results are presented in terms of policy objectives, activity sectors, countries, contribution to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sector-specific project results. It features a number of case studies and also takes a look at the economic and social challenges facing cohesion regions and the macroeconomic impact of the EIB Group's support for this fundamental EU policy priority.

This report analyses the EIB Group's activity in cohesion regions in 2023, with particular emphasis on targeted social investments in key systemic enablers in those regions, such as access to essential services (e.g. inclusive healthcare and education, social and affordable housing), digital connectivity and the growth of mid-caps and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the latter with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs and youth. The Group's support for economic, social and territorial cohesion is presented in relation to its policy objectives, activity sectors, countries of operation, contribution to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sector-specific project outcomes. While acknowledging convergence between countries, the report's essay section observes an increasing heterogeneity at the regional level. It also provides insights into key barriers to cohesion and illustrates how targeted social investments can help unlock regional labour potential. A selection of case studies showcases the significant social impact that the European Investment Bank Group has achieved through the use of its full range of financial and technical expertise.

This report analyses the EIB Group's activity in cohesion regions in 2022. This year's edition focuses on the Group's contribution towards innovation for an inclusive, green and digital transition in line with the Innovation, Digital & Human Capital (IDHC) Orientation 2021-2027. The report starts with a review of recent economic trends in cohesion regions and their investments in innovation, followed by a presentation of the EIB Group's activities in these regions in 2022. The Group's support for economic, social and territorial cohesion is presented in relation to policy objectives, activity sectors, countries, contribution to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sector-specific project results. A number of case studies are used to illustrate the Group's activities and impact. The wider macroeconomic impact of the Group in cohesion regions is then discussed through the lens of a recent academic study. Finally, the role of digitalisation and innovation in cohesion regions is presented along with the range of tools deployed by the Group to support these policy objectives in cohesion regions.

Banks in Africa are weathering the COVID-19 pandemic well and showing a lot of creativity to overcome the crisis's problems. But the war in Ukraine is causing new concerns. With interest rates rising in many countries and bond funding becoming more expensive, a significant number of banks are worried about rising financing costs. These issues and more are covered in the new Finance in Africa report, based on an annual survey of banks across the continent and supported by Making Finance Work for Africa, an initiative helping more people get loans across the continent. We surveyed 70 banks in sub-Saharan Africa from April to June in 2022 to find out if the war is hurting their business and to learn their views on climate lending, access to finance for women and the accelerating digitisation of the financial sector.

Over the last years, the European Investment Bank Group has shown that fighting COVID-19, financing the recovery, and investing in climate action and environmental sustainability are mutually supportive goals. Innovation, development and green finance are the cornerstones of our approach to creating a more sustainable economy. In 2021, the coronavirus pandemic continued to disrupt lives and businesses around the globe. At the same time, it became clear that the climate and environment crises had reached emergency levels. Urgent action is required if we are to meet the Paris Agreement's commitments and avoid biodiversity loss. The European investment Bank Group is ready to tackle these challenges, the biggest of our time. This report shows how we delivered a record €94.9 billion in financing in 2021, supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe and beyond. The Sustainability report should be read in conjunction with its two annexes, the GRI and SASB disclosures, as well as with the Group's 2021 TCFD report.