EIB Group Endorses EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights to Advance Gender Equality

The EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights serves as a long-term policy framework to advance equality and eliminate persistent gender disparities across all sectors of society.

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) has formally endorsed the Declaration of Principles for a Gender-Equal Society, a cornerstone of the EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality as a central pillar of sustainable development and inclusive growth. The endorsement was announced at a high-level ceremony in Brussels on 16 October 2025, hosted by the European Commission, which brought together EU institutions, member states, and key stakeholders to consolidate Europe’s collective vision for women’s rights and empowerment.

Strengthening the EU’s Gender Equality Agenda

The EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights serves as a long-term policy framework to advance equality and eliminate persistent gender disparities across all sectors of society. Its declaration, comprising eight guiding principles, provides a shared foundation for shaping gender-responsive policies and institutional reforms throughout the European Union.

The principles emphasize the right to freedom from gender-based violence, equal pay, economic empowerment, inclusive education, work-life balance, and political participation, among others — all essential components of a gender-equal Europe.

“Shaping a future where gender equality is a reality requires determination and collective action. Women’s empowerment is the right thing to do — and it’s the smart thing to do. We are proud to stand with our EU partners in endorsing this important initiative,” said Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.

Calviño underscored that gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic imperative. Research by EU institutions and global development organizations has consistently shown that empowering women drives economic productivity, innovation, and resilience, particularly in the face of social and environmental challenges.

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EIB Group’s Leadership in Gender Mainstreaming

The EIB Group’s endorsement of the Roadmap reflects its strategic alignment with EU values and policy priorities, reinforcing its role as a leader in gender-responsive financing and development.

Since launching its first Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment in 2016, the EIB Group has made significant strides in integrating gender considerations across its operations. Its investments have supported projects promoting female entrepreneurship, access to finance, education, health, and digital inclusion.

The Group’s second Gender Action Plan (2021–2025) further expanded its scope, embedding gender perspectives into climate finance, infrastructure, and innovation projects. Now, as the EIB prepares its third Gender Action Plan for 2026–2030, it aims to deepen its impact through:

• Increased financing for women-led businesses and gender-smart investment funds.

• Stronger partnerships with governments and civil society to advance equality at policy and project levels.

• Gender-disaggregated data and impact assessments to measure progress and accountability.

• Support for gender-responsive climate action, ensuring that women and girls benefit equally from green transitions.

“Gender equality and climate action are deeply connected,” Calviño said. “Women are disproportionately affected by climate risks, but they are also key agents of change. Our policies must reflect this interconnected reality.”

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The Declaration’s Eight Guiding Principles

The Declaration of Principles for a Gender-Equal Society lays the foundation for coordinated EU-wide action. It calls on institutions and member states to pursue:

1. Freedom from gender-based violence — ensuring protection, justice, and prevention measures for all women and girls.

2. The highest standards of health — including sexual and reproductive health and rights.

3. Equal pay and economic empowerment — closing wage gaps and promoting women’s access to finance and entrepreneurship.

4. Work-life balance and care — recognizing and redistributing unpaid care work and improving access to childcare.

5. Equal employment opportunities and decent working conditions — addressing occupational segregation and improving workplace inclusivity.

6. Quality and inclusive education — guaranteeing equal access to all levels of education and STEM fields.

7. Political participation and representation — increasing women’s voices in decision-making at all levels.

8. Strong institutional mechanisms — ensuring accountability and sustained progress toward gender equality.

These guiding principles are designed not as abstract commitments, but as operational policy tools for governments, EU bodies, and private institutions to accelerate transformative change.

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A Collective Commitment Across Europe

The 16 October ceremony brought together senior EU leaders, ministers, and civil society representatives to reaffirm their shared vision of a Europe where women and men enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and outcomes. The event highlighted the EU’s collective determination to close gender gaps in leadership, finance, digitalization, and climate policy — all crucial areas where disparities persist.

The endorsement by the EIB Group, the EU’s public lending arm, is seen as a significant milestone in translating these principles into measurable outcomes through financial instruments and advisory services. As one of the world’s largest multilateral development banks, the EIB’s influence extends beyond Europe, shaping global development financing aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

“When we invest in women, we invest in stronger communities, more resilient economies, and a fairer society,” said Calviño. “Gender equality must remain central to Europe’s growth model.”

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Looking Ahead: From Principles to Practice

As the EU moves toward implementing the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, the EIB Group will play a crucial role in mobilizing capital and technical expertise to promote gender-sensitive investment. The upcoming Gender Action Plan 2026–2030 will align with the Roadmap’s vision and focus on enhancing the EIB’s internal gender balance, strengthening due diligence on gender impacts, and expanding partnerships with organizations that empower women globally.

The initiative also sets a precedent for gender mainstreaming in financial governance, encouraging other development institutions and private investors to adopt inclusive frameworks.

By endorsing the EU Roadmap, the EIB Group signals its long-term commitment to making gender equality not just an institutional priority but a driving force behind Europe’s sustainable future.