G. Skaistė at the meeting with the President of the EIB: “EIB needs to scale up investments in the defence industry”

Today, Minister of Finance Gintarė Skaistė met with President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nadia Calviño to discuss possibilities to increase the EIB’s role in strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, providing financial support to Ukraine and promoting the green transition.

“In the light of the changed security situation, the EIB’s strategic investment priorities need to be reconsidered, where the defence industry must find a place, not only the financing of dual-purpose projects. The expansion of the Bank’s investments in this area could make a significant contribution to strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities. In addition, we welcome the institution’s support to Ukraine and call for further increase in the volume of investment in the country, with a special focus on restoring critical infrastructure and maintaining the functioning of the economy,” Minister of Finance G. Skaistė stated.

In addition to the Bank’s support to Ukraine, the meeting also discussed cooperation between Lithuania and the EIB, directions and priorities for further investment in the country.

“EIB funding contributes to increasing Lithuania’s competitiveness, green and digital transitions, strengthening economic resilience and job creation. We plan to continue cooperation in the implementation of programmes funded by EU funds and to look for opportunities to develop military mobility infrastructure projects,” the Minister of Finance underlined.

Since 1994, the EIB has provided loans amounting to EUR 5.1 billion to finance environmental, infrastructural projects, innovation and business in Lithuania. In 2023, the EIB invested a significant amount of EUR 654 million in Lithuania.

Lithuania became a member of the EIB in 2004. Lithuania currently owns EUR 437.6 million of the authorised capital (0.18 %).

Last updated: 18-04-2024

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