International development finance as statecraft: Measurable, mission-driven and geopolitically intelligent

With over two decades of experience at the intersection of strategy, governance and international development, advising the European Investment Bank, United Nations and multiple UK and EU institutions, I have had a front-row seat to how multilateral systems evolve under pressure.

When a multilateral institution like the EIB Global publishes a refreshed strategic orientation, it’s more than just institutional signalling. It offers a window into how Europe intends to project influence, catalyse partnerships, and address global challenges. The new EIB Global Strategic Orientation 2025–2027 is a compelling leap in that direction. 

Having operated at both, design and execution of international finance strategy and governance, I offer a grounded perspective on what makes the EIB’s new strategic direction both, timely and transformational.

Key strategic shifts:

From donor to partner: “Win-win” is the new baseline. The European Investment Bank aims to structure its engagement in such a way that the EU and partner countries both benefit economically, socially and strategically. This means moving away from the “aid mindset” and aligning with the locally rooted, co-development models. 

Sharper sectoral focus around nine priorities: A pragmatic approach to focus on fewer but more deeply resourced domains: Clean energy, transport & connectivity, digital inclusion, water, health, human development, agriculture/food security, critical raw materials and private sector development. 

More competitive, flexible financial tools: Moving towards results-based lending, local currency financing, enhanced technical assistance and risk calibration.

Operational discipline and efficiency: A push to streamline mandates, accelerate time to market, integrate across the EIB Group, and increase capital efficiency. Integration of governance, transparency, and capacity-building in fragile environments to enhance systemic resilience.

Geopolitics: Development doesn't happen in a vacuum. Therefore, multipolar shifts and constraints on traditional development finance have shaped EIB’s new positioning. 

Visibility, narrative and alignment with European identity: Narratives matter. Perception, legitimacy and soft power will come with EU's increased visibility in partner countries. 

By embedding strategic selectivity, operational agility, and value-based governance, EIB Global can act as Europe’s strategic integrator of finance, policy, and partnership. This is development finance as statecraft. It's measurable, mission-driven and geopolitically intelligent.