The European Investment Bank (EIB) has surpassed the €100 billion ($109 billion) milestone in the issuance of Climate Awareness Bonds (CAB) and Sustainability Awareness Bonds (SAB) since launching the world’s first green bond in 2007. The EIB celebrated this achievement at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, recognised globally as a leading exchange for sustainable bonds.
Nadia Calviño, the president of the EIB, made her inaugural visit to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) to commemorate this significant milestone in the EIB’s groundbreaking efforts in sustainable finance. She also explored the future of the green bond market in relation to the EU’s Sustainable Finance agenda and the Savings and Investment Union.
During the event, attended by Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, the EIB and LuxSE highlighted the EIB’s distinctive role in enhancing transparency in sustainable finance and the contribution of Luxembourg’s broader financial ecosystem to fostering sustainable investment.
The EIB issued its first CAB in 2007, marking the inception of a market that has since experienced exponential growth. According to data from the LGX DataHub, total global funding raised through green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds has reached $5.2 trillion.
In August 2024, the EIB achieved the milestone of €100 billion in CAB and SAB issuances, making it the world’s largest issuer of green bonds and assured sustainable bonds with specific use of proceeds among multilateral development banks. To cater to a diverse investor base, the EIB has issued these bonds in a record 23 currencies.
The EIB’s first CAB was listed on LuxSE in 2007. In 2016, LuxSE launched the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX), the first platform dedicated solely to sustainable securities. By enhancing visibility and transparency around sustainable investment opportunities, LGX supports the investment goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During his speech, Luxembourg Minister of Finance Gilles Roth said, “The EIB’s achievement of surpassing €100 billion in sustainable bonds is remarkable and highlights the transformative role of finance in addressing global challenges. Each of these bonds has had a tangible impact – on the real economy, on people’s lives and on the planet. While this milestone is significant, we must continue to push boundaries. This partnership between the EIB and the LuxSE sets a high standard for the global financial community to follow. Luxembourg remains committed to fostering international partnerships to strengthen sustainable finance globally.”
EIB President Nadia Calviño highlighted, “The milestone we are celebrating today reflects the exponential development of the sustainable bond market as well as the strong partnership between the EIB and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Since pioneering the green bond market in 2007, the EIB has unlocked €100 billion of investor support for climate action and sustainability, with Luxembourg now a global centre for sustainable finance. The EIB will continue to support the green transition also by leading the emergence of a standardised green bond market in the context of deeper and stronger capital markets in Europe.”
Julie Becker, Chief Executive Officer of LuxSE said, “Today marks an important milestone not just for the EIB but also for the sustainable finance market more broadly. Since it pioneered the green bond market 17 years ago, the EIB has spearheaded market developments and led the way towards more standardisation, better reporting and more transparency for investors. Thanks to its leading role, the EIB has been a crucial partner and inspiration for LuxSE’s sustainable finance initiatives.”