European Investment Bank Appoints Maria Romano as Head of Madrid Office

Strategic Insights -

Maria Romano, a lawyer and economist with expertise in asset management at the European Investment Fund (EIF), has been appointed as the new Head of the Madrid Office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group. This appointment marks a significant step in the EIB Group's institutional relations agenda in Spain, with Romano set to coordinate efforts to support the development of transformative projects in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maria Romano, a lawyer and economist, brings over a decade of experience within the EIB Group, having held senior leadership roles at both the EIB and the EIF.
  • In her new role, Romano will focus on advancing the EIB Group's institutional relations agenda and coordinating the Group's teams to support the development of transformative projects in Spain.
  • The EIB Group is a key player in driving Spain's green and digital transitions while strengthening its economic competitiveness.
  • The EIB Group has signed nearly EUR89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, with approximately half of the EIB's financing within the EU targeting cohesion regions.
  • In Spain, the EIB Group has signed EUR12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country's green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness, and improved services for residents.
  • Maria Romano succeeds Fernando Torija, who is retiring after four years of distinguished service at this position.
  • The EIB Group is a long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States, and finances investments in eight core priorities, including climate action and the environment, digitalisation, and social infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • EUR89 billion: The amount of new financing signed by the EIB Group for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024.
  • 900: The number of high-impact projects supported by the EIB Group in 2024.
  • 50%: The proportion of the EIB's financing within the EU that targets cohesion regions, where per-capita income is below the EU average.
  • 60%: The proportion of annual EIB Group investments that support climate action and environmental sustainability.
  • EUR12.3 billion: The amount of new financing signed by the EIB Group in Spain for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024.
  • 100+: The number of high-impact projects supported by the EIB Group in Spain in 2024.

Sources:

  • "EIB Group appoints Maria Romano as Head of the Madrid Office," European Investment Bank, 2025-324.