European Investment Bank to Participate in World Circular Economy Forum 2025

Strategic Insights -

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to participate in the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF 2025), scheduled to take place from 13-16 May 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, and online worldwide. The EIB will present its array of financing and advisory products to develop and support the circular economy, with a focus on securing the supply of strategic materials and the benefits of pursuing projects across entire value chains.

The EIB's participation in WCEF 2025 highlights its commitment to supporting the circular economy, which aims to make production and consumption more sustainable by extending the life cycle of resources, materials, and goods. The bank has been a key player in financing circular economy projects, with lending to such projects amounting to €5.1 billion over the past five years, reaching a record €1.4 billion in 2024.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle emphasized the bank's support for the circular economy, stating, "We are stepping up our support for the circular economy in line with the European Union's objectives that put circularity at the core of our decarbonisation strategy." The EIB has also announced plans to double its annual financing for critical raw materials (CRM) projects, including circular solutions, to €2 billion, as part of its action plan to step up support for CRM.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Investment Bank (EIB) is participating in the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF 2025) from 13-16 May 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, and online.
  • The EIB will present its financing and advisory products to develop and support the circular economy, focusing on securing the supply of strategic materials and pursuing projects across entire value chains.
  • EIB lending to circular economy projects has increased significantly, amounts to €5.1 billion over the past five years, and €1.4 billion in 2024.
  • The EIB has committed to doubling its annual financing for critical raw materials (CRM) projects, including circular solutions, to €2 billion.
  • The EIB has financed circular economy projects such as €17 million loan to Europe's largest iPhone refurbisher Swappie, €25 million to Fairmat, and €75 million to improve solid waste management in Benin.

Statistics:

  • The EIB has provided €5.1 billion in lending to circular economy projects over the past five years.
  • EIB lending to circular economy projects reached a record €1.4 billion in 2024.
  • The EIB has committed to doubling its annual financing for critical raw materials (CRM) projects, including circular solutions, to €2 billion.
  • The EIB has signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024.
  • Almost 60% of the EIB Group's annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank (EIB) - EIB to participate in more than 10 sessions at WCEF 2025 from 13-16 May 2025 to discuss circular economy advances.
  • EIB (eib.org) - Circular economy
  • European Investment Bank (EIB) - Background information EIB