“UNOPS and the EIB share the same key values: efficiency, transparency, accountability, and a strong dedication to empowering local governments and communities," said UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo.

“The agreement that we are signing today with UNOPS will mean that by pooling our respective experience and expertise we can achieve more impact in responding to crises, not only in the context of COVID-19 and as part of the 'Team Europe' effort, but also facing future natural disasters and conflicts, where an urgent and coordinated response is crucial to save lives and livelihoods,” said President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer. 

Through UNOPS expertise and life-saving role in timely and efficient procurement, and the quality infrastructure mandate it carries across sectors, the EIB and Team Europe can count on UNOPS full support to strengthen health systems and address the acute economic and social consequences of COVID-19 and beyond. 

This is the first operational agreement of this kind between the EIB and a UN agency. It was signed during an online ceremony in light of the strict COVID-19 social distancing rules currently in place across Europe. 

The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed by EIB and UNOPS in 2016 which focused on impact investments in sustainable infrastructure. 

About the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank is the lending arm of the European Union. It is the biggest multilateral financial institution in the world and one of the largest providers of climate finance. With more than 60 years of experience and expertise in project financing, the EIB helps the economy, creates jobs, promotes equality and improves lives for EU citizens and for people in developing countries.