Europa Nostra participates in the EIB Group Forum 2026 in Luxembourg

Europa Nostra joined a wide range of policymakers, financial leaders, business representatives and civil society actors at the EIB Group Forum 2026, held from 3 to 5 March at the headquarters of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Luxembourg. The annual forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss Europe’s investment priorities in a rapidly changing global context. Europa Nostra’s participation contributed to ensuring that cultural heritage remains an integral part of Europe’s policy and investment agenda.

 

The 2026 edition, held under the theme “A Strong Europe in a Changing World”, served as a powerful reminder that Europe can no longer take its security, energy, or democratic values for granted. The event explored how strategic investment and coordinated action can reinforce Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and global partnerships, while addressing pressing challenges such as the energy transition, health, and trade.

 

High-level exchanges on competitiveness, resilience and values

In her keynote intervention, Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, described the EIB as one of the European Union’s greatest success stories. She highlighted how the Bank leverages Member State capital to finance transformative projects ranging from essential infrastructure to high-risk innovation, including in the space sector. Declaring 2026 the “year of competitiveness”, she stressed the importance of market integration and simplification to ensure European companies remain resilient in the face of global shocks.

Proud to kick off the #EIBForum with HRH GD Guillaume, framing discussions around 3 points
✔️ is a global superpower, leading key technologies for the future
✔️We are building on our strengths, mobilizing investment with speed & scale
✔️Together, we can tackle all challenges pic.twitter.com/fsjlOmd06P

— Nadia Calviño (@NadiaCalvino) March 3, 2026

A keynote speech was also delivered by António Costa, President of the European Council, who emphasised the urgent need for Europe to boost its competitiveness in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment. He called for the completion of the EU Single Market, the creation of a Savings and Investment Union, and stronger support to scale up European companies. Highlighting strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, defence, quantum technologies and clean energy, he warned that Europe is entering a new era of geopolitical instability requiring greater investment, lower energy costs and deeper market integration.

The European Investment Bank plays a unique role in supporting EU values and priorities.

This year’s @EIB Group Forum takes place at a turning point for the EU.

We are redefining our competitiveness agenda in a fast-changing geoeconomic environment. https://t.co/dbOH1h32Wp

— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 4, 2026

The forum featured a diverse line-up of prominent speakers offering inspiring perspectives on global challenges and European unity. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, called for a more optimistic narrative on climate action, emphasising innovation, solidarity and shared values. Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, delivered a powerful speech on Ukraine, underlining that “ordinary people can change history” and urging Europe to actively defend democratic principles.

“Believe in Ukraine, Believe in Europe”

Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk @avalaina delivers a strong message as we continue to #StandWithUkraine. #EIBForum pic.twitter.com/OfmZ6i84Gd

— European Investment Bank (@EIB) March 5, 2026

 

EIB Group Forum 2026

The forum’s programme included high-level plenary sessions and thematic panels addressing Europe’s most pressing priorities, from security and defence financing to the energy transition and technological innovation. Discussions highlighted the strong interconnection between economic prosperity, security and democratic stability, as well as the importance of coordinated European action.

The event brought together an international audience and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, reaffirming the EIB Group Forum as a key platform for dialogue between public institutions, the private sector and civil society.

Meetings with the EIB Institute and the 7 Most Endangered Programme experts

As part of its mission in Luxembourg, Europa Nostra representatives, Vice-President Guy Clausse, Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović and Advocacy and Partnerships Manager Vanessa Fraga Prol, held dedicated exchanges with representatives of the European Investment Bank Institute, including Jean-Pierre Vidal and Anna Canato. These meetings also brought together experts involved in the 7 Most Endangered Programme, the flagship initiative run by Europa Nostra with the support of the EIB Institute.

Discussions focused on the future development of the programme, exploring ways to further strengthen its impact in safeguarding Europe’s most threatened heritage. Participants exchanged views on enhancing technical support, mobilising funding opportunities, and reinforcing the programme’s contribution to sustainable development and community resilience across Europe.

During these exchanges, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović underlined that heritage-led regeneration can play a vital role in fostering economic resilience and reinforcing Europe’s identity and democratic values, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty.