EIC calls for a more strategic and pro-European EIB procurement policy

On 27 February 2026, an EIC delegation led by EIC President Gustavo Martínez met with Alaleh Motamedi, Head of Procurement at the European Investment Bank (EIB), and her team for an in-depth exchange on the Bank’s procurement policy and practices. The EIB Procurement Team also took part in the discussion. European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) was represented by its President, Ines Ferguson.

At the meeting, EIC underlined that a change in EIB procurement policy is both mandatory and urgent in order to re-attract European international contractors to EIB-financed infrastructure tenders outside the EU. European contractors are not afraid of competition. However, competition must be fair and must not be based predominantly on the lowest price criterion – particularly where state-owned and subsidised companies participate.

European international contractors represent and export European ESG standards worldwide. They bring value in terms of quality, sustainability, innovation and corporate responsibility. If procurement frameworks do not allow them to compete on these parameters throughout the entire project cycle, they will inevitably allocate their scarce resources elsewhere.

Level playing field through strategic eligibility rules

EIC suggested that the most effective way to ensure a level playing field in civil works tenders financed by the EIB – and other European Development Finance Institutions – would be to make use of the flexibility offered under the OECD Rules on Tied Aid and to restrict eligibility to EU companies or EU-led joint ventures.

Such practices are frequently used by Asian financiers without apparent opposition from the EU. Ultimately, this approach requires a fundamental policy decision: whether the EIB sees itself primarily as “the EU Bank” also in the field of development policy, or as one of many multilateral development banks. Straddling both roles currently impedes the development of a clear and coherent pro-European procurement strategy.

Alternative options under discussion

Other approaches are possible, though more complex in their implementation.

One option would be for the EIB to follow the practice of Export Credit Agencies, which typically require a significant share of national content or a demonstrable national economic interest. In an EU context, this would require defining a clear corridor for EU content and/or an “EU economic interest” criterion.

In line with the EIB Global Strategic Orientation, the Bank is also working on making its procurement policy more strategic, including through earlier dialogue between project promoters and the private sector at the outset of projects. EIC strongly supports this direction. In addition, EIC encouraged the EIB to follow the examples of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which both require a minimum quality weighting of 50 percent for most internationally competitive procurement procedures.

Finally, EIC welcomed the EIB’s consideration of collaborative delivery models for large and complex civil works projects, which can enhance quality, risk allocation and long-term value.

EIC looks forward to continuing the constructive dialogue with the EIB to ensure that its procurement policy supports fair competition, strengthens Europe’s industrial base and enables European contractors to contribute their full expertise to sustainable infrastructure development worldwide.