---
title: Dear EIB, are you having commitment issues?
date: 2019-06-14T15:04:14Z
modified: 2023-07-24T12:12:51Z
permalink: "https://350.org/eib-commitment-issues/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: Lately, each time we feel like we might be finally coming closer together, you seem to withdraw and leave us hanging. Why won’t you commit?
wpid: 99688
categories:
  - Europe
  - Featured
  - KIITG
featured_image: /wp-content/uploads/2019/05/climate-justice-eib-action-luxembourg.jpg
featured_image_alt: activists at a sit in at the european investment bank. banner reads Fossil Free EIB. Flag reads Climate Justice
author: Julia Krzyszkowska
---

For months now, we’ve been waiting for a sign that despite your cold and intimidating exterior, your heart is really in the right place. Sometimes if feels almost like you’re with us. **You promise lovely things: climate action, clean energy… But EIB, why won’t you commit to breaking it off with fossil fuels?**

We remember clearly the moment we first looked into your policies, and we thought: with some changes, this could work! But how do we get your attention? We were simple climate activists, and you were the EU Bank, so powerful and aloof.

**And there was one deal breaker: your on-going relationship with fossil fuels.**

But [**we decided to go for it**](https://fossilfree-eib.eu/), because we saw something special in you: a chance for a new beginning, and for climate justice (and – let’s be honest – your lots and lots of money).

So we made the first move. We [**launched a petition**](https://act.350.org/sign/demand-fossil-free-eib/), and almost 20,000 of us asked you to break up with the fossil fuel industry for good. We know [**you noticed**](https://www.eib.org/en/about/partners/cso/consultations/item/public-consultation-energy-lending-policy.htm) us! But it didn’t seem like your heart was really in it – at least, not yet.

We knew we had to do more to get your attention – and we knew your street address… So we got a group together, and [**showed up at your doorstep**](https://twitter.com/350Europe/status/1136972601669115905). We were just a group of activists, standing in front of a Bank, asking it to hear them. And [**you came out**](https://twitter.com/EIB/status/1136950814302461954)**,** and you listened, and we talked – and we felt a connection.

![](https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/eib-action-serena-notap-1-700x504.jpg)

Vice-President of the EIB, Andrew McDowell, listening to Serena and Neal representing the NoTAP struggle in Puglia, Italy, against an EIB-financed fossil gas project, the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline



**But you didn’t commit, and we knew that fossil fuels still had a hold over you.**

But we’re nothing if not determined! We thought you might need to see that others wouldn’t disapprove of you and us coming together in a fight for climate justice. So we told all our friends about you. Then [**we sent you letters**](https://act.350.org/letter/fossil-free-eu-bank/): lots of personal, heartfelt letters, straight to your Governors’ inboxes.

We know you don’t like to talk about feelings, EIB, but [**when you shared**](https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2019-151-eib-finance-ministers-welcome-strengthened-eib-support-for-climate-investment) that your Board was all about climate action, we finally felt that something had changed, that we had touched you deeply.

But listen up, EU Bank – we’re [**not going to fall**](https://twitter.com/350Europe/status/1139487642649792513) for your pretty words and promises – not until you prove to us that you’re really in it, heart and soul (and purse). **Climate action can only work if you break it off with fossil fuels. You can’t have it both ways.**

Look, we know that breaking up is never easy. But it’s time you end the toxic relationship with coal, oil and – especially! – fossil gas. They’re nothing but trouble. Don’t let them stand in the way of what could be a beautiful, long-lasting relationship with a healthy climate and renewables-run communities across Europe.

EIB, we’re not giving up! We have hope in you, and we’re here to steal you away from those no-good fossils.

**Expect us! We want your full commitment: not a single euro more from our taxpayers’ money will ever again help finance fossil fuels. We’ll keep showing up until you commit: that’s our promise.**