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EU investments to improve water supplies for nearly 8 million people in Asia and the Pacific, new report shows

15.10.2026 Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific
EIB
© EIB

  • Nearly 8 million people in Asia are expected to benefit from improved water supplies thanks to the European Investment Bank (EIB) financing in 2025.

  • Worldwide, investments backed by the EU bank are expected to provide more than 13 million people with access to safer drinking water, according to the new EIB Global Impact Report.

  • From water projects in India and Bangladesh to climate action in Viet Nam and resilient infrastructure in the Pacific, EU financing is supporting communities across the region.

Nearly 8 million people across Asia and the Pacific are expected to benefit from improved water supplies thanks to projects financed in 2025 by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU’s bank and financing arm. The findings, published in the new EIB Global Impact Report, also show that more than 13 million people worldwide are expected to gain access to safer drinking water.

Behind these figures are investments designed to improve everyday life for communities facing growing pressure on water resources. In South Asia, a $191 million EIB loan is supporting improvements to water supply and sewerage systems for around 900 000 people in Uttarakhand, India. In Bangladesh, €160 million in EIB financing is supporting safer and more sustainable water supplies in Dhaka, reducing pressure on groundwater resources and strengthening climate resilience.

The EU’s impact extends across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In Viet Nam, EIB financing is helping businesses invest in climate action and environmental sustainability. In Kiribati, EU Bank support for climate-resilient infrastructure is helping lay the groundwork for protecting essential transport links against climate-related risks.

Overall, the EIB signed €1.1 billion in financing in Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific in 2025, with 92% supporting climate action and environmental sustainability. These investments contribute to the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, helping partner countries build more resilient infrastructure and improve people’s lives.

Read the full report: https://www.eib.org/files/publications/20260100-121026-eib-global-impact-report-2025-en.pdf

Background information 

About EIB Global

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international win-win partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Team Europe and the Global Gateway strategy. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.  

About the EIB Global Impact Report

The EIB Global Impact Report provides an annual overview of the expected impact of investments financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) outside the European Union. It highlights how EIB Global supports sustainable development, climate action and economic growth worldwide. The report showcases the expected benefits of these investments for people and communities.

About the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy

“Global Gateway” is the EU’s offer to reduce global investment gaps, foster smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a “Team Europe” approach that brings together the EU, its Member States and the European development finance institutions. Together, they have already mobilised more than €300 billion in public and private investments since 2021 in order to build links with partner countries rather than dependencies.