The European Investment Bank (EIB) – the financial institution that provides long-term public financing for projects in line with the European Union’s policy objectives – inaugurated yesterday the construction of its new building in Luxembourg, Kirchberg at a ceremony hosted by EIB President Werner Hoyer and attended by Finance Minister and EIB Board of Governors member Yuriko Backes, and Mayor of the City of Luxembourg Lydie Polfer. Together, they unveiled a foundation stone taken from the construction site for commemorative purposes.
The departure point for the design of the new European Investment Bank (EIB) designed by Mecanoo and Buro Happold is the connection between the green valley north of the site and the urban European administration quarter to the south. The building and its exterior public space express the fundamental values of the European Union and the EIB: respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. By weaving itself into the adjacent landscape and urban fabric, the building establishes new physical and visual connections. Together with the enhanced public space, the new building unifies the EIB campus and articulates a very clear identity for the European Investment Bank.
Located alongside the EIB’s existing Kirchberg headquarters, the new building will consist of a sixteen-storey tower and a six-storey podium with three open-air terraces. It was designed as a nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) and complies with strict environmental standards. It also received a BREEAM “Excellent” rating for its design, with a focus on sustainability in terms of energy.
The new premises will be able to house up to 1 500 workstations, aiming to bring together EIB from decentralised rented offices. The building will provide the flexibility, efficiency and high levels of comfort demanded by today’s work patterns. It is scheduled to open its doors in 2026.