Strengthening Europe’s social fabric

For the CEB, 2025 proved to be another defining year, characterised by steadfast delivery on its commitment to strengthening social cohesion in Europe, while demonstrating leadership on the global stage by chairing the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Group for the first time.

Supporting jobs and economic and financial inclusion 2025

In 2025 the Bank financed 17 loans in 13 countries, totalling over €700 million to boost microfinance and help improve access to credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

CEB Award for Social Cohesion 2026: eight projects shortlisted

The CEB has shortlisted eight projects for the CEB Award for Social Cohesion 2026, highlighting inspiring initiatives that strengthen communities and support vulnerable people across Europe.

CEB and Žilina Self-Governing Region sign €30 million for strategic social investment

Over the next three years, the funds will be used to co-finance strategic projects in the areas of education, healthcare, social services, transport, and sports infrastructure. The investments will improve public services and contribute to more efficient regional budget management.

MSME and public service support in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

A Programme loan to support the revitalisation and modernisation of public infrastructure, particularly in public transport, road maintenance and reconstruction, and healthcare services. The loan will also support productive investments by MSMEs, including the construction or expansion of business premises and the acquisition of fixed assets or equipment.

CEB approves nine new loans totalling €878 million

The CEB has approved nine new loans totalling €878 million to support a broad range of social infrastructure projects across its member countries. These include investments in temporary accommodation for refugees, healthcare and education facilities, as well as microfinance and MSME financing. Of the total, €300 million will go to projects that support the integration of Ukrainians displaced across Europe in their host countries. The approvals also feature a significant contribution to Türkiye’s ongoing İstanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Project (ISMEP).

Housing and empowerment for Roma (HERO)

Improvement in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social service in Žilina Region

Improvement in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social service in Žilina Region

A year of consolidation: CEB in 2024

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) was able to build on its strong 2023 performance and consolidate its position as the social development bank for Europe.

Investing in people and enhancing human capital

Investing in people’s health, wellbeing and education is essential for social cohesion and fostering inclusive, thriving communities. In 2024, the Bank approved six loans for health and social care in four countries, totalling €603 million, six loans totalling over €594 million to support education in six countries, as well as €142 million for the protection and rehabilitation of historic and cultural heritage in Cyprus and Romania.

CEB approves twelve new loans totalling €983.5 million

The funding will benefit vulnerable groups and provide financing to social economy actors, women-led businesses and microentrepreneurs from underserved communities.

European partners celebrate HERO pilot project achievements

European partners celebrate HERO pilot project achievements

Europe’s homelessness crisis: Council of Europe and Council of Europe Development Bank join forces to find solutions

The Council of Europe and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) are joining forces to address Europe's homelessness crisis. Learn about human rights-based solutions and social investment strategies.

Water for all: A case for investing in water and sanitation in Europe

By Jérôme Costanzo, Technical Advisor for Water and Sanitation

CEB approves eight new loans totalling €1.1 billion

Projects will support resilience and social cohesion across Europe with a focus on refugees and displaced persons and vulnerable households.

Warsaw Ukrainian School in Poland wins CEB Social Cohesion Award 2024

Top marks awarded for innovative curriculum designed to help integrate refugee children from Ukraine

CEB Award for Social Cohesion 2024: shortlist announced

In 2024, the CEB Award will bestow a €45,000 prize on an outstanding project that addresses pressing social issues in one of the Bank’s 43 member countries. In addition, another two shortlisted projects will receive €5,000 each.

Our donors

Discover the donors behind CEB's trust funds and initiatives, including the European Union, member states, and allocations from the Bank's profits. Learn how their contributions support CEB's social mandate.

Projects and beneficiaries

CEB trust funds support projects across Europe that target the most vulnerable, addressing housing, education, and healthcare needs. Beneficiaries include vulnerable persons in the Balkans, home repairs in Ukraine, micro-entrepreneurs in North Macedonia.

Trust funds and initiatives

Trust funds play a key role in supporting the Bank’s efforts to boost social cohesion in Europe by enabling it to extend its reach and do more for the most vulnerable.