As the long-term financing body of the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB) promotes EU policies through its financial and other support to sustainable investment projects. The increasing prominence given to environmental and social considerations within the EU and throughout the other regions of operation of the Bank is reflected in its priority lending objectives as well as in the regular review and revision of its environmental and social requirements and operational practices. The environmental and social policies, principles and standards as well as the operational practices of the EIB derive from and reflect the evolving EU approach and that of other international institutions towards the promotion of environmental sustainability and social well-being, in the broader context of the goal of sustainable development. The EIB aims to add value by enhancing the environmental and social sustainability of all the projects that it is financing and all such projects must comply with the environmental and social requirements of the Bank. In particular, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystems considerations are integrated into the lending policies and practices of the Bank. The ability of the Bank to contribute positively in these respects is an important element of the non-financial value added that it brings to the projects it is financing.