A staff survey conducted at the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2023 revealed that half of its staff feared reprisal for reporting misconduct, such as bullying, harassment, or fraud, as reported by the Financial Times.
The leaked survey results showed that only 14% of respondents were satisfied with the outcomes after speaking up, and just 40% believed the bank would protect whistleblowers. These results reflect broader dissatisfaction with the bank's ethical standards, with only minor improvements in perceptions of professionalism and integrity since 2019. The survey highlighted concerns about a culture of favoritism and opaque human resources processes within the Luxembourg-based institution. Many staff members expressed a lack of confidence in the bank's whistleblower protections, with one employee describing the system as "dysfunctional."
In response, the EIB acknowledged the need for improvement, noting the results showed "strong awareness" of its code of conduct but also areas for enhancement, particularly in whistleblower protection. Nadia Calviño, the new EIB president, promised reforms, including appointing an independent ombudsman to strengthen procedures and support whistleblowers.
However, former staff expressed skepticism, doubting the effectiveness of these measures without genuine independence from EIB management. "After the last 12 years, staff are in sort of a trauma," one former employee told the FT. "This cannot simply be healed by throwing some points on a piece of paper."
The findings come at a critical time as the EIB faces increased demands to support the EU's green transition and defense needs. The bank also faces an ongoing investigation into its former president Werner Hoyer on suspicion of corruption and misuse of funds — allegations which he has denied.
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