Croatia’s Marko Primorac Appointed EIB Vice-President, Strengthening EU Investment Leadership

As one of the EIB’s eight vice-presidents, Primorac will represent Croatia, Hungary, and Poland, playing a key role in shaping the Bank’s investment strategy across the region.

Croatia’s Marko Primorac has been appointed as a new Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), marking a historic milestone as the first Croatian representative to join the institution’s top leadership.

Primorac succeeds Poland’s Teresa Czerwińska as a member of the EIB’s Management Committee, following his nomination by the Croatian government and formal appointment by the EIB Board of Governors—comprising finance ministers from all 27 European Union member states.

Strengthening EU Investment Strategy

As one of the EIB’s eight vice-presidents, Primorac will represent Croatia, Hungary, and Poland, playing a key role in shaping the Bank’s investment strategy across the region.

EIB President Nadia Calviño welcomed the appointment, highlighting Primorac’s strong fiscal and policy background:

“With his strong experience in public finance, both in Croatia and the EU, Marko Primorac will further strengthen the European Investment Bank’s capacity to deliver on EU priorities.”

His appointment comes at a time when the EIB is intensifying its focus on climate action, economic resilience, competitiveness, and the green transition.

From National Reforms to European Leadership

Primorac brings extensive experience in public finance and economic policy. Since 2022, he has served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Croatia, where he led significant economic reforms.

Under his tenure:

• Croatia met the Maastricht fiscal criteria for the first time

• The country achieved an improved sovereign credit rating of “A”

• Croatia successfully joined both the euro area and the Schengen zone

These milestones strengthened Croatia’s macroeconomic stability and integration into the European economic framework.

“I am honoured to join the EIB at a time when investment in resilience, competitiveness and the green transition is more important than ever,” Primorac said, emphasizing his commitment to advancing sustainable growth across EU member states.

Academic and International Experience

Before entering government, Primorac built a strong academic and institutional career:

• Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb, specializing in public finance and fiscal policy

• Experience in international financial institutions, including governance roles within the EIB

This combination of academic expertise and policy leadership positions him to contribute to evidence-based investment strategies at the European level.

Deepening EIB’s Role in Croatia and the Region

The appointment also reflects the growing importance of Central and Eastern Europe within the EIB’s operations.

The Bank has a long-standing presence in Croatia, with:

• Over €11 billion invested since 1977

• Financing across key sectors such as climate action, renewable energy, sustainable transport, and social infrastructure

• Advisory support to help mobilize EU funds and private investment

Primorac’s role is expected to further strengthen the alignment between national priorities and EU-wide investment strategies, particularly in areas such as green transition and infrastructure development.

A Strategic Moment for European Investment

As Europe faces economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and geopolitical pressures, the EIB is playing an increasingly central role as the EU’s long-term financing arm.

Primorac’s appointment signals a continued push to:

• Enhance investment in sustainable and green projects

• Boost economic competitiveness across member states

• Strengthen regional integration and cohesion

Looking Ahead

With a strong track record in fiscal policy and reform, Marko Primorac steps into the role at a pivotal time for Europe’s investment landscape.

His leadership is expected to contribute to shaping the EIB’s response to evolving challenges—ensuring that financing continues to support inclusive growth, climate resilience, and long-term economic stability across the European Union.