EBRD Annual Meeting In Riga To Spotlight Energy Transition, Innovation, And Economic Resilience

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to convene its 35th Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Riga, Latvia, from 5 to 7 June, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, investors, development experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping economies in a rapidly changing global environment.

Held under the theme “Volatile to versatile – economies innovating in a changing world,” the event will focus on how countries across the EBRD’s regions of operation are adapting to a landscape defined by geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, technological transformation, and shifting global priorities.

The gathering serves as one of the EBRD’s most significant annual events, providing a platform for shareholders, clients, partners, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore solutions to emerging economic and development challenges.This marks the second time that Riga has hosted the EBRD’s flagship annual event, having previously welcomed participants in 2000.

Latvia was among the first countries where the Bank began operations, and the decision to return to Riga highlights both the country’s continued importance and the strategic relevance of the wider region within the EBRD’s investment portfolio.The opening session of the Board of Governors will feature addresses from several prominent leaders, including Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity and Chair of the EBRD Board of Governors for 2025-26, Valdis Dombrovskis, and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.

Their remarks are expected to focus on economic resilience, international cooperation, and the role of development finance in addressing current global challenges.A special guest at this year’s event will be Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health.

In this capacity, she will discuss the importance of building inclusive and resilient financial systems that enable individuals and businesses to meet everyday financial needs, strengthen economic security, and invest in long-term prosperity. Her address will also examine how international financial institutions such as the EBRD can contribute to improving financial health and expanding economic opportunities across developing and emerging markets.One of the central themes of the Annual Meeting will be the EBRD’s continued support for economies affected by conflict and crisis.

Governors will discuss how the Bank can strengthen its role in helping countries navigate economic disruptions while maintaining growth and stability in an increasingly uncertain global environment.A significant focus will remain on Ukraine, where the EBRD has played a leading role in supporting economic resilience since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

During a plenary session scheduled for 6 June, Governors are expected to reaffirm their strong backing for Ukraine and endorse the Bank’s ongoing efforts to support both wartime economic stability and future reconstruction activities. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the EBRD has deployed nearly €10 billion into Ukraine’s real economy, making it one of the country’s largest institutional investors and supporters.The Bank has also indicated its readiness to increase investment activities further once large-scale reconstruction efforts begin.

Discussions during the meeting are expected to explore how international financial institutions, governments, and private-sector partners can collaborate to support Ukraine’s recovery and long-term economic development.In addition to reviewing its support for Ukraine, Governors will consider broader initiatives related to conflict-affected regions and discuss the EBRD’s evolving strategic priorities, including a stronger focus on economic governance and institutional resilience.

Alongside the formal governance sessions, the Business Forum will feature a diverse programme of panel discussions and expert debates covering a wide range of topics that are shaping the global economy. Sessions will examine the future role of international financial institutions, workforce development and emerging skills, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, the growing space economy, capital mobilization, and the ongoing energy transition

.A dedicated high-level discussion on Ukraine will bring together EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko. The session will focus on the country’s reconstruction pathway, economic reform agenda, and long-term integration with Europe.

As economies around the world confront unprecedented technological, geopolitical, and environmental changes, the EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and practical solutions. The event is expected to generate important discussions on how governments, businesses, and financial institutions can work together to build more resilient, innovative, and sustainable economies.

For those unable to attend in person, all major sessions and discussions will be available through livestream broadcasts, with recordings accessible on demand following the event, allowing a global audience to engage with the key conversations and outcomes from this year’s gathering in Riga.