CEB records robust interim results, reinforcing support for its member countries

Paris – The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has released today the Half-year Financial Report 2026 on its unaudited, interim financial statements, in compliance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The robust interim results testify not only to the Bank's financial soundness and the high social value of its operations, but also to its steadfast commitment to fostering social cohesion.

In a global landscape marked by geopolitical and financial pressures, the Bank’s net profit amounted to €70.1 million as at 30 June 2026, up by 19.4%, compared to the first half of 2025. Core earnings increased by 7.5% compared to the first half of 2025, reaching €70.0 million, thus continuing a positive trend. The interest margin grew by 7.0% (€6.8 million), driven by higher interest income from investments in long-term securities measured at amortised cost, while the interest received from loans and liquid assets was partially offset by interest paid on refinancing, in line with interest rate and margin developments.

The two elements outside core earnings – financial instrument valuations and the cost of risk – showed an almost neutral net impact in the income statement in the first half of 2026, compared to a negative net impact on profit in the first half of 2025.

The CEB’s total balance sheet reached €43.0 billion at the end of June 2026, an increase of 10.0% compared to €39.0 billion as at 31 December 2025, reflecting the normal cyclical activity in financing at the beginning of the year.

During the interim period, total loans outstanding increased to €24.0 billion, compared to €23.6 billion at year-end 2025.

Equity stood at €4.9 billion as at 30 June 2026, up by 1.0% on the prior year, reflecting the 2026 net profit of the first half of 2026, the 2025 net profit allocation and the negative variation of gains and losses recognised directly in equity.

Thanks to a strengthened capital base following its seventh capital increase, the Bank continued steadfast implementation of its 2023–2027 Strategic Framework, deepening its support for member countries as they address pressing development challenges and reinforcing its role as Europe’s social development bank of choice.

For the six months ended 30 June 2026, new projects approved amounted to €2.5 billion and loans disbursed reached €1.7 billion. The stock of projects approved and awaiting financing stood at €10.0 billion, compared to €9.4 billion as at 31 December of 2025.

The Bank’s financial solidity is also underpinned by a robust risk profile. The CEB maintained its prudent risk management policy and its risk appetite ratios remained within the approved limits. As in previous years, the Bank did not record any default or late payments from counterparties during the reporting period.