EBRD adopts new Digital Approach for 2026-30

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published its Digital Approach 2026-30, outlining how it will harness digital technology to accelerate transition across its regions during the next period of the Strategic and Capital Framework (SCF), according to a press release issued on 06 July 2026. The framework promotes responsible, cybersecure digital transformation across the Bank’s regions. Digital transformation is seen as a key enabler for economic transition and impact. The Approach sets the direction for the next five years. It formulates the Bank’s support for responsible, cybersecure digital transition.

The new Approach builds on the architecture established in the previous SCF. It is centred on three pillars: strengthening the foundations of the digital economy; supporting digital adaptation across sectors; and promoting innovation. These pillars are complemented by a cross-cutting focus on cybersecurity. This reflects its growing importance for the resilience of increasingly digitalised economies. The framework carries forward and expands the Bank’s prior digital strategy.

The overarching objective is to use digitalisation to enhance productivity, competitiveness and resilience across the EBRD’s countries of operation. By embedding digital technology more deeply into economic activity, the Bank supports the development of modern, efficient and inclusive market economies. The Approach ties digital progress directly to economic transition. It positions technology as an enabler of broader market development. The framework applies across the Bank’s operating regions.

To achieve these aims, the Bank will prioritise four areas:

• promote investment to scale up digitalisation, including digital infrastructure, automation and advanced technologies that support clients’ growth and integration into global value chains;
• support governance through digitalisation and the promotion of best international digital and cybersecurity standards and practices at both national and client levels;
• increase efforts to build digital awareness, skills and expertise, recognising their crucial role in enabling economies and businesses to adapt to technological change;
• ensure, as a cross-cutting priority, that digital transformation is safe, responsible and cybersecure, helping clients to manage risks and strengthen resilience as digital usage expands.

The EBRD adopted its first Digital Approach in 2022. Since then, it has financed more than 220 projects with a digital component, including through its Go Digital programme and through technical assistance under its Digital Transformation Support and Cybersecurity Resilience programmes. It has also provided more than 3,200 advisory services to support the digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The new Approach carries this work into the 2026-30 period. It reinforces the Bank’s commitment to responsible digital transition across its regions.