KfW has announced plans to align its international financing more closely with the geostrategic and economic objectives of Germany and Europe. Christiane Laibach, a member of the Executive Board of KfW Group, emphasized this direction at the annual press briefing on KfW’s international activities in Frankfurt am Main. "As a global partner for governments and companies at home and abroad, we are strengthening Germany’s soft power. We need more, not less, international cooperation," she stated.
Germany's stability is linked to prosperous regions worldwide. Laibach highlighted the impact of challenging economic conditions globally on Germany as an export and import nation. She noted that German safety and prosperity depend significantly on global conflicts' status and the competitiveness of German and European companies.
KfW's international business through KfW Development Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, and DEG remains robust at around EUR 34.2 billion for 2024. "We continue to be a reliable partner in an uncertain world," said Laibach.
In future years, KfW plans to increase projects benefiting Germany regarding energy and raw material security. The organization aims to support the German economy with diverse instruments within its international commitments while aiding the new federal government in implementing its coalition agreement.
Key focus areas include stable relations with developing countries, reliable investment frameworks, tailored financing options, and individual advice for high-risk market entry.
In 2024 alone, KfW committed EUR 12.6 billion to environment and climate financing as part of its international efforts. This commitment will continue through innovative approaches like platforms offering standardized investment opportunities with reduced risk for private investors.
Under Global Gateway—the EU's response to China's New Silk Road—projects involving KfW amounted to approximately EUR 34 billion from 2021 to 2024. This represents over ten percent of the total volume estimated at around EUR 300 billion.