Gabriela Mates

I am a strong believer in European values

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you introduce yourself?

I am currently the Head of the European Investment Bank Group Office in the Czech Republic. Prior to returning to the Czech Republic last September, I worked at the EIB Group in Luxembourg for ten years. During my time at the EIB, I was responsible for business origination across various products and geographies. I also oversaw implementation of institutional mandates deployed by the EIB, such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments.

I am also a mother of two children, and a strong believer in European values: freedom, democracy, and the respect for human rights and the rule of law. This is why I find my work at the EIB – which contributes towards a better future for all of us – so important and motivating.

You returned to Czechia after 19 years of living abroad. What does it feel like?

Living in Prague really feels like living in the heart of Europe – not just because of its location, but also because of the large and diverse international community. The quality of life in Prague is comparable to or even better than that found in many capitals in Western Europe. The cultural life is very vivid, but there are also many opportunities for outdoor activities. Thanks to my work, I engage with public officials, as well as CEOs and CFOs of leading Czech companies, and I can feel that we are again proud of being Czech. I am personally also very happy that our foreign policy is again based on Václav Havel’s tradition of active, responsible, and humanistic politics.

Have you always wanted to become a great banker?

When I was 12, I wanted to become the Czech ambassador to France. I studied International Business and Political Economy in the United Kingdom, following which I worked in London for a few years. I started my career in management consulting, helping major European banks transform their operations, and became a banker only after I joined the EIB Group ten years ago. I was genuinely inspired by EIB’s mission to contribute to EU development and environmental sustainability. When the EIB Group office in Prague opened nine years ago, I knew I would like to be the Head of Office in Prague one day. It is unlikely I will become the Czech ambassador in France, but I am thrilled to be the EIB ambassador in the Czech Republic.

Can you explain the EIB’s role?

The European Investment Bank is the lending arm of the European Union. We are one of the biggest multilateral financial institutions in the world, and one of the largest providers of climate finance. We provide loans, guarantees, equity investments, and advisory services. The European Investment Bank Group includes the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. The latter specialises in supporting SMEs and venture capital investments.

The EIB plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth, sustainability, and innovation within the European Union and beyond. Through our activities, we aim to accelerate the green transition, boost technological innovation, bolster security and defence, and support regional cohesion. Our commitment to international development safeguards Europe’s strong global presence. We support European integration and EU interests globally, with operations in more than 160 countries around the world.

What is the ownership structure of the EIB?

The EIB is owned by the 27 Member States of the European Union. The share of each Member State in the Bank’s capital is based on its economic weight within the EU at the time of its accession (expressed as GDP percentage). The Czech Republic owns 0.9% of the EIB capital. Our share is comparable to that of Portugal or Hungary.

Are EIB’s investments also available to businesses or just to countries?

We lend to public – as well as private – sector clients. We typically finance projects with a minimum project cost of EUR 50m (CZK 1.3bn). However, taking into account the specificities of each country, we also consider projects with project costs of EUR 25-50m (CZK 630m-1.3bn).

We usually finance up to 50% of project costs, but there are various exceptions where the Bank may finance more. These are projects of pan-European significance, or Just Transition Mechanism projects. Projects increasing energy efficiency or those contributing to the development of renewable energy sources can also receive financial support exceeding 50% of their overall implementation costs. We unfortunately cannot provide direct financing to SMEs and Mid-Caps, but we can support them indirectly via national development or commercial banks. In this case, we provide financing at favourable conditions to local banks, which then on-lend these financial resources to SMEs and Mid-Caps who need financing for projects smaller than EUR 25m (CZK 630m).

Can you outline the key areas of EIB involvement in the Czech Republic?

We have been active in the Czech market for almost 30 years. During this period, EIB provided financial support to projects located in the Czech Republic amounting to EUR 30bn, i.e. CZK 736bn. Only last year, we committed a record EUR 2.5bn (CZK 63bn) in new financing in the country.

The investment of the year was undoubtedly the CZK 13 billion loan to Správa železnic, the Railway Administration, for the modernisation of the railway network and the improvement of railway safety. Worth mentioning is also the CZK 755 million loan to Y Soft, a leading Czech software and electronic hardware producer. This investment, backed by the InvestEU Guarantee, will help Y Soft further develop their range of office management technologies, including robotics and sensors.

What are your priorities for 2025?

We will continue to invest in the modernization of the local transport infrastructure, energy independence, and affordable housing. We will support small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the area of research and development. The war against Ukraine has clearly shown that we need to strengthen the European security and defence industry. Last year, the EIB therefore decided to relax its rules for the financing of the defence industry. The Bank is now in talks with governments and industry representatives to identify European projects in areas such as space, research and development, drones, and military mobility.

Our partnership with the Czech Republic is stronger than ever, and I am excited about the future projects we will embark on together. We are committed to providing the financial and advisory support needed to help the country achieve its ambitious goals and ensure a prosperous future for all its citizens.

Can you share some of the toughest parts of overseeing the EIB Group Office in the Czech Republic?

The Prague office is small, which means that I constantly need to juggle various tasks and priorities. I spend most of my time meeting our existing or future partners, speaking at conferences, or preparing visits of EIB management to the Czech Republic. My responsibilities, however, also include keeping EIB management and colleagues working on projects in the Czech Republic up to date with relevant economic and political developments in the country. And last, but not least, I need to manage the smooth running of the office, which means I often wish a day had more than 24 hours.

How do you spend your free time?

I try to spend most of my free time with my two amazing children. I also have a very active husband, who loves sports and outdoor activities, which means that we are almost always on the move – cycling, skating, skiing, running, or hiking. I also love yoga, which helps me keep some kind of balance. However, I am slowly starting to agree with Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, who says that balance does not exist. At best, we can juggle all our priorities and somehow make it all work.

Considering your experience, what is your advice to the next generation of women in finance?

First of all, you do not have to act like a man to make it in finance. You will not be better heard because you shout louder or because you use slang. Embrace your authentic self and be confident in your unique identity. Secondly, dream big, take risks, and do not be afraid of failure. Setbacks and failures are powerful learning experiences, teaching us the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Thirdly, you do not succeed on your own. Build strong relationships and connections. Your network can provide encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities, which are essential for personal and career advancement.