Finance & Investment

Strengthening media’s role in financing for development.

While this is primarily aimed at the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF) these recommendations are also relevant for other investment and development banks and funds including InvestEU.

The context

In July 2025 the outcome document from the the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville reaffirmed the importance of addressing illicit financial flows (IFFs)—a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Compromiso de Sevilla also recognised the critical importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and other references to fundamental freedoms set out in the founding documents of the United Nations.

However, media was omitted as a stakeholder. This omission risks weakening the accountability mechanisms that are crucial for preventing IFFs and ensuring sustainable finance.

Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs)

The acknowledgement of IFFs in the outcome document is significant and provide opportunities for investment banks and funds because it:

Positions transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts at the center of global financing for development.

Creates a mandate for governments, institutions, and financial actors (including the EIB/EIF) to integrate anti-IFF safeguards into investment strategies.

Opens a pathway for recognising the media’s watchdog function as a practical tool for curbing IFFs—by investigating corruption, exposing illicit flows, and informing citizens.

Illicit Financial Flows | OECD Principles Resource Centreoecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info

Lead by example and explicitly recognising and supporting media as part of the financing ecosystem that underpins democratic governance, transparency, and resilience.

Digital infrastructure

As international development financing increasingly supports digital infrastructure — often in collaboration with private sector partnerships — states bear the responsibility to implement robust safeguards that protect human rights, ensure transparency, and promote accountability.

The EU and its member states should invest in resilient, secure, affordable, inclusive, and interoperable digital financial infrastructure, prioritising the public good.

Digital infrastructure | OECD Principles Resource Centreoecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info

Media as Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SMEs)

Media enterprises should be treated as micro- and small-enterprises within EIB/EIF’s SME and entrepreneurship programmes.

This includes access to credit lines, equity funds, and business development support.

Media as SMEs | OECD Principles Resource Centreoecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info

More resources

For more background on the "Compromiso de Seville" read this briefing by GFMD:

The Compromiso de Sevilla: Media’s Undervalued but Vital Role in Financing for DevelopmentGFMD