“It is consistently among the countries that benefit most from the financing of the EIB Group and we want it to remain so in the future,” said its president, Nadia Calvino, in discussions with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis during her visit to the country. As stated in the EIB’s information communication, the discussions focused on the strategic priorities of Greece and Europe, such as upgrading energy infrastructure, supporting adaptation to climate change, strengthening security and defence, as well as mobilising public and private investments in competitiveness and innovation, sustainable and affordable housing. The talks confirmed Greece’s strong support for the EIB Group’s Strategic Road Charter, which sets eight key investment priorities for the coming years. Mrs. Calvino said: “Today I had very productive exchanges of views that confirm the full alignment of our priorities. We also had the opportunity to sign an important agreement on the coalification of the Greek islands and I was proud to visit the state-of-the-art crisis management centre, a typical example of the impact of our investments on the benefit of citizens and the economy.” The EIB Group has invested nearly 50 billion euros in Greece since 1963, promoting economic growth and social cohesion and improving the lives of citizens. The flagship projects funded by the EIB group range from the metro of Athens to the main connections of the Cyclades islands to the continental electricity network, and the upgrading of civil protection capabilities. The EIB Group will continue to support investments that improve the adaptation of various sectors and regions to climate change, as well as the strengthening of energy independence, the promotion of digitisation and the stimulation of financing of own funds for innovative companies and rapidly developing start-ups in Greece. The EIB Group has recorded significant work in providing credit lines to Greek banks and other partners, facilitating investment for small and medium-sized enterprises in the country and providing affordable loans for their green and digital transition. During the visit, EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris signed the opening of cooperation between the EIB, the European Commission and the Greek Government. The fund, which is expected to mobilise 2 billion euros from the revenues of EU carbon emissions licences, aims at renewable energy initiatives across the islands of Greece, encouraging the adoption of solar and wind energy and storage solutions, while increasing interconnection between the islands. Projects are also envisaged to support the charging of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic installations. The EIB group is the European Union’s long-term loan institution, owned by the Member States. It finances sound investments that promote the objectives of EU policy. EIB projects strengthen competitiveness, promote innovation, promote sustainable development, strengthen social and territorial cohesion and support a fair and rapid transition to climate neutrality. As mentioned in the information, the EIB Group invested 2.5 billion euros in Greece last year, supporting projects focused on economic and social cohesion, water and energy infrastructure. It also contributed to the provision of credit lines to Greek companies, while enhancing environmental sustainability and improving quality of life. Source: RES – ICM
EIB: Strengthening cooperation with the Greek government on strategic investments in the country
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