Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEM) has signed a cooperation agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to strengthen investment planning and implementation—starting with critical infrastructure in energy and water. The agreement provides YPEM with technical and advisory support to design programmes, prioritise investments, and accelerate project preparation.
Strengthening Resilience Amid Climate Pressures
The partnership supports Greece’s broader efforts to protect vital national infrastructure and reinforce economic stability and social cohesion amid intensifying climate pressures and emerging threats. It aligns with the EU’s Critical Entities Resilience (CER) framework, aiming to bolster the resilience of entities delivering essential services.
Over 200 Projects Already Underway
This agreement forms part of an already launched investment pipeline comprising more than 200 projects valued at over €600 million. Key initiatives include the upgrade of water utilities EYDAP (Athens) and EYAΘ (Thessaloniki), the new National Water Strategy, and structural reforms in water management.
Technical Expertise and Strategic Prioritisation
Through its advisory arm—the EIB Advisory Services—the bank will provide specialised technical expertise to identify, assess, and prioritise investment needs. Initial focus will be on energy and water sectors, where safeguarding networks and ensuring continuous, reliable service delivery is vital for citizens, businesses, and the wider economy.
The EIB will work closely with YPEM and relevant authorities—including regional water companies and municipalities—to evaluate investment requirements, speed up project readiness, and explore suitable financing solutions for future infrastructure development.
Minister Papastaurou: Infrastructure as Heritage and Security
Speaking at the Hadrianic Aqueduct in Athens—a landmark structure operating continuously for nearly 1,900 years—Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastaurou underscored the enduring significance of infrastructure: “This iconic aqueduct symbolises sustainable water management across millennia—and remains a core part of Athens’ identity. Protecting critical water and energy infrastructure is not just about engineering; it’s a matter of national security, social cohesion, and quality of life. With the EIB, we’re pooling expertise and resources to shield our essential systems from crises and climate impacts—working hand-in-hand with EYDAP, EYAΘ, and local authorities. And we’re turning our new national water policy into tangible action.”