As part of her visits to European capitals, the president of her group European Investment Bank (EIB) Nadia Calviño visited Athens today to discuss with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis Europe’s strategic priorities and investments in Greece. He also visited with the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilia the disaster management control center, which has been financed by the EIB.

As stated in an informative announcement by the CoE, the discussions focused on the strategic priorities of Greece and Europe, such as the upgrading of energy infrastructures, support for adaptation to climate change, strengthening of security and defense, as well as the mobilization of public and private investment for competitiveness and innovation, sustainable and affordable housing.

The talks confirmed Greece’s strong support for the EIB Group’s Strategic Roadmap, which sets out eight key investment priorities for the coming years.

“Greece is consistently among the countries that benefit the most from EIB group financing and we want it to remain so in the future,” said President Calviño.Today I had very productive exchanges that confirm the full alignment of our priorities. We also had the opportunity to sign an important agreement on the decarbonisation of the Greek islands and I was proud to visit the state-of-the-art crisis management centre, a prime example of the impact of our investments for the benefit of citizens and the economy».

The EIB Group has invested almost 50 billion euro in Greece since 1963, promoting economic development and social cohesion and improving the lives of citizens. Flagship projects financed by the EIB group range from the Athens metro to the key interconnections of the Cyclades islands with the mainland electricity grid, 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 strengthen energy independence, promote digitalization and stimulate equity financing for innovative companies and fast-growing startups in Greece. The EIB Group has recorded significant work in providing lines of credit to Greek banks and other partners, facilitating investments for the country’s SMEs and providing affordable loans for their green and digital transition.

During the visit, Mr vice-president of the EIB Ioannis Tsakiris signed the start of his collaboration Island Decarbonization Fund between the EIB, the European Commission and the Greek government. The fund, which is expected to mobilize 2 billion €100,000 of EU CO2 emission permit revenue, targets renewable energy initiatives across Greece’s islands, encouraging the adoption of solar and wind energy and storage solutions, while increasing inter-island connectivity. Projects to support electric vehicle charging and renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic installations are also planned.

The EIB Group is the long-term loan institution of the European Union

The EIB Group is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It funds sound investments that promote EU policy objectives. EIB projects enhance competitiveness, promote innovation, promote sustainable development, strengthen social and territorial cohesion and support a fair and rapid transition to climate neutrality.

As stated in the update, 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 businesses, while at the same time enhancing environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life.