The European Investment Bank (EIB), with support from the InvestEU Advisory Hub, will work with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) to strengthen sustainable urban development across Greece, the country’s National Economy and Finance Ministry said Monday following the signing of an agreement in Athens.
The initiative aims to help municipalities address investment needs related to aging infrastructure, climate change and social inclusion. It will focus on sectors including urban regeneration, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, water management and social housing, contributing to more resilient and inclusive cities.
The cooperation builds on the EIB’s longstanding partnership with CDLF, Greece’s main public financial institution supporting local authorities. CDLF plays a central role in mobilizing and channeling national and European resources into municipal investments, including under the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.
The advisory support is funded under that mission and builds on earlier EIB assistance to help Greek cities meet climate-neutral and smart city targets.
With backing from the InvestEU Advisory Hub, the EIB will support CDLF in strengthening its capacity to identify and prioritize investment needs and assist municipalities in developing high-quality, sustainable projects aligned with European and national goals.
The support will also help improve access to financing by structuring viable investment programs and identifying appropriate funding solutions, including combinations of European, national and institutional sources.
In addition, the cooperation will promote capacity building and knowledge sharing to improve project preparation and implementation, while encouraging integrated approaches to sustainable urban development.
“Greek municipalities are facing increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure, address climate risks and deliver better services to citizens. Through InvestEU Advisory, the EIB is partnering with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund to help transform these challenges into tangible investment opportunities,” said EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris.
“This agreement provides specialized advisory support to further enhance the development potential of local governments by facilitating both the identification and prioritization of investment needs and access to financing,” said Stamatina Papadongona, chair of the CDLF board.