EIB and ICSC Strengthen Partnership with €150 Million Loan to Modernize Italy’s Sports and Cultural Infrastructure

EIB and ICSC Strengthen Partnership with €150 Million Loan to Modernize Italy’s Sports and Cultural Infrastructure

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €150 million loan to the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale (ICSC) to finance new and upgraded public sports and cultural infrastructure across Italy. The funding will support projects of up to €40 million each, focusing on urban regeneration, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility initiatives such as new cycle paths. This marks the fourth collaboration between the EIB and ICSC, bringing total joint financing to €500 million. Previous agreements have enabled over 1,100 projects, primarily in southern Italy, with an average social return of €3.50 for every euro invested. The initiative reinforces efforts to promote inclusion, sustainability, and community well-being across the country.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 23-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a new €150 million financing agreement with the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale (ICSC) to support the development and modernization of Italy’s public sports and cultural infrastructure. This initiative aims to promote urban regeneration, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability through investments that enhance local community amenities. The agreement was formalized in Rome by EIB Director General of Operations Jean-Christophe Laloux and ICSC CEO Antonella Baldino, in the presence of EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti.

Under the terms of the agreement, the funds will finance projects of up to €40 million each, focusing on the construction of new sports and cultural facilities, the renovation of existing infrastructure, and initiatives to support sustainable mobility, such as new cycle paths. The investments will exclusively involve publicly-owned properties with open access, ensuring that local and regional authorities — particularly municipalities — can provide modern, inclusive, and energy-efficient spaces for their communities.

“This partnership between the EIB and ICSC plays a key role by placing sport and culture at the heart of strategies designed to promote social inclusion and urban regeneration at local and regional level,” said Jean-Christophe Laloux, EIB Director General of Operations. “This new agreement reinforces our joint commitment to communities in Italy by promoting projects combining environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and economic development.”

Antonella Baldino, CEO of ICSC, added: “This new agreement with the EIB is another step forward in supporting the country’s sustainable and inclusive growth through sport and culture. The financing will enable local and regional authorities to invest in modern, accessible, and efficient public amenities that deliver measurable benefits in social cohesion, youth opportunities, and environmental performance.”

This is the fourth financing agreement between the EIB and ICSC, bringing their total cooperation to €500 million in loans supporting local and regional investments in Italy’s sport and cultural sectors. Through previous EIB funding of €350 million, more than 1,100 projects have already been implemented across the country, with a strong focus on Italy’s southern regions. These projects have contributed to improved energy efficiency, accessibility, and sustainable mobility — achieving an average Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 3.5x, meaning that every euro invested has generated €3.50 in community benefits such as improved quality of life, job creation, and increased participation in sports and cultural activities.

This latest agreement continues the EIB and ICSC’s shared mission of ensuring that sustainable social infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Italy’s economic recovery and regional development, enhancing both local vitality and national resilience.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank