EIB provides €250 million financing to EYDAP for major Athens water infrastructure upgrades

EIB provides €250 million financing to EYDAP for major Athens water infrastructure upgrades

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has signed a €250 million financing framework with Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) to support a €514 million investment plan modernising water and wastewater services for more than four million Attica residents. Projects will include smart meters, digital monitoring, treatment plant upgrades, and energy-efficient infrastructure, reducing water losses, cutting emissions, and improving resilience to drought. EIB Vice President Yannis Tsakiris and Greece’s Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou welcomed the agreement, describing it as vital to public health, sustainability and climate adaptation. The financing, combined with EYDAP’s resources, forms part of a broader €2.1 billion infrastructure programme.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 27-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a financing agreement worth €250 million with the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) to back its first large-scale strategic investment programme. The €514 million plan, running from 2025 to 2030, will transform water supply and wastewater services for more than 4 million residents in the Attica region, strengthening both infrastructure and resilience against climate change.

This is the first time EYDAP has secured long-term financing to implement its strategic investment plan, marking a milestone for the company. The initiative will modernise networks, reduce water losses, cut emissions and improve service quality in one of Europe’s most densely populated metropolitan areas.

Building modern and climate-resilient infrastructure

The programme includes a wide range of projects that will deliver long-term environmental and social benefits:

• Replacement and modernisation of drinking water and wastewater networks
• Upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Rollout of smart meters to improve efficiency and reduce losses
• Deployment of digital and automated monitoring systems
• Energy efficiency improvements to reduce costs and emissions

These investments will improve water quality, protect public health, reduce pollution, and help Athens adapt to drought conditions, while ensuring compliance with EU water directives and environmental standards.

Statements from leaders

“Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for public health, social cohesion and economic resilience,” said EIB Vice President Yannis Tsakiris. “With today’s agreement, EYDAP takes a decisive step to modernise its infrastructure and provide high-quality water and wastewater services to more than four million citizens in Attica. Smart meters, digital systems and energy-efficient solutions will cut emissions and water losses, making Athens more resilient to climate challenges.”

Stavros Papastavrou, Minister of Environment and Energy, highlighted the importance of the agreement: “The long-term financing of EYDAP by the EIB confirms our determination to tackle water scarcity and improve services for millions of citizens. With modern networks, reduced losses and lower operating costs, we ensure water remains a public good – invaluable, irreplaceable, and essential to life.”

EYDAP Chairman Giorgos Stergiou added: “This cooperation with the European Investment Bank reflects confidence in EYDAP’s capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects. It will accelerate the modernisation of our networks, reducing leaks and supply interruptions for the benefit of Attica’s citizens.”

EYDAP CEO Haris Sachinis underlined the strategic significance: “Our vision is to transform EYDAP into a modern utility ready to meet the challenges of climate change. Partnering with the EIB helps us ensure safe, reliable and efficient services while addressing future water management needs.”

Supporting Greece’s national and European goals

The financing supports Greece’s national strategy for sustainable and affordable water management, aligns with EU climate and environmental objectives, and reinforces social cohesion in Attica – classified as a “transition region” under EU Cohesion Policy. The investment is also part of the EU’s Water Resilience Initiative and contributes to the European Green Deal.

EYDAP received technical and strategic advice from the EIB Advisory through the InvestEU Advisory Hub during the preparation of the programme, helping shape a climate-resilient strategy. This collaboration is expected to continue in order to maximise impact.

Overall, the financing covers up to 50% of EYDAP’s €514 million programme, which forms part of the company’s broader €2.1 billion infrastructure plan. The remaining funds will be drawn from company resources and potential commercial financing.

Background information

About EYDAP

EYDAP is the largest water utility in Greece, providing water supply services to more than 4.4 million people and sewerage services to over 3.7 million in the Attica region. The company operates under a long-term concession agreement with the Greek State, which is valid until 2040. EYDAP is majority-owned by the State and listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.

About the EIB

Background information

EIB  

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

Media Contacts:

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+352 4379 – 70512

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank