EIB provides €150 million to support Puglia's sustainable development

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €150 million financing package for the Region of Puglia, with the first €50 million tranche signed today to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion, accelerate the green transition, and improve services for citizens and businesses, according to a press release by the EIB. The operation will support the Region’s commitments under selected investments of the 2021-2027 Regional Programme financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Government-Region of Puglia Cohesion Agreement. The financing confirms the EIB’s role as a long-term partner for Italy’s cohesion regions.

The first tranche forms part of EIB financing designed to contribute to an investment programme worth around €2.34 billion across the region. The investments will cover integrated territorial development, natural resource management and protection, healthcare and education, transport, the water sector, wastewater, waste, and energy. The programme aligns with the objectives of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy, aimed at building a greener, more connected and more social Europe closer to its citizens. It reflects broader EU priorities on sustainable growth, social inclusion, and climate resilience.

Expected results include the redevelopment or construction of water, social, healthcare, education, and transport infrastructure. The investments will also strengthen protection against droughts and floods and improve healthcare services for around 2 million beneficiaries. The entire regional population of around 4 million people is expected to benefit from the programme. Implementation is also projected to generate a temporary employment effect estimated at over 14,000 person-years.

“Through this operation, the EIB confirms its role as a long-term partner for Puglia and Italy’s cohesion regions,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. She added that the financing will help accelerate strategic investments in essential services, social infrastructure, sustainable mobility, natural resource management, and climate resilience. President of the Region of Puglia Antonio Decaro described the relationship with Europe and its institutions as “fundamental,” noting that the resources will enable strategic investments to make Puglia stronger, more attractive, and more competitive. He thanked the EIB for its renewed confidence in the region.

The signature of the first tranche will help accelerate implementation of investments aligned with EU cohesion policy objectives. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing to support more than 870 high-impact projects across eight strategic priorities. In Italy, the EIB Group signed 105 new financing agreements totaling €12.3 billion in 2025. The operation reinforces the EIB’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development across Italian regions. It stands as a clear example of European support translating into tangible benefits for citizens, businesses, and local communities.