SMALL-MEDIUM SIZED UTILITIES PROGRAMME LOAN

The project consists of a programme loan (PL) to finance several sub-operations implemented by several small/medium sized utilities, that provide both regulated and semi-regulated services in the environmental as well as energy sector in Italy. Services include, for example, integrated water and waste management, electricity, heat, public lighting services.

The PL is expected to finance a series of capex investments in waterworks (water and wastewater facilities), energy (electricity distribution), district heating, public lighting, and waste collection and treatment facilities.

The sub-operations under the PL are expected to have minor environmental and social impacts. More specifically, the investments in water and waste are expected to have net positive environmental and social impacts, considering their focus on compliance with amongst others the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC and the Waste Framework Directive 2018/851/EC, and their contribution to resource efficiency from recycling. Where and if applicable, the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (EIA) 2014/52/EU amending the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU, the Habitats and Birds Directives (92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, respectively) will be respected and the Bank will publish the non-technical summaries of the EIAs on its website.

The EIB will require the promoters to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directive 2014/25/EU and Directive 92/13/EEC) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required.