A modern cohesion policy

A modern cohesion policy helps regions make the most of public investment, strengthen competitiveness and support long‑term growth. In 2025, around 31% of advisory assignments contributed to cohesion‑related operations.

EIB Advisory helped national, regional and local authorities design and implement investment plans aligned with just transition objectives, make better use of EU grants and combine them with EIB Group financing, including tools such as the Public Sector Loan Facility.

More on EIB Advisory support to the EIB strategic priorities

EIB Advisory support in 2025

Through the Just Transition Fund, EIB Advisory supported coal-dependent European regions in their transition towards a cleaner economy.
Under JASPERS, it delivered nearly 100 assignments in Eastern Europe, supporting projects such as solid waste management plans in Greece and Croatia, battery energy storage solutions in Cyprus, district heating development in Poland, water supply and treatment projects in Bulgaria and Romania, and better high-speed rail links in Czechia, Poland and Portugal. Together, these investments help reduce regional gaps.

ADVISORY STORIES

Greener schools, housing and even the zoo

Ústí nad Labem in Czechia, a university town with almost 9 000 students, wants to modernise and create a sustainable and liveable place with a thriving local economy and all the attributes needed for residents of all ages.

The European Investment Bank and EIB Advisory officers are helping the city to do exactly that. The city and the Bank signed a loan worth about €43 million in 2024 to help a variety of targets in energy efficiency and renewable energy in municipal buildings.

“We are not building new public buildings, but we are investing in our inherited assets and addressing them in the way they deserve, from measures in energy efficiency to accessibility for all.”

Petr Nedvědický

Mayor of Ústí nad Labem

Adapting to rising waters

For decades, flood defences along Poland’s San river have protected nearby communities. But as rainfall patterns change and extreme weather becomes more frequent, these defences are under growing strain.

Along a 17-kilometre stretch of the river, near its junction with the Wisła, Polish authorities are upgrading dykes and flood embankments on the river’s left bank.

Bucharest Metro upgrades again

Bucharest’s metro is the city’s beating heart, moving 750 000 people daily through five lines that keep Romania’s capital connected. But by 2021, the system’s core Metro Line 2 was showing its age. Late one night, EIB Advisory transport engineer Mihai Frumosu walked the silent tunnels and saw that “without immediate intervention, it would be impossible to keep the line functioning. A disruption could paralyse the centre of Bucharest.”

Get inspired

5 June 2025

Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production

Bulgaria will receive advisory support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for greening one of Europe’s largest sites for coal-fired electricity production – the Maritsa East Complex. Both sides today signed an agreement under which the EIB will advise the Bulgarian government as it pursues a plan to decarbonise the Maritsa East Complex, which generates up to 35% of the country’s electricity.

Environment Climate Decarbonisation Bulgaria European Union Climate and environment Social and territorial cohesion
14 March 2025

Romania: Industrial hub of Ploiesti to get EIB advisory support on green transport projects

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will advise the Romanian municipality of Ploiești on green transport projects as part of a Europe-wide push to make urban life healthier for people and the environment. EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris and Ploiești Mayor Mihai Poliţeanu signed an agreement on advisory support today in the city, which is a major industrial hub 56 kilometres north of Bucharest.

Transport Ioannis Tsakiris Management committee Romania European Union Social infrastructure Social and territorial cohesion
8 October 2025

EIB Advisory and Romania drive sustainable urban mobility in the Jiu Valley

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Romania’s Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE) formalised a new EIB Advisory support assignment for integrated urban mobility in the Jiu Valley, reinforcing their shared commitment to accelerate the region’s just transition and sustainable growth.

Transport Urban mobility Ioannis Tsakiris Management committee Sustainable transport Sustainability Romania European Union Climate and environment Social infrastructure Social and territorial cohesion
Bringing the shine back to Arges

The word "Arges" is thought to mean "shiny" and dates back to the ancient Dacian period, when the river was known as “Argessos.” Today, the county is working to restore the "shine" of its waters
Modern waste system aligns with EU standards in Greece

Imagine a room filled with 50 000 elephants. That’s around the weight of the 250 000 tonnes of waste produced each year in Greece’s Peloponnese region