The European Investment Bank and the National Bank have signed the first tranche of financing, amounting to €100 million.
The agreement comes under an approved programme totalling €200 million, aimed at boosting investment in agriculture and the bio-economy across the country. The funding is targeted at SMEs and mid-cap companies active in agriculture, food production and the bioeconomy, helping to boost the competitiveness, modernisation and sustainable development of the sector.
Sustainability is a particular focus, as a significant part of the funds will be directed to investments with an environmental footprint that support the green transition. In parallel, the initiative supports projects that increase the sector’s resilience to climate change through more efficient use of natural resources and the adoption of modern, sustainable practices.
At the same time, the funding is expected to make a substantial contribution to creating new jobs and boosting youth employment, strengthening local economies and attracting a new generation of professionals to the agricultural sector.
The agreement builds on the long-standing and successful cooperation between the two organisations, and the almost full utilisation of previous funding demonstrates the significant demand for investment in this sector.
“This new financing confirms the EIB’s commitment to support agriculture and the bio-economy in Greece, sectors critical for economic growth and regional cohesion. Through our partnership with the National Bank of Greece, we are supporting investments that promote sustainability, innovation and climate change resilience, while creating new opportunities for the next generation”, said EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris.
EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Villiotti noted: “Agriculture and the bioeconomy are strategic pillars for Europe’s competitiveness, food security and regional cohesion, particularly in an environment of increasing climate and geopolitical challenges. By providing long-term financing and in cooperation with reliable national partners, the EIB is making a key contribution to mobilising investment, accelerating the green transition and strengthening the resilience of Europe’s agri-food systems.”
National Bank’s General Manager of Retail Banking, Christina Theofilidi, said: “Our participation in this flagship EIB programme is another important milestone in our long-term cooperation. The programme’s focus on financing Greek SMEs and mid-cap companies active in the agriculture and bio-economy sectors is fully aligned with the National Bank’s strategic objective to promote sustainable lending.”
