The City of Zagreb, with the help of the EIB, will soon finance a huge number of green projects

For the first time in history, the City of Zagreb is entering into cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the public bank of the European Union, with which a framework loan for long-term borrowing has been agreed. This will enable the City of Zagreb to finance projects of green and digital transition, which are aligned with the priorities of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The proposal for a conclusion that will be sent to the City Assembly suggests long-term borrowing for the City of Zagreb from the European Investment Bank for an amount of up to 206.9 million euros with a repayment period of 10 years and a favorable interest rate, including a one-year grace period.

– I am proud of the transparency of the City Administration, the high absorption of EU funds, and the stable financial position of the City, as evidenced by consecutive reports from international credit agencies that raise both our rating and forecasts. After many years, all respectable international institutions want to cooperate with the City of Zagreb, which allows us to borrow money under very favorable conditions and invest it in projects that will permanently serve the citizens of the City of Zagreb – said Mayor Tomašević.

The funds from the framework loan are planned to be used for the construction, expansion, reconstruction, and equipping of public buildings such as kindergartens and schools, the construction of the Špansko swimming pool, the renovation of Kino Europa, energy renovation of public buildings, photovoltaic systems on public buildings, and smart building management.

– This is a unique opportunity to continue breaking records in drawing EU funds because the loan funds will be used for the city part of financing projects that will be co-financed from European Union funds. Only projects of green and digital transition will be financed in the period up to 2025 – emphasized Mayor Tomašević.

In the area of sustainable public transport, the funds are planned to be used for public lighting in the field of urban mobility, the funicular, the reconstruction of the Mihaljevec tram terminal, the expansion of Medpotoki Street, and for the Greenway bicycle path. Projects related to the digitalization of city services and the revitalization of brownfield areas will also be supported, which refers to the library and the socio-cultural center Paromlin.