PM Mitsotakis at EIB signing: Int’l investors, creditors believe in Greece’s long-term prospects

International investors and creditors believe in Greece’s long-term prospects, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday evening, referring to the successful issue of 30-year bonds on Wednesday, during a European Investment Bank signing event.

Mitsotakis made his statements at the online signing of two agreements worth 875 million euros in funding with the EIB, which on March 17 had announced “a record support for pioneer energy efficiency and sustainable urban investments throughout Greece.” The funds will accelerate the implementation of the ‘Electra’ energy efficiency upgrade of public buildings and the ‘Antonis Tritsis’ prlan for viable urban investments.

Christian Kettel Thomsen, vice-president of EIB, had said at the time that “the wide range of initiatives by EIB and the European Investment Fund (EIF) currently under preparation will allow even bigger support for Greek enterprises, innovation and offering of improved services throughout the country. And the most important of all, it will have an immediate impact on the lives of millions of Greeks.”

Mitsotakis commented at the event, “As we see the end of the pandemic approaching with the rise in vaccinations, it is important to plan for the future,” adding that the two programs being funded are part of the government’s long-term development plan.

President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer congratulated the government for its achievements, underlined by the successful issue of the 30-year bond. He noted that in 2020 EIB made a record number of investments to Greece (over 2.8 billion euros), 44 percent of which are related to actions addressing climate change.

Referring in more detail to the agreements signed with the Deposits & Loans Fund, Hoyer explained that the ‘Antonis Tritsis’ program will support investments in managing waste, dealing with climate change, road safety, and management of water, among others. ‘Electra’ will reduce energy expenses and carbon dioxide emissions, while it will also benefit schools, hospitals and sports centers through energy investments.

Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said the two new agreements will allow the funding of hundreds of local projects that will improve the daily life and safety of citizens.

The meeting was attended by several ministers, and addressed by regional directors and the union of Greek cities.

(ANA-MPA)