Košice Secures €20M EIB Loan for Green Development

Alongside the EIB loan, Košice has secured an additional €4.3 million European Union grant through the Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF) under the Just Transition Mechanism, making it the first Slovak city to benefit from this funding instrument. The combined financing will enable the city to implement a coordinated investment programme focused on climate action, energy efficiency, and social infrastructure.

The investment package will fund the renovation of schools, healthcare and social service facilities, municipal buildings, cycling infrastructure, public underpasses, roads, composting facilities, senior care centers, zoo infrastructure, and public green space management facilities. These projects aim to improve the quality of public services, increase accessibility, enhance sustainable mobility, and strengthen urban resilience.

Approximately 85% of the total investment will support climate-related objectives through energy-efficient building upgrades and clean energy solutions, contributing to lower carbon emissions, improved air quality, and reduced energy consumption. The programme also supports Košice’s commitments under the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and its Climate City Contract.

The initiative is expected to strengthen economic and social cohesion in Eastern Slovakia by reducing regional disparities, improving living standards, attracting investment, and creating a more attractive environment for residents and businesses. The project also contributes to a fair green transition by supporting sustainable development while ensuring communities benefit from modern infrastructure and improved public services.

The financing builds on the EIB’s long-standing support for regional development in Slovakia, where the bank has invested approximately €407 million in regional and municipal projects aimed at improving connectivity, public infrastructure, climate resilience, and balanced economic growth across the country.