European Investment Bank Lends EUR50 Million to Lithuanian Utility to Upgrade Water Services and Climate Resilience

Strategic Insights -

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has lent Lithuanian water utility Vilniaus vandenys EUR50 million to upgrade water and wastewater operations in the capital Vilnius. The loan will support the company's efforts to digitize, reinforce, and expand its infrastructure, including the upgrade of the Virsuliskes water station, the expansion of infrastructure in the Gulbinai area, and the reconstruction of the Salcininkai water supply station and treatment facilities. The project aims to improve services and environmental protection across the Vilnius region, while also advancing the urban-resilience goals of Vilniaus vandenys and the European Union.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EIB loan of EUR50 million will be used to upgrade water and wastewater operations in the capital Vilnius, with a focus on digitization, reinforcement, and expansion of infrastructure.
  • The planned works include the upgrade of the Virsuliskes water station, the expansion of infrastructure in the Gulbinai area, and the reconstruction of the Salcininkai water supply station and treatment facilities.
  • The wastewater network will be enhanced through the construction of pressure pipelines from Baravyko Street to Sietyno Street and a balancing reservoir, improving services and environmental protection across the Vilnius region.
  • The project aims to improve services and environmental protection, while also advancing the urban-resilience goals of Vilniaus vandenys and the European Union.
  • The EIB financing is backed by an InvestEU guarantee, which supports sustainable investment across the EU.
  • The EIB loan aligns with key InvestEU policy objectives, advancing EU priorities and directing funds where they are most needed.
  • The project also facilitates the implementation of EU water and environmental legislation.
  • The loan will have a maturity of 20 years and will form a significant part of Vilniaus vandenys' financing mix, alongside its own funds and support from EU programs.
  • Around half of the loan will be allocated to smart city solutions.

Statistics:

  • EUR50 million: the amount of the EIB loan to Vilniaus vandenys.
  • 20 years: the maturity of the EIB loan.
  • 99,000 cubic meters: the amount of drinking water supplied every day by Vilniaus vandenys.
  • 116,000 cubic meters: the amount of wastewater treated every day by Vilniaus vandenys.
  • 87.05%: the percentage of ownership of Vilniaus vandenys by the municipalities of Vilnius City.
  • 5.10%: the percentage of ownership of Vilniaus vandenys by the municipality of Vilnius District.
  • 5.98%: the percentage of ownership of Vilniaus vandenys by the municipality of Svencionys District.
  • 1.87%: the percentage of ownership of Vilniaus vandenys by the municipality of Salcininkai District.
  • EUR76 million: the amount invested by Vilniaus vandenys in improving service quality, supply reliability, and environmental protection over the past two years.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank (EIB), "Lithuania: Vilnius to upgrade water services and boost climate resilience with EUR50 million EIB loan to utility Vilniaus vandenys," October 16, 2025.