The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the National Bank of Greece (NBG) have secured an agreement to provide up to €200 million for the Greek agricultural sector. A first installment of €100 million was signed on 28 January 2026 to kickstart the programme. This initiative focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps working in food production and the bioeconomy. The goal is to improve the competitiveness of these businesses while encouraging modern and sustainable farming methods across the country.
A major portion of this funding is earmarked for green projects that address climate change. Investors will be encouraged to focus on environmental sustainability, including better water management and more efficient use of natural resources. By supporting these projects, the EIB and NBG hope to build a more resilient agricultural value chain that can withstand changing weather patterns. The programme also aims to improve economic activity in rural areas and cohesion regions where farming is a primary industry.
Beyond environmental goals, the financing is designed to create new jobs and support youth employment. By providing capital to innovative agricultural businesses, the banks hope to encourage a new generation of professionals to enter the sector. This partnership follows a previous successful collaboration between the two institutions, which saw high investment demand. National Bank of Greece officials noted that the programme aligns with their broader strategy for sustainable finance and supporting local enterprises.
EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris highlighted the importance of these sectors for regional growth. Christina Theofilidi of NBG added that the partnership represents a significant milestone for Greek businesses. The programme is currently active and available for eligible companies looking to modernise their operations or invest in climate-friendly technology.
“This new financing reaffirms the EIB’s commitment to supporting Greece’s agriculture and bioeconomy, sectors that are vital for economic growth and regional cohesion. Through our partnership with the National Bank of Greece, we are backing investments that promote sustainability, innovation and climate resilience, while also creating opportunities for the next generation.”, said EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris.
“Our participation in this flagship EIB programme marks yet another important milestone in our long-term cooperation. The programme’s focus on financing Greek SMEs and Mid-Caps active in the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors is fully aligned with NBG’s strategic objective of promoting sustainable financing.”, said Christina Theofilidi, General Manager of Retail Banking and Executive Member of the BoD at NBG.
