EIB and EU finance greener transport in France

Green Forum
The Lille Metropolitan area (Métropole européenne de Lille) has been awarded a green loan of €245 million by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund its public transport network and cycling paths. The loan is combined with a €31.5 million grant from the European Commission via the Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF) set up under the European Green Deal's Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). This will bring the total budget of the project to over €400 million.

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is responsible for managing this grant and monitor the implementation of the project. This joint blended financing support from the EIB and the European Commission will unlock additional investment for public entities in the European regions most affected by the transition to achieve EU climate and energy targets.

The Green Mobility (GREENMO) project will target various parts of the Lille Metropolitan area public transport infrastructure. The project covers the modernisation of the tram network through the replacement of 30 trams, the roll out of 42 hydrogen-powered buses and the improvement of platforms, depots and other related transport facilities. It will also support the development of an ambitious cycling plan and related infrastructure to improve safety for cyclists.

On completion of the project, around 1.2 million people of the Lille Metropolitan area will benefit from a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport service. This improved public transport offer will accelerate change in user behaviour, with an increase in the use of modes of transport alternative to the private car, and reduce its usage in Lille from 56% in 2023 to 40% by 2035. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to significantly transform the Lille Metropolitan area into a bicycle-friendly city. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by around 90,000 tonnes-equivalent of CO2 annually and around 4,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created.

RECOMMENDED
EIB to support green transport projects in Romania
Mobility

EIB to support green transport projects in Romania

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will advise the Romanian municipality of Ploiești on green transport projects as part of a Europe-wide push to make urban life healthier for people and the environment.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Sustainability moves from ambition to action
Real estate

Sustainability moves from ambition to action

Conducted in autumn 2025, the RICS Sustainable Real Estate Survey Europe gathered 112 responses from valuers, developers, investors and other professionals across 30 countries. The findings confirm that ESG has moved from a peripheral concern to a core driver of real estate value, risk and decision-making across Europe.

Finance

ProCredit Bank Romania launches CO2 calculator for SMEs

ProCredit Bank Romania has launched a CO2 Emissions Calculator to help microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises quantify and understand their carbon footprint. This initiative reflects the Procredit Group's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with client engagement at the core of its Climate Action Strategy.

Energy

DSV boosts energy self-sufficiency with solar power

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, the world's largest logistics operator, has launched a solar installation at its warehouse in Łozienica, Poland, in partnership with commercial real estate investor Accolade. The installation will meet the energy needs of Poland's first multi-client warehouse equipped with an AutoStore system.

Energy

Etem Gestamp signs cross-border wind power deal with Rezolv

Etem Gestamp, the Sofia-based joint venture between Viohalco Group and Spain's Gestamp Group focused on aluminium extrusion and processing for the automotive industry, and Rezolv Energy, the Actis-backed independent power producer, have signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) in Bulgaria. The VPPA will see Etem Gestamp buy electricity from Rezolv Energy's 461MW 'Vifor' wind farm, which is about to come onstream in Buzău County, Romania. It is the first cross-border wind PPA that has been publicly announced in Bulgaria.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  24 April, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Green Forum  |  14 April, 2026 at 8:46 AM