Varaždin to upgrade public services and quality of life with EIB financing of 25 million

• Investments will improve schools, cultural and sports facilities, energy-efficient public buildings and public spaces.
• Financing will help deliver around €100 million of investments alongside EU funds and city resources.
• Operation represents first direct EIB financing for Varaždin.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €25 million loan with the City of Varaždin to help finance a new wave of projects aimed at improving public services, modernising infrastructure and enhancing quality of life for residents. Combined with City resources and EU funding, the EIB financing will contribute to an investment programme of around €100 million investments in the years ahead. This is the EIB’s first direct financing for Varaždin and reflects its strengthened cooperation with the city, both in technical advisory and lending.

For residents, the programme will mean investment in the facilities and services they use every day: schools, cultural and sports facilities and greener public spaces. Renovation of public buildings will also reduce energy use and operating costs.

"Cities succeed when they invest ahead of need, not after problems emerge,’’ said EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac. ‘’This agreement will help Varaždin deliver projects that matter to residents today while preparing the city for the future. From housing and schools to cleaner mobility, these investments will make a visible difference across the city."

The loan forms part of Varaždin's long-term investment programme through 2030, combining municipal resources, EU funding and EIB financing to help deliver strategic projects across the city. In addition, the programme is expected to create jobs during implementation while generating lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.

„Varaždin is entering its most ambitious infrastructure cycle in modern history, backed by fully prepared projects. We are building a modern, green and sustainable Varaždin tailored to all our citizens,“ said Mayor of Varaždin Neven Bosilj. „This €25 million agreement with the EIB directly powers strategic investments that our residents have long awaited. We are launching a comprehensive revitalization of Varaždin’s sports infrastructure with the construction of a new public pool complex, a major reconstruction and expansion of the Graberje sports hall, and the development of new sports centres at Jalkovec and 'Srednjoškolac'. Equally important, we are building a new Fire Centre so that the historical cradle of Croatian firefighting finally receives the facilities it deserves. Alongside these flagship projects, we are expanding III. and VII. Elementary Schools to secure needed capacity for our pupils and further raise educational standards, completing the restoration of the historic Synagogue, and developing the green Beli Kipi area through 'LifeBauhausingEurope'. We don't leave plans in drawers, through concrete steps, we secure capital and build facilities that will serve generations. I thank the EIB for recognizing our vision.“

The agreement was signed on the margins of the Places to Stay, Regions to Grow: Investing in Croatia conference, organised by the EIB Group and the European Commission Representation in Croatia in Zagreb. The event brought together public authorities, financial partners and businesses to discuss how investment can strengthen regional development, competitiveness and quality of life across Croatia. The emerging European “Right to Stay” framework is based on a simple idea: talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. Investing in services, connectivity, skills, housing and local economies can make regions more competitive, attractive and resilient.