EIB and NBG Launch €200M Programme to Transform Agriculture and Bioeconomy

Industry experts note that limited access to affordable financing has long been a barrier to growth for agricultural businesses in Greece, particularly in rural areas.

Greece's agriculture and bioeconomy sectors are set for a major boost following the launch of a €200 million financing programme by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the National Bank of Greece (NBG), aimed at accelerating sustainable investment, innovation, and job creation across the country.

The initiative officially commenced with the signing of a first €100 million tranche on 28 January 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening the agricultural value chain and supporting businesses navigating the transition to greener, more resilient practices.

Targeted Support for SMEs and Mid-Caps

The programme is designed to channel funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps operating in agriculture, food production, and the wider bioeconomy—sectors that form a critical backbone of Greece's rural economy.

By improving access to finance, the initiative aims to:

• Enhance competitiveness and productivity

• Support modernisation of farming and processing operations

• Enable innovation across the value chain

• Strengthen regional economic development

Industry experts note that limited access to affordable financing has long been a barrier to growth for agricultural businesses in Greece, particularly in rural areas.

Strong Focus on Sustainability and Climate Resilience

A defining feature of the programme is its emphasis on green investment, with a substantial portion of funds earmarked for projects that contribute to climate action and environmental sustainability.

Eligible investments include:

• Adoption of resource-efficient technologies

• Improved water and soil management systems

• Transition to low-emission agricultural practices

• Development of sustainable food production processes

These measures are expected to enhance the sector's resilience to climate change—an increasingly urgent priority as Mediterranean countries face rising temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme weather events.

Driving Jobs and Youth Engagement

Beyond infrastructure and sustainability, the programme also targets employment generation, with a particular focus on youth participation in agriculture.

By supporting business expansion and innovation, the initiative is expected to:

• Create new jobs across farming, processing, and supply chains

• Encourage young professionals to enter the sector

• Help revitalise rural communities facing population decline

Experts say attracting younger talent is essential for the long-term viability of Greece's agricultural sector, which has traditionally faced an ageing workforce.

Building on Strong Demand and Proven Partnership

The new financing builds on a successful track record of collaboration between EIB and NBG, following a previous programme that was almost بالكامل deployed—an indication of strong demand for investment in the sector.

"This new financing reaffirms our commitment to supporting Greece's agriculture and bioeconomy—key pillars of economic growth and regional cohesion," said EIB Vice-President Yannis Tsakiris.

"Through our partnership with NBG, we are enabling investments that promote sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience while creating opportunities for the next generation."

Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Finance Goals

For the National Bank of Greece, the programme aligns closely with its strategic focus on sustainable finance and green investment.

"Our participation in this flagship EIB initiative marks another milestone in our long-term cooperation," said Christina Theofilidi, General Manager of Retail Banking and Executive Board Member at NBG.

"The programme's focus on SMEs and Mid-Caps in agriculture and the bioeconomy directly supports our goal of promoting sustainable financing and strengthening the Greek economy."

Catalysing a Modern, Resilient Agricultural Sector

As Greece seeks to modernise its agricultural base and align with EU climate and sustainability targets, the €200 million programme is expected to act as a catalyst for transformation—unlocking investment, driving innovation, and supporting a shift toward more sustainable production models.

With the first tranche now operational and the remaining funding expected to follow, the initiative positions Greece's agriculture and bioeconomy sectors for a new phase of growth, resilience, and environmental stewardship.