Thursday, 16 October 2025
Lithuania’s capital is advancing its water management systems through a new €50 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The funds will support an extensive modernization program across Vilnius and nearby communities, including upgrades to water supply stations, expansion of wastewater networks, and the rollout of digital monitoring systems aimed at reducing water loss and improving efficiency.
The investment will help Vilniaus vandenys, the city’s main water utility, carry out key infrastructure works through 2028. Among the planned projects are improvements to the Viršuliškės and Šalčininkai stations and the extension of services in growing residential areas such as Gulbinai. Additional construction will include new pressure pipelines and a balancing reservoir to improve wastewater management and reduce environmental impact.
Half of the funding is earmarked for smart infrastructure, such as automated meters and data systems that allow real-time tracking of consumption and leak detection. The initiative also emphasizes sustainability, with the goal of ensuring reliable water service while maintaining affordable tariffs for residents.
Vilniaus vandenys CEO Saulius Savickas said the upgrades will enhance long-term resilience and service reliability in the face of rising demand and climate pressures. The EIB, which has supported numerous infrastructure projects in Lithuania, described the loan as part of its wider effort to promote clean water and environmental protection across the European Union.
The project aligns with EU-backed climate objectives under the InvestEU framework, which aims to accelerate sustainable development across member states. By 2028, the improvements are expected to expand coverage, improve water quality, and strengthen Vilnius’s ability to adapt to changing weather patterns.
Comparable EIB projects across Europe—such as those in Athens, Riga, and Berlin—highlight the growing trend toward modernizing urban water systems to balance growth with environmental responsibility. With this new financing, Vilnius joins that effort, focusing on smarter networks and greener infrastructure to secure its water future.
Source: EIB
