In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEP Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE), the European Commission confirmed that Spain has already accessed the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) new EUR 15 billion Water Resilience Programme, with two projects signed in 2025. The answer, given by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, states that the programme supports the EU Water Resilience Strategy and covers all 27 Member States as well as non-EU countries.
The question, submitted on 4 February 2026, asked whether the Spanish government had applied for funding under the programme and requested details on projects, financial volumes, and territorial distribution. The Commission’s reply, dated 23 April 2026, provides concrete examples: a EUR 430 million loan to Canal de Isabel II for water infrastructure in the Community of Madrid, and a EUR 150 million loan for flood emergency recovery and preventive measures in Sabadell. Both were signed in 2025.
The answer does not specify whether additional Spanish applications are pending, but notes that project promoters—including Spanish authorities and companies—can apply for advisory services and financial support, with the EIB conducting its own financial and technical assessments. The Commission also pointed to a list of EIB water projects in Spain since 2024.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up The reply signals strong Commission support for the EIB programme as a tool to implement the Water Resilience Strategy, with a focus on blended finance, intermediated lending, and public-private partnerships. No new numerical targets or deadlines were announced. The Commission’s answer is declarative rather than prescriptive, leaving project-level decisions to the EIB. Future policy direction will likely emerge as the strategy is rolled out, with the EIB expected to continue signing projects across Member States. The European Parliament may follow up with further questions on uptake in other drought-affected regions.
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