EIB Municipalities Survey on Local Infrastructure Investment

This document is a report detailing the findings of the EIB Municipalities Survey conducted for 2024-2025, focusing on local infrastructure investment across Europe. The survey includes responses from 1,002 municipalities within the European Union, highlighting key trends in investment dynamics, needs, and obstacles faced by local governments. It outlines that a majority of municipalities plan to increase investments in climate change mitigation and social infrastructure, with 56% aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and 53% intending to enhance budgets for social projects. The report identifies financing and regulatory barriers as significant challenges for municipalities, with nearly two-thirds citing financing issues and almost half reporting lengthy regulatory processes as major obstacles. Additionally, it notes a shortage of experts in environmental assessment and technical skills as hindrances to investment programs. The report also discusses the reliance on EU funds and government transfers for financing municipal investments and the growing interest in EU financial instruments for future projects.