In 2025, EIB Group financing in Lithuania amounted to 577 million euros – in an exclusive interview, 15min N. Calvino stated that this amount should grow about four times this year.
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Besides half a billion euros in loans for the construction of the Rūdninkai military town, the EIB is financing more projects this year – from defense to energy.
“For example, here in Lithuania, we are financing the largest onshore wind farm in the Baltic region. We also have projects related to security and defense — not only Rūdninkai. We also support the overall strengthening of Lithuania’s state preparedness, so over the past two years, almost 1 billion euros have been invested in security and defense in Lithuania.
We are currently also evaluating a possible 100 million euro loan for the modernization of the Klaipėda port. This is also an important facility from a security perspective,” – 15min said N. Calvino.
Read the full exclusive 15min interview with N. Calvino on the morning of Tuesday, September 15.
A massive transformation at Klaipėda port
The EIB intends to allocate a 100 million euro loan for the transformation of Klaipėda seaport into strategically important gates for defense, energy, and trade in the Baltic region.
Algis Latakas, head of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, told 15min that the EIB loans will be used in two projects – the formation of a new southern port area covering 100 ha and the construction of a cruise ship terminal.
Klaipėda port is also important for NATO operations, so the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority also plans to strengthen the port’s role in military mobility by modernizing and expanding infrastructure.
Part of the cruise ship terminal will be adapted for NATO needs – NATO ships will also be able to dock at the quay.
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“Part of the cruise ship quay will also be allocated for military ship berthing. The southern area is also planned to be used for dual purposes, as we have a railway station, a planned bypass, and training grounds nearby. Although we can already receive NATO ships, the capacity is not sufficient looking to the future – military mobility numbers are growing.
Seeing that not only Lithuania but all three Baltic countries have the only land exit through the Suwałki corridor, we understand that if anything happens, ports become the only gates, and Klaipėda port plays a very important role in military mobility issues,” commented A. Latakas.
According to him, the new 100 ha area being developed will also be able to receive cargoes of various sizes and weights.
“Exercises are taking place, NATO ships come to Klaipėda – they need places to dock. Also, ships bringing equipment arrive – they need to unload. Klaipėda port is becoming especially important,” explained A. Latakas.
According to him, the modernization of Klaipėda port is also important for its economic value – it will attract new markets and new operators.
The projects also include shore power supply infrastructure for ferries, green hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure, low-emission port vessels, modernized quays for offshore wind development, dredging works, and reinforced breakwaters.
These two projects should be completed by the end of 2027-2028, with investments totaling more than 600 million euros.
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