1 September 2026

The project will support small to medium water utilities through innovative structured financing in the Italian region of Veneto.

The project concerns the modernisation and upgrading of water collection, treatment and supply infrastructure. The water supply components include the extension and rehabilitation of water supply networks and related works, using best available technologies. The sanitation and wastewater components comprise investments to extend and rehabilitate sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants, among other assets. Additional project components may include the installation of remote-control systems aimed at improving the efficiency of the operation and maintenance of existing and future assets and networks.

Some of the project components might be subject to a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, including public consultations. The decision of the competent Authorities regarding their EIA will be assessed during appraisal. The project components are likely to fall under Annex II of the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU) amended by the Directive 2014/52/EU, Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC), Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184/EU) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC). It is expected that the Project will generate significant environmental and public health benefits from reduced discharge of untreated wastewater to environmental bodies because of rehabilitated and upgraded sewer systems and WWTPs. Investments in water supply networks and distribution systems will result in reduced water losses, a more rational use of scarce water resources and the protection of local groundwater. The full environmental details will be further examined during appraisal.

The utility companies shall ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project will be tendered in accordance with the applicable EU procurement legislation Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU or 2014/25/EU, where applicable, as well as Directives 92/13/EEC and 89/665/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required. Information on awarded main suppliers/contractors for the implementation of the envisaged operation is not available.