The Lithuanian Oltretreno town is approaching its goal of becoming the first greenest city in the world. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested €20 million in Lithuania to help Tauragė transform into one of the first cities that will be green. This funding will be used to invest in sustainable technologies, modern public transportation, and infrastructure, making life for citizens safer and cleaner.

One of the main projects is the construction of 16.9 km of bike lanes, which will be accessible to people of all ages. Additionally, Tauragė plans to install new zero-emission buses for public services, renovate schools and public buildings to improve energy efficiency, and expand water and wastewater services to benefit from Tauragė. The EIB funding not only contributes to climate change mitigation but also to local social and economic progress. The East Europe Facility, an investment program aimed at Eastern European regions, perfectly aligns with this objective, offering support for sustainable infrastructure and energy projects. Tauragė, led by Dovydas Kaminskas, declared that 'cooperation between Tauragė and the EIB will have a positive impact on our city and surrounding areas.' 'Our goal is to make Tauragė more green, modern, and welcoming,' added the city's mayor.

Tauragė's ambitions are part of a €110 million investment plan, including the Fundamental European Cooperation with the United States (FECUS) aid. This program should help create innovations and transform rural and industrial areas in Europe. The EIB has promised to continue supporting its realization, showing how European investment can significantly transform people's lives. 'This funding and this support show how European investment can help local communities turn their environmental aspirations into concrete realities,' commented Karl Nehammer, Vice President of the EIB. The success of Tauragė represents proof that cities do not need to expect only immediate results but tangible benefits for their residents. This achievement should inspire other cities to take similar decisions to reach environmental neutrality.