NIB to support Tartu’s urban development and education infrastructure
- Up to EUR 25 million in uncommitted financing will support Tartu’s 2025–2029 urban development programme, including upgrades to educational facilities and key municipal infrastructure.
- A major part of the investment will go to reconstructing the Sõpruse bridge and improving surrounding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
- The programme will also refurbish kindergartens, gymnasiums, and playgrounds, improving service quality, energy efficiency, and indoor climate to support children’s health and learning.
NIB has signed an uncommitted investment facility of up to EUR 25 million with the City of Tartu to support its urban development programme for 2025–2029, including the refurbishment of educational facilities and key municipal infrastructure. This is the third facility extended to the city by NIB.
The programme focuses on essential infrastructure and social services, such as upgrades to childcare and education buildings, improvements to the city’s road network, and the renovation of the central Sõpruse bridge. The total estimated cost of the planned investments is approximately EUR 51 million.
“We are very pleased that NIB is supporting the implementation of the city’s investment projects,” said Meelis Luht, Head of the Finance Department of the City of Tartu. “The agreement to be concluded with NIB confirms that Tartu’s development and investment projects meet international standards and are recognised beyond Estonia as well.”
“By improving mobility, modernising educational buildings, and creating safer, more accessible public spaces, the city is strengthening the foundation for a healthier and more inclusive urban environment – delivering long-term benefits for residents today and in the years to come,” said André Küüsvek, President and CEO of NIB.
A significant share of the investments will go toward reconstructing the Sõpruse bridge and developing surrounding pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The bridge is a key mobility link in Tartu, connecting major pedestrian and cycling routes across the city. Its reconstruction will widen the pedestrian pathway and add new bicycle lanes, improving safety and accessibility. Motor traffic lanes will be narrowed to create space for these additions, supporting the city’s transition toward greener transport.
The programme also includes a pedestrian tunnel and several street and intersection upgrades to further enhance the city’s active mobility network while maintaining efficient car traffic.
In addition, the investment programme will finance the refurbishment of several kindergarten buildings, gymnasiums, and playgrounds. These works focus on improving service quality, energy efficiency, and indoor climate, supporting better health and learning outcomes for children.
NIB is the international financial institution of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The Bank finances projects that improve productivity and benefit the environment of the Nordic-Baltic region. The Bank is headquartered in Helsinki with a regional hub in Riga. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s.
For further information, please contact
Kersti Talving, Senior Banker, Public Sector & Utilities, +358 10 618 0245, kersti.talving@nib.int
Elīna Neimane, Senior Communications Officer, +358 10 618 0871, elina.neimane@nib.int
