The state of local infrastructure investment in Europe EIB Municipalities Survey 2022-2023

The EIB's 2022-2023 Municipality Survey covers 744 municipalities across the European Union, and gathers unique data on past and planned investments, as well as the obstacles municipalities face and their progress on the digital and green transitions.

One notable finding from the 2022 survey is that a lack of funding continues to pose a significant deterrent for municipalities when it comes to planning investment, alongside lengthy and uncertain regulatory processes. However, when it comes to implementing their investment plans, municipalities cite a shortage of skilled labour and supply chain bottlenecks as the two main constraints. The survey reveals that a significant majority of municipalities report difficulties in securing experts with environmental and climate skills, as well as technical and engineering expertise. These challenges pose significant obstacles to the execution of their investment plans.

Meanwhile, more than six in ten municipalities express dissatisfaction with their investments in climate mitigation and adaptation over the past three years, while 40% report dissatisfaction with their investments in digital infrastructure. Looking forward to the next three years, climate change mitigation, adaptation, and digital infrastructure will therefore play a key role in municipalities’ investment plans. Addressing the shortage of skills will be crucial in achieving these plans.