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Breaking Down the €286 EU Billion Infrastructure Spend

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18 mins ago

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July 25, 2025

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Julia Wendling

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The following content is sponsored by Global X

Breaking Down the €286 Billion EU Infrastructure Spend

The EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is a cornerstone of NextGenerationEU. This ambitious initiative seeks to build a stronger, more resilient Europe following recent economic and social challenges.

We created this visualization in partnership with Global X to clearly show where RRF grants and loans are being directed, using data from the European Commission.

The EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility

Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RRF provides financial support to EU member states through a mix of grants and loans. Its overarching goal is to foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready economy.

The program focuses on four key objectives:

  • Mitigating the economic and social impact of the pandemic
  • Achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050
  • Driving digital transformation across sectors
  • Creating jobs and stimulating long-term growth

Where are the grants and loans being disbursed? 

Breaking Down the RRF

Ultimately, the RRF aims to drive inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking economic growth. Of the €286 billion in infrastructure funding disbursed so far, the largest shares have gone to:

  • Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (€75.4 billion)
  • Health, economic, social and institutional resilience (€58.5 billion)
  • Green transition (€52.1 billion)
Pillar Total Grants + Loans (€ billions)
Green transition 52.1
Digital transformation 37.2
Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth 75.4
Social and territorial cohesion 50.3
Health, and economic, social and institutional resilience 58.5
Policies for the next generation, children and youth 12.0
Total 285.6

These funds support initiatives such as expanding access to healthcare, promoting entrepreneurship, and advancing green technologies.

The program directed the remaining one-third of its funding to:

  • Social and territorial cohesion (€50.3 billion)
  • Digital transformation (€37.2 billion)
  • Policies for the next generation (€12.0 billion)

The Future of the EU

The EU is making significant strides in modernizing its infrastructure. However, continued investment will be essential to fully realize the RRF’s long-term vision. As Europe moves toward a greener, more connected future, infrastructure remains a critical area of opportunity—for both the continent and forward-looking investors.

Learn more about the Global X European Infrastructure Development UCITS ETF (BRIJ).

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