The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Turkey have made two significant loan agreements worth €280 million that will strengthen Istanbul's resilience. This funding is a product of a 70-year collaboration that aims to enhance the city's infrastructure while safeguarding it against natural disasters. The two primary objectives of the agreement are to upgrade the city's busy rail system and maintain vital hospitals during earthquakes.

The Istanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation project (ISMEP) will receive €230 million of the funding. Two of the biggest public hospitals in the city, Professor Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu and Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar, will have a direct positive benefit from this funding. These improvements guarantee that the 20,000 patients who depend on these facilities will be able to receive care even if a natural disaster occurs.

The Marmaray Commuter Rail, the renowned train line that links the city's Asian and European sides, will be supported by the remaining €50 million. The money will help the city preserve significant ancient archaeological discoveries made during construction, as well as enhance the connection to the historic Haydarpaşa Station. For the 500,000 people who use this rail line every day to cross the Bosphorus, this is essential.

The CEB is concentrating on health and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations in addition to these infrastructure initiatives. The bank has authorised more than €500 million for nationwide reconstruction efforts since the 2023 earthquakes.