An interconnect structure having enhanced electromigration resistance is provided in which a lower portion of a via opening includes a multi-layered liner. The multi-layered liner includes, from a patterned surface of a dielectric material outwards, a diffusion barrier, a multi-material layer and a metal-containing hard mask. The multi-material layer includes a first material layer comprised of residue from an underlying dielectric capping layer, and a second material layer comprised of residue from an underlying metallic capping layer. The present invention also provides a method of fabricating such an interconnect structure which includes the multi-layered liner within a lower portion of a via opening formed within a dielectric material.