16/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 12 November, the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a financing agreement for €60 million with DCL - Dexia Crédit Local - and the “Caisse d'Epargne” for the Robert Schuman Hospital to be built by “Hôpitaux Privés de Metz”. The new establishment will provide about 600 beds and ensure that advanced medical services, surgery and other specialities come together in one and the same place as of 2012. This is the first loan to a private hospital project. The operation is a precursor to a “programme loan” in the context of the Plan Hôpitaux 2012 that the EIB plans to launch in 2010. Support for investment in the health sector, in favour of human capital and sustainable development, is a priority of the EIB. (O.L./transl.jl)