Brussels, 06/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - In Milan last December, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Region of Lombardy signed a framework agreement creating the basis for a three-year collaboration and a funding contract for €330 million in favour of the region's economy. This will be the first direct cooperation between the EIB and the Region of Lombardy.
The framework agreement, which covers the period 2010-2012, first of all lays down the terms for collaboration between the EIB and the region and, secondly, identifies the sectors which may benefit from the financial resources allocated by the EIB. The agreement principally targets SMEs and the infrastructure and water sectors; it also provides for the creation of general collaboration with regard to the priorities which may emerge over the three-year period.
Additionally, the EIB's line of credit of €330 million in favour of the Region of Lombardy aims to fund the regional development programme 2007-2013. Resources will be used to fund projects in various sectors: environmental protection, sustainable mobility and information technologies. A further loan of €200 million in favour of SMEs, which is currently being put together, will add to this former mechanism. (O.L./transl.fl)