Brussels, 03/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 29 November, the European Investment Bank (EIB) opened a representation office in Belgrade. On this occasion, EIB President Philippe Maystadt said: “The opening of this office has significance in two respects today: on the one hand, to increase EIB activity in the region (Ed: Western Balkans) and, on the other, to stress the commitment by European institutions to support your countries in joining the European Union”. After the opening ceremony, three different loans totalling €325 million were signed for: - construction of a new section of motorway on the Pan-European Corridor X in Serbia between Nis and Ciflik (€195 million); - construction of access roads to the new Sava Bridge in the Serbian capital Belgrade (€90 million, this being the second section of a €160 million loan to this end); - and the replacement of around 5% of the existing obsolete electro-mechanic meters by digital meters integrated into a remote reading and connection/disconnection system within Elektroprivreda Srbije (€40 million). (O.L./transl.jl)