Brussels, 30/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are to cooperate more closely on access to credit for SMEs and on industrial innovation.
During an exchange of views, on 29 March in Brussels, on the economic crisis and role of the EIB for supporting the real economy and European competitiveness, Vice-President of the European Commission and Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani and EIB President Werner Hoyer agreed there should be greater cooperation between the two institutions on two essential themes for EU industry and business - access to credit for SMEs and industrial innovation, through the intermediary of a joint working group. Tajani and Hoyer discussed specific industrial sectors such as the auto industry and shipbuilding, and agreed there was a need to support investment for better access to raw materials and their sustainable usage, and support to other emerging sectors like key enabling technologies. (EH/transl.jl)