Brussels, 27/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - An action plan drawn up by the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank promises optimum implementation of the European Commission €315 billion Investment Plan.
The presidents of the two bodies, Michel Lebrun (CoR) and Werner Hoyer (EIB), presented this plan on Monday 26 January and subsequently strengthened the mutual ties between them a little more. The cities and regions will play a crucial role in the practical application of the Investment Plan, which will also be orchestrated by the EIB. The two men stated, “In particular, this applies to managing public tenders, ensuring the coordination with existing growth strategies, providing the knowledge needed to implement innovative actions in fields such as urban development, urban-rural links, and energy efficiency”. CoR President Lebrun underlined that the CoR and EIB will implement common activities focused on promoting the opportunities linked to the ESIF, as well as to existing EIB credit facilities among regional and local authorities. The action plan refers to publication of the joint document on this subject and EIB participation in the Investment Plan Forum for the cities and regions, which will be organised by the CoR on 15 April next.
The CoR is also preparing its draft opinion on the ESIF regulation, which could be improved during the course of its legislative proceedings. (MD)