Luxembourg, 13/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB is to contribute EUR 250 million to the international community's reconstruction efforts following the earthquakes east of Algiers on 21, 27 and 28 May 2003. The EIB funds will be earmarked first and foremost for the reconstruction of urban infrastructure (water supply and treatment, electricity, gas, public transport), as well as the rehabilitation of social amenities (hospitals, community clinics, schools, public buildings) in the towns of Boumerdès, Reghaia Zemmouri, Roubia and certain districts of Algiers. The loans will also underpin investment to prevent lasting disruption of economic activity in the damaged areas through the rebuilding of universities, research centres and businesses, especially SMEs located in the earthquake-stricken zones. The EIB's very long-term loans (up to 30 years) will be complemented by Commission-financed and EIB-managed technical assistance funds aimed at assessing the degree of risk and ensuring the application of the relevant seismic standards to the repair works financed under this operation. This EIB operation is to be carried out under the Bank's new Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP).