Luxembourg, 12/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - As we had predicted, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR 230 million loan for rebuilding social housing and basic infrastructure in areas hit by the earthquakes in May 2003. The loan contract was signed in Algiers on 11 December. A second loan of EUR 20 million should be signed early 2004 to help rebuild businesses in the stricken areas and revive economic activity. The two long-term EIB loans (up to 30 years for public infrastructure) will be completed by European Union funds (EUR 13 million), as well as funds from the Agence Française de Développement (EUR 50 million), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (around US$50 million) and the Saudi Fund for Development (around EUR 73 million).