Luxembourg, 09/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 5th of October 2006 the European Investment Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Bulgaria setting a support framework by the EIB worth EUR 500-700,000,000 (five hundred to seven hundred million euros) per year in the time period 2007-2013 for Bulgaria's national transport and basic infrastructure investment plans. This follows the Commission's green light for accession on 1st January 2007. The agreement, signed by Plamen Oresharski, Minister of Finance and Philippe Maystadt, President of the EIB, states that the Bank's activities in Bulgaria will be based on the following objectives: Improve and upgrade the country's basic infrastructure in the transport and environment sectors in combination with EU grants and other sources; Promote and strengthen economic growth and development through combination with EU grants, government and private funds; Cooperate closely in the implementation of projects financed by the Bank; Provide technical support and expertise for selected EU Cohesion and Structural Fund projects defined in the JASPERS National Action Plan and assist the Government in the implementation of a national Public Private Partnership Programme. (ol)