Luxembourg, 12/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €200 million to co-finance investment schemes promoted by the region of Marche in Italy under the Regional Development Programme 2007-2013. This programme includes financing from the Structural Funds as well as central and regional resources. With this loan the EIB is joining forces with the Commission and the Italian authorities to bolster the efforts of the Marche region to maintain its competitiveness. The loan will underpin schemes in priority areas such as R&D and ICT capacity, education and training, multi-modal transport, energy efficiency and renewables, as well as enhancement of the environment and quality of life.
The EIB's action under the Regional Development Programme 2007-2013 of the region of Marche will total €300 million, as it will include €100 million in support for the private sector, namely small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism and cultural heritage. The latter will be intermediated by a commercial bank active in the region and will be signed shortly. (O.L.)