Luxembourg, 19/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed with the Hungarian Ministry of Finance three loans totalling €400 million - two framework loans for co-financing priority projects with EU funds within the period of 2007-2013: €200 million for the sectors of the environment and transport and €150 million for education, training and employment. The third loan of €50 million will finance University of Debrecen's Development Programme and its research and innovation activities.
The €200 million loan will contribute to the implementation of the New Hungary Development Plan through supporting environmental and transport projects identified by the Hungarian Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Environment and Water. The EIB loan, together with EU funds, will help to meet Hungary's commitments to apply EU legislation in the area of environment. It will also improve the Hungarian transport network in terms of increasing its capacity and safety, and contribute to a deeper integration with the EU single market and better interconnection with the neighbouring countries.
The €150 million education facility will help to realise the New Hungary Development Plan through co-financing selected projects involved in the operational programmes of social renewal and social infrastructure. This facility will focus on projects in the field of education, training and employment.
The €50 million loan will finance in 2006-2008 the University of Debrecen's research, development and innovation projects targeted to increase the quality, efficiency and scope of the university's scientific and capital investment programme. The loan will contribute to Hungary's effort to increase investments in line with the EU's Lisbon strategy. Earlier this year, the EIB signed with the Hungarian Finance Ministry a €165 million loan that serves for financing of the investment programme of the Hungarian research and technology innovation fund (which supports projects relevant for acceleration of the country's economic growth). (O.L.)