Brussels, 04/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 2 June, on the eve of the 50th meeting of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Board of Governors (see EUROPE 9674), the new EIB building was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, such as the head of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. In his speech, EIB President Philippe Maystadt suggested, “what could characterise the EIB better … than the combination of solidity symbolised by the West Building and the transparency of the East Building, along with the constant attention to environmental considerations?” The new East Building, which was designed by Christoph Ingenhoven (Düsseldorf) and built with the experience and know-how of 238 companies partnering the EIB, will house the institution which earmarks a substantial part of its lending for projects whose aim is to protect or improve the environment. (A.D.)