Brussels, 29/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a CZK 500 million loan (1 CZK = about €20) to the Region of Zlín, in Central Moravia, to co-finance the region's priority projects within the framework of the EU Structural Fund programming period
2007-2013.
The EIB loan will be used mainly to co-finance the region's projects supported by EU Structural and Cohesion Funds, on one hand under the Regional Operational Programme for Central Moravia and, on the other, under the OP Environment and OP Cross-Border Cooperation with Slovakia, and possibly others. The project may also include the region's own investments, undertaken without EU grant assistance. The sub-projects to be financed will mainly be small and medium-sized investments. The majority of the funds are expected to be devoted to the regional road network, although a large portion will also support sub-projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in the region's public facilities, such as schools, hospitals and social care facilities. The Bank took a decision to extend this credit on the basis of a robust investment plan and pipeline of schemes presented by the region. The Zlín Region will undertake investments amounting to as much as CZK 7 million within the project to be co-financed. (O.L./transl.jl)