Asset base

Projects to be financed are individually approved by the Bank's Board of Directors following technical and economic appraisal by the EIB staff. Funds provided by the Bank typically do not exceed 50% of the total cost of a project. Loans are diversified across sectors and countries.

Some 92% of the loans outstanding at end of 2007, were directed towards projects within the enlarged EU. The remainder - going to non-EU countries - benefited from guarantees from Member States, a budgetary guarantee from the EU or was granted under specific facilities, mainly to Accession and Acceding Countries and the Mediterranean Partner Countries.

Guarantees on loans (as of 31.12.07)

*of which EUR 1% in risk sharing operations with third party guarantees