EIB indicates scale of 2008 funding programme

EIB expects to raise EUR 52-55bn under its 2008 funding programme. This is on a similar scale to the amount raised under the 2007 funding programme (EUR 54.7bn, of which 84% in its three core currencies - EUR, GBP and USD).

The European Investment Bank, based in Luxembourg, was set up in 1958 under the Treaty of Rome. Owned by the European Union Member States, the EIB is the EU’s long-term lending institution, financing projects that promote European economic development and integration. Besides supporting projects in the Member States, its main lending priorities include financing investments in future Member States of the EU and EU Partner countries. The EIB operates on a non-profit maximising basis and lends at close to the cost of borrowing. The Bank’s consistent AAA rating is underpinned by firm shareholder support, a strong capital base, exceptional asset quality, conservative risk management and a sound funding strategy.