European Investment Bank, October 1998

The European Investment Bank contributes to EU integration by offering loans to finance capital projects in support of EU objectives, such as regional development and social and economic cohesion. Externally it implements the financial side of development aid and co-operation agreements. Its AAA credit rating enables it to borrow at advantageous rates on the world capital markets to raise the funds to support suitable projects and in January 1997 it was the first borrower to issue bonds in the euro. The Bank's web site at http://eib.eu.int/ gives information on its role, objectives, structure and relationship to other EU Institutions, resources, criteria for eligibility and project monitoring and evaluation. Key highlights of loans together with a country-by-country breakdown within and outside the EU give details of major projects and the amounts committed. The full text of press releases from 1996, the annual report, the quarterly bulletin EIB Information, EIB Papers, a guide to tendering for contracts and other publications are available along with information about videotapes which can be obtained from the Information Desk of the Information and Communication Department.