EIB keurt stijging financieringsbudget voor 2009 goed (en)

EIB's Board of Directors has approved an increase in the global long term borrowing authorisation for the 2009 funding programme, from EUR 70 billion to EUR 80 billion. This gives EIB the flexibility to fund potential additional loan disbursements relative to prior forecasts for 2009. EIB is already well advanced with its funding and has raised EUR 64 billion in 2009 year to date.

For further information please contact:

Peter Munro, Head of Investor Relations Tel: +352 4379 86259

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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.

In 2008, EIB raised nearly EUR 60 billion.