EIB ready to step up investments in municipalities in Europe

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has held a high-level conference in Katowice on smart urban investments organised jointly with the municipality. This Polish city of approximately 300 000 people, the capital of Upper Silesia, was the first Polish municipality to sign a loan with the EIB 20 years ago, spearheading a successful transition from a troubled coal-mining town to a vibrant place offering new business opportunities and a healthier environment for its citizens.

 

“Katowice is a role model for Poland and for the European Investment Bank”, said Vazil Hudak, Vice-President of the EIB who supervises operations in this country. “The city is a demonstration of a successful, ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy. The EIB is proud to have contributed to the city’s regeneration and the restoration of its cultural heritage, and we are now ready to support further innovative urban projects, in Katowice and elsewhere in Poland”.

New urban projects under consideration by the EIB are expected to target the environment, mobility, affordable housing, health, education and culture and energy efficiency. Planning-led and innovative technology solutions that can make cities smarter and more inclusive are also welcome.

Marcin Krupa, President of Katowice, said: “Our excellent cooperation with the European Investment Bank has allowed us to boost and accelerate the multifaceted transformation from a purely industrial city to a fast developing capital of a metropolitan area home to over two million people. The initial loans helped us to modernise roads and sewage. The subsequent funds allowed us to build the magnificent headquarters for the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and regenerate the neighbouring area. The latest agreement with the EIB allows us to improve public transport by building four transfer hubs. Our city’s transformation has been noticed worldwide. Today, we are the UNESCO Creative City of Music and this year in December we will host the COP 24 Climate Summit, with the EIB being part of this success.”

In the last 4 years, the EIB supported 28 Polish cities with 49 loans. That brings obvious benefits for residents.

Original source: EIB
Published on 05 June 2018