The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s long-term financing arm, provided a total of Ђ1.2 billion for projects in Greece in 2003 compared to Ђ1.07 billion a year earlier, according to the deputy president of the EIB.
Lending covered the traditional sectors of its activity – small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), transport and energy (including renewable energy), in addition to human capital, urban renewal and development for a total of Ђ100 million with its local partners Alpha Bank and Emporiki Bank.
Of the total lending for a wide range of sectors in Greece, SMEs received 8 per cent, transport 32 per cent, energy 19 per cent, and urban renewal and development 29 per cent.
Lending for investments in Greece in 2004 was expected to hold 2003 levels and focus on SMEs, tourism and infrastructure.
Source: Athens News Agency