HELLENIC FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Promoter – Financial Intermediary

HELLENIC REPUBLIC

Location

• Greece

Description

The project concerns the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI). It finances both the establishment and initial operations of the Foundation. The main purpose of the Foundation is to procure and fund research projects, academic positions, the science and society programme, and scientific equipment in support of the national strategy for research and innovation, which in turn is aligned with the national growth strategy.

Objectives

The project (i) supports the fundamental research activities of Greek universities and public research centres and (ii) assists the country in implementing the science and innovation policy determined as part of the national growth strategy.

Comments

Targeting sector: professional, scientific and technical activities / scientific research and development

Sector(s)

• Services

Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount)

EUR 180 million

Total cost (Approximate amount)

EUR 240 million

Environmental aspects

The project concerns intangible research activities carried out in existing facilities, using installations already authorised for this purpose, and which are not expected to materially change current research and development (R&D) practices in Greece. Such activities create intangible assets (new knowledge and scientific discoveries), which do not fall under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU.

The project may also include research activities involving potential environmental issues such as the handling of toxic substances and research activities on live animals for scientific purposes. The Bank will verify the promoter's standards and principles in this respect, in particular compliance with the relevant EU directives (Seveso Directive and Directive 2010/63/EU for the protection of animals).

Procurement

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project, such as for the purchase of scientific equipment, are tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directives 2004/18/EC, or 2014/24/EU where applicable, and/or 2004/17/EC, or 2014/25/EU where applicable, and/or 2014/23/EU where applicable, as well as Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.

Status

Signed - 15/07/2016