The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a EUR 50 million loan with leading European rail company Talgo to help finance its research, development and innovation activity in the area of new high speed train platforms. The loan agreement was signed on 19 December Madrid. This is the EIB’s first loan to Talgo.
The loan will support Talgo’s RDI investment programme, which is specifically aimed at developing the new “Avril” train. The project will help to strengthen the company’s capacity for innovation, competitiveness and, especially, geographical diversification.
This loan testifies to the EIB’s commitment to supporting RDI, particularly in the crucial rail sector. Its contribution therefore goes beyond providing long-term finance at a time of restricted access to credit. With this type of loan the EIB helps to finance new technologies fostering sustainable economic growth.
The investments financed by this loan meet the EIB and EU’s objectives of boosting businesses’ technological capacity and promoting sustainable transport. The EIB is heavily involved in financing investments aimed at increasing Europe’s economic competitiveness and supports RDI projects – especially in the transport sector – as part of its action to combat climate change.