Germany: EIB support for construction of A49 motorway

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €264 million to support the construction of a 31 km section of the A49 motorway. The new section – Schwalmstadt-Ohmtal Dreieck, located in the German State of Hesse – bridges a current gap in the motorway network. The 30-year long-term loan from the EU bank for the A49 is backed by a guarantee from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). Under the Investment Plan for Europe, the EIB Group and the European Commission are working together as strategic partners to boost the competitiveness of the European economy.

The A49 contract was awarded to the European construction technology group STRABAG SE through its subsidiary STRABAG Infrastrukturprojekt GmbH. STRABAG Infrastrukturprojekt GmbH and Meridiam Investments SAS each hold 50% of the SPV A 49 Autobahngesellschaft mbH & Co. KG. In addition to the expansion, the project also includes the planning, co-financing, operation and maintenance of a nearly 62 km section of the A49 between the Fritzlar junction and the Ohmtal interchange (BAB 5/BAB 49). The PPP contract has a duration of 30 years as from 1 September 2020. The estimated total project cost is around €1.3 billion. The A49 PPP project is part of a comprehensive German Federal Government infrastructure programme to partially develop, modernise and upgrade 20 key sections of the country's national road network.

The EIB recently closed the financing of the Northvolt battery factory in Sweden, and this German motorway PPP transaction contributes to the Bank`s portfolio by providing for an efficient network for the next generation of electricity-fuelled vehicles. Once rolled out, it will improve traffic flows and connectivity in the region. Furthermore, it will strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s economy as part of the Ten-T Network. The EIB is also very active in financing other transport modes to reduce CO₂ emissions, in particular by financing regional passenger rolling stock in Germany, which underscores the Bank’s strong commitment in the ongoing shift towards greener transport.

5 September 2024

Inauguration of the Herzegovina Bridge, supported by EIB Global

The inauguration of the new Herzegovina Bridge which extends nearly 1km across the Neretva River, along with the Počitelj-Zvirovići subsection of the highway, represents a significant infrastructural achievement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a vital component of Corridor Vc, this major transportation route aims to increase connectivity while improving travel times, traffic safety and economic relations. In line with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, the project has been financed with a €5 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Fund, as well as a €105 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), allocated to the entire Počitelj-Bijača section.

26 July 2024

Breakthrough of the longest tunnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The ceremony held near Nemila village in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked the breakthrough of the left stretch of Golubinja tunnel located on the Pan-European Corridor Vc. As the longest in the country stretching some 3.6 kilometres, the tunnel situated between the cities of Žepča and Zenica forms part of the Poprikuše – Nemila motorway section. Upon completion of this project, travel time from Sarajevo to northern parts of the country will be reduced significantly, thanks to the bypassing of the existing road through the canyon of the River Bosna.

23 July 2024

Serbia: EIB Global to invest €73 million to speed up decarbonisation of automotive industry

EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) devoted to activities outside the European Union, is providing a €73 million loan to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Serbia, part of the Stellantis Group, to modernise, equip and adapt its car manufacturing facility in Kragujevac to produce a new electric vehicle platform. The project aims to support the green transformation of the European automotive industry, increase competitiveness, and enable the transfer of technology and expertise. As one of the largest EU foreign direct investments in the Western Balkans, the funds are also expected to attract additional private capital to the region.

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