SCIENCE & RESEARCH NATIONAL CENTRES

The proposed project will finance the basic scientific projects procured by the National Centre for Science (NCS) as well as the applied development and innovation projects procured by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) in 2011 and 2012. The funded individual projects will be implemented by research teams based at public scientific institutes, universities and business enterprises located in all regions of the country.

The proposed operation is fully in line with the Bank’s priority of lending for the strengthening of basic infrastructure potential in a convergence region as well as for research and development activities in support of Europe 2020 and the Bank’s Knowledge Economy objective. As such, the project is eligible for support under Article 309 of the EU Treaty, points (a) Convergence (Strictu Sensu) and (c) Knowledge Economy (Research & Development).

The project primarily concerns research activities that will be carried out within existing facilities. An EIA is therefore not required in accordance with the EIA Directive 85/337, amended by 97/11 and by 2003/35/EC. However, parts of the investment may cover the construction of new facilities and therefore may be covered by Annex II of the Directive in relation to urban development. The Bank’s services will verify during appraisal whether an EIA is required for any component of the project.

The Promoter is required to respect national and EU legislation applicable to public authorities’ procurement and the Bank requires that all relevant contracts for the implementation of the projects have been, or will be, tendered in accordance with the relevant EU procurement legislation. The procurement practices for the project will be examined during appraisal.