BELFIUS SMART CITIES CLIMATE & CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Framework loan to co-finance a multi-scheme operation in Belgium. The operation includes urban development and renewal, urban infrastructure, energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency), sustainable mobility, water and solid waste schemes. The project will be carried out by local and regional authorities, municipal and regional enterprises and private promoters over the period 2016-2021.

This operation supports investments that may be labelled "Smart Cities", a concept co-designed by EIB and Belfius that covers integrated projects combining several dimensions at the same time, such as energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, urban regeneration or circular economy schemes.

The project comprises a multi-scheme operation classified as a framework loan and some of the schemes may fall under Annex I or Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU. Should any scheme have a negative impact on an area forming part of the Natura 2000 network (falling under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC or Birds Directive 79/409/EEC), the Bank would require the promoter to act according to the provisions of the aforementioned directives as transposed into national law. All schemes are required to be implemented in compliance with EU environmental legislation.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directives 2004/18/EC and/or 2004/17/EC 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.