BELGIUM COMMUNAUTE FRANCAISE RESEARCH EDUCATION

The project consists of a 5-year investment programme by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The investments concern notably the construction or energy-efficient retrofitting of schools, youth and cultural buildings and other eligible infrastructure and Research for a total amount of up to EUR 1.365bn.

The project is aimed at upgrading and modernising the pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher education institution estates, including facilities for children with special educational needs, in the French-speaking part of Belgium, i.e. in the "Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles".

Schools are not specifically mentioned in the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU on Environmental Impact Assessment, though the project 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 and the screening decision of the competent authority. It is expected that the project will have positive social benefits as education is an element of social cohesion.

The public buildings will be required to at least meet the minimum national targets concerning energy efficiency. The design energy performance of the schools and any specific related targets to be met will be verified during appraisal.

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 2014/24/UE and/or 2014/25/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 EU Official Journal, as and where required.