The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending HUF 34.5 million (some EUR 115 million) to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HAS) to finance its basic scientific research and the operation of its Library and Digital Information Centre.
The EIB loan will finance eligible research activities of HAS over the period 2015-2017. It is focused on supporting scientific research of a mostly fundamental nature, which is clearly aimed at producing new scientific knowledge. The EIB’s involvement will therefore aid in further developing and strengthening the knowledge economy in the European Union and contribute to the EU’s sustainable growth and employment objectives.
Mr László Baranyay, EIB Vice-President responsible for lending in Hungary, commented: “I very much welcome the fact that EIB funds are again supporting RDI activities in Hungary that are significant for the future of the country in terms of its competitiveness and the creation and maintenance of highly skilled job opportunities. In addition, the project will support research activities and infrastructure not only in the Hungarian capital but also in the academy’s institutions outside Budapest.”
The EIB is a traditional financier of RDI activities in Hungary. In 2014 alone, the Bank provided EUR 33.7 million (HUF 10.4 billion) to finance the construction of a high-capacity laser research facility and installation of advanced laser technology equipment in Hungary. In 2012, the Bank granted a loan of HUF 45.5 billion to support intangible investments linked to the research activities of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in the period 2012-2014.
Photographer: EIB ©To be defined
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