EIB President Philippe Maystadt and EIB Vice President Dario Scannapieco, responsible for financing operations in Italy, Malta and Western Balkans, welcomed Mr Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg on Wednesday, February 4. This event marked the first official visit to the Bank of an Italian head of State since the EIB was created, in 1958.
Mr Napolitano met with the operational management of the EIB first, then, accompanied by his wife Clio, spent some time with the Italian staff of the EIB.
"Since its creation, the EIB has provided support to Italy, as of today one of the largest beneficiary of the Bank's lending", said Mr Scannapieco in his introductory remarks. Mr Scannapieco also underlined the importance of the Italian staff's work, "performed with the dedication coming from a strong national identity, which passionately contributes to the project of an enlarged and united Europe".
In his address, the Italian President said that this visit "paid a tribute to a historic European institution", and expressed his delight at the enhancement of the Bank's role in the current crisis". Speaking before an audience of about 200 people, Mr Napolitano showed deep satisfaction for the meaningful presence of Italian staff and playfully commented: "I did not expect such a huge turnout".
