Earlier today a high level European Investment Bank delegation, led by Simon Brooks, EIB Vice President responsible for lending activities in the Netherlands, held in-depth discussions with leading Dutch construction companies to discuss future public and private infrastructure projects in the country.
The talks were initiated by the Dutch Ministries of Finance, Infrastructure and the Environment to look at ways that the European Investment Bank can support future infrastructure projects, and hosted by industry group Bouwend Nederland at their Zoetermeer headquarters.
“The European Investment Bank is strongly committed to supporting key infrastructure projects in the Netherlands, which contribute to economic prosperity and sustainable growth. Today’s talks will increase understanding and foster improved relations with companies developing future infrastructure projects in the country and ensure close cooperation with relevant government agencies”, said Simon Brooks, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for lending activities in the Netherlands.
“The new government administration in the Netherlands has identified the enhanced role for public-private partnerships to fund key infrastructure projects. Now it is up to the construction industry and finance partners to elaborate and provide concrete projects”, said Elco Brinkman, Chairman of Dutch Construction and Infrastructure Federation, Bouwend Nederland.
The discussions were attended by over 40 representatives of infrastructure firms, ministries and industry associations.
The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and since 2005 nearly EUR 6 billion for projects in the Netherlands. The EIB has been active in the country since 1969 and supported energy, transport, water, research and development initiatives, as well as providing finance for small and medium sized companies. Recent projects supports by the Bank include Reggefiber high-speed internet, the Maasvlakte extension of Rotterdam port and new baggage handling system in Schiphol airport. The Bank expected to approve support for widening the A15 motorway in the coming weeks.