EBS Universitaet Wiesbaden

The project will primarily consist of the redesign and renovation of the former regional court building, a listed building dating back to the 19th century and located centrally in Wiesbaden, to house the headquarters of the new university. An underground parking garage and an entirely new building to house the EBS Law School will be erected in the courtyard of the campus.

The proposed project is designed to assist the newly established EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, and by extension the State of Hessen, in improving its readiness to contribute to the common European Higher Education Area and the European Research Area by strengthening the teaching and research capabilities of the university. In particular the project will enable the university to construct a new campus in a listed complex located in the heart of Wiesbaden, the State capital. Accordingly, the project is consistent with EU actions aimed at increasing investment in human capital formation and research. Thus the project is eligible for EIB support under Article 309 of the EC Treaty, point (c) Knowledge Economy (Education & Training and Research & Development).

Universities are not specifically mentioned in the EIA Directive 85/337/EEC amended by Directive 97/11/EC and 2003/35/EC on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), though the project is covered by Annex II of the Directive in relation to Urban Development. The Bank’s services will verify the screening decisions taken by the Competent Authority during appraisal. The energy efficiency standards to be achieved by the new and refurbished buildings will also be examined during appraisal.

The Bank requires the promoter to ensure that all relevant contracts for the planning, implementation and operation of the project are tendered in accordance with relevant EU procurement legislation. The detailed procurement issues will be studied during appraisal.