SOFIA MUNICIPALITY METRO LINE 3 STAGE I

Investment loan for the construction of the first stage of Sofia Metro line 3. The project is a twin-track metro line approximately 7.8km in length and includes eight metro stations, a train depot and the supply of associated rolling stock (20 trains) and control system.

The project will enhance the public transport network of the City of Sofia in line with the EU priority to promote sustainable transport. It will help reduce reliance on private cars and increase public transport share, therefore contributing to climate change mitigation. The investment is also expected to have a positive impact on the economic and social cohesion of a priority region.

It is a requirement that all sub-projects must be implemented in compliance with EU environmental legislation and the promoter has identified those sub-projects for which it considers an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required. Should any sub-project have a negative impact on an area forming part of the Natura 2000 network (falling under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC or Birds Directive 2009/147/EC), the Bank would require the promoter to act according to the provisions of the aforementioned directives as transposed into national law. These matters will be clarified during the 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 2004/18/EC, 2004/17/EC or 2014/24/EU where applicable as well as Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC, as amended) as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the European Union, as and where required.