REGION GRAND-EST MATERIEL ROULANT

Purchase of 30 Bi-mode Multiple Units (BMUs) for cross-border regional services between the Grand Est Region in France and Germany as well as 9 BMUs for regional connections within the Grand Est Region. Rolling stock will be capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified lines and will be used for regional connections under a public service contract.

The project should improve the quality and increase the offer of regional and international passenger rail services in the Grand Est Region as well as German Lands and Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. The project will promote sustainable transport as it fosters modal shift from the road and therefore contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and pollution levels within the regional urban agglomerations, and will therefore contribute towards the EIB's volume target commitment to climate action. The impact on modal share would also improve transport safety. Some of the rolling stock is expected to be used in a transition region (Lorraine).

The investment proposed under the project do not fall under either Annex I or Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2014/52/EU amending Directive 2011/92/EU, as manufacturing and use of rail rolling stock is not included in either list. The need for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and/or assessment according to the Habitats Directive for associated facilities (e.g. maintenance workshops or depots) as well as the arrangements for the scrapping of the replaced rolling stock will be analysed during the appraisal. All else equal, the project is expected to have a positive environmental impact by helping the railways to maintain modal share in key sections of the passenger market that are most appropriately met by rail. In addition, the arrangements for the scrapping of the replaced stock will be checked during appraisal (if applicable).

The Bank will require the Promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation which were applicable at the time of procurement procedure: 2004/17/EC, as well as Directive 92/13/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.