EIB FINANCING FOR eGOVERNMENT & eSERVICES PROJECTS IN EUROPE Dr. Ioannis Kaltsas

In EURm: n Accession Countries n Western Balkan countries n Euro-Mediterranean Partnership countries n Africa, Caribbean, Pacific, OCT South Africa n Asia, Latin America EIB Lending in the World

Why the EIB is Involved: Lisbon Summit Vision for Europe Innovation 2000 Initiative (i2i) eEurope 2005 Plan Knowledge Innovation Competitiveness

Defining eGovernment & eServices Projects: What is an eGovernment Project for the EIB? Who can be the “promoter” of an eProject? At which stage can the EIB be involved? What is an eServices Project for the EIB?

EIB Priorities in Financing eGovernment & eServices Projects: Priorities are based on the needs of each country and economy Projects which facilitate EU integration Projects which are consistent with the Lisbon vision Projects in Regional Development Areas

What Can the EIB Offer: Competitive Long-Term Loans Technical Assistance Participation in Private-Public-Partnerships Indirect Financing for Small Projects Venture Capital through the EIF

Conditions for EIB Participation: Financial & Economic Profitability of the Project Sound Procurement Procedures The EIB is co-financing rather than financing Technical Feasibility of the Project Commitment for Follow-up & Long-Term Viability

EIB Financing & Structural Funds: EIB financing could be combined with funds from the Structural Funds in the CSF Upper limit 90% of the project cost EIB will conduct its own appraisal of the project

Conclusions: The EIB can contribute to the acceleration of eGovernment & eServices Programmes in Accession Countries The EIB could provide technical assistance for eGovernment projects & facilitate the formation of successful PPPs The EIB is financing only technically feasible and economically viable projects EIB financing could be combined with funds from the CSF