European Investment Bank Lends €120 Million to Slovenia for a Motorway Bypass Project

The European Investment Bank has lent €120 million to the Slovenian national motorway company DARS to build a bypass near the southeastern city of Novo Mesto. The 9.8-kilometre expressway is designed to improve traffic flow, road safety, and air quality in the region, which is near the border with Croatia. The project includes the creation of more than six kilometres of dedicated cycling paths and a bike and pedestrian bridge across the river Krka, aligning with the EIB's Climate Bank Roadmap commitments to promote clean forms of transport and fight climate change.

Key Takeaways:

• The EIB is lending €120 million to DARS to build a 9.8-kilometre expressway in Novo Mesto, improving traffic flow, road safety, and air quality in the region.
• The project includes the creation of over six kilometres of dedicated cycling paths and a bike and pedestrian bridge across the river Krka.
• The EIB's investment is in line with the Climate Bank Roadmap, focusing on climate action and environmental sustainability.
• The project is expected to boost economic growth in the area by connecting to the A2 motorway and supporting Slovenia's plan for sustainable urban mobility.
• The EIB's advisory services, including technical assistance from JASPERS, helped in the project preparation by being involved in feasibility studies and environmental-impact assessments.

Statistics:

• €120 million: the amount lent by the EIB to DARS for the motorway bypass project.
• 9.8 kilometres: the length of the expressway being built.
• 6 kilometres: the length of dedicated cycling paths included in the project.
• €89 billion: the amount of new financing signed by the EIB Group in 2024 for over 900 high-impact projects.
• 53%: the proportion of the EIB Group's annual financing that contributes to climate-change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
• €110 billion: the amount of growth capital mobilised by the EIB Group for startups, scale-ups, and European pioneers.

Sources:

• "EIB lends €120 million to Slovenian motorway company DARS for bypass project near Novo Mesto," European Investment Bank.
• "The European Investment Bank: Financial Statements 2024," European Investment Bank Group Annual Report.
• "EIB backs successful innovation and growth across Europe," European Investment Bank Group Press Release.
• "Climate Bank Roadmap," European Investment Bank.
• "EIB supports nearly €89 billion worth of investments to boost Europe's competitiveness and security," European Investment Bank.