In 2017, The EIB Group, comprising the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), increased its commitment in Hungary in terms of both lending and guarantees and investments, according to a press release sent to Budapest Business Journal.

Loans granted by the EIB reached EUR 702 mln, an increase of approximately 3% year on year, while guarantees and investments by the EIF amounted to EUR 70 mln, a very significant increase from previous year (EUR 10 mln). EIB loans represent 0,63% of the country GDP, versus a EU average of 0,46%, showing the significant impact that the EU bank’s financing has on the Hungarian economy. 

During a press conference in Budapest yesterday, EIB vice president Vazil Hudak, responsible for the bank’s operations in Hungary and Cohesion countries, said that the EIB sees a greater room for the bank’s engagement in the country. In particular the bank is interested to boost financial support and deploy advisory and expert services leading to an increased use and absorption of available resources. 

“Hungary plays a crucial role in the Central European region and is, for many international companies, a gateway into the European Union,” Hudak said. 

A full list of EIB lending in Hungary is available here.