The European Investment Bank is urging Mediterranean banks to provide financing to small, very small and medium-sized businesses. In Tunisia, the partnership with Réseau Entreprendre could be duplicated. Version française

The Egyptian government and international lenders are launching a number of projects designed to reduce CO2 emissions. Version française

Vice-President of the European Investment Bank and in charge since September 2015 of EIB activities in the Maghreb, Román Escolano speaks about his ambitions for this region. Version française

Launched in 2012, the ShMILE 2 project aims at raising awareness among tourism and accommodation professionals of the environmental issues at stake in six Mediterranean countries. The project received €2 million, essentially from the European Union, and things are already beginning to change. Version française

A consequence of political and military crises, after two years of high levels of funding, 2013 has seen a slow-down in the level of EIB investment on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean. FEMIP (the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership) brings together all of the EIB’s work supporting socio-economic development in Mediterranean partner countries (Algeria, Egypt, Gaza-West Bank, Israel, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and soon Libya). Its director, Flavia Palanza, has the power to carry out substantial funding, but there has been a decline in the take-up and use of new lending by partner countries. Version française

As well as joining the two kingdoms of Spain and Morocco, the tunnel through the Strait of Gibraltar will connect Europe to Africa and enable closer cooperation between the two continents. Version française

Several sections have already been completed, but economic crises, corruption, and revolutions have delayed the opening of this major infrastructure project that should enhance relations between North African countries. It will be a few more years before you can drive from Agadir to the Libyan border without leaving the highway. Version française