In Tunis on Thursday, Ricardo Mourinho Félix, vice-president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), reiterated the Bank's ongoing commitment to economic growth and social inclusion in Tunisia.

Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and social infrastructure is a key focal point of the vice-president’s visit to Tunisia. Vice-President Mourinho Félix announced €45 million in financing for the public transport authority Transtu to support more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

More inclusive and sustainable mobility

During the visit, Vice-President Mourinho Félix announced a new EIB-funded operation for sustainable urban transport: a deal with Transtu for acquiring trains and equipment for the TGM light rail line.

“This new €45 million financing will facilitate mobility in Tunisia while improving the quality of urban transport services.As the European Climate Bank, we are very pleased to support this project, which will have a direct impact on the daily lives of Tunisians,” he said.

This project is co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for an overall amount of €90 million. More broadly, the project fits in with the EIB-funded programme for renewing railway infrastructure.

Vice-President Mourinho Félix added that the EIB is ready to make more than €400 million available to Tunisia to support infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy and transport sectors. As the EU Climate Bank, supporting projects that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation will be a major focus of the EIB’s work in Tunisia. The Bank will also continue to prioritise the financing of essential social infrastructure in the education and urban development sectors.