D1 motorway Phase I, Slovakia - EBRD AGM Issue Paper

In April 2010 the EBRD approved a EUR 250 million loan for the Slovak Motorways PPP D1 Phase I project in Slovakia, which seeks to link the economically wealthier western part of Slovakia with the less developed eastern part. The project is to be financed through a public-private partnership (PPP), which has been the cause of considerable controversy in Slovakia, as has the fact that the planned route impacts protected Natura 2000 areas.

Also the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a loan for the project in December 2008, however the EIB has been waiting for clearance for the project by the European Commission, which has not yet been forthcoming. Eighteen commercial banks are expected to provide the remainder of the financing.