ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The European Investment Bank and Airbus have signed a first 1 billion loan in support of the ambitious research, development and innovation activities of the European aerospace industry leader, aimed at consolidating its technological advantage in the areas of commercial and defence aviation. The agreement is part of an unprecedented 3 billion package aimed at supporting entrepreneurial innovation, and will contribute directly to strengthening Europe’s technological leadership and manufacturing excellence, key elements for economic security. The funding will support Airbus investments up to 2030 in advanced technologies and integrated systems for commercial aviation, as well as security and defence systems. With specific investment projects located in France, Germany and Spain, the operation will help strengthen European aerospace and defence ecosystems.
“The EIB Group is mobilizing all its resources to strengthen technological autonomy, industrial solidity and economic competitiveness in Europe,” said Bei Nadia Calviño President at the signing ceremony held today in Brussels. “This is a lighthouse operation, approved in about six months after the request, which shows how Europe is able to act quickly and on a large scale to support its industrial champions and strengthen its position in the new geopolitical scenario,” he added. “This funding strengthens the depth of our strategic partnership with the EIB, supporting research in the commercial and defence sector that fuels European industrial competitiveness. The highly competitive conditions and flexibility offer us the maximum margin of manoeuvre in budget management, helping to minimize the cost of carry and support our long-term investments in aerospace innovation,” said Airbus financial director Thomas Toepfer.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
