EIB Vice President Celebrates 35-Year Partnership with UCD, Highlighting Campus Transformation

EIB Vice President Celebrates 35-Year Partnership with UCD, Highlighting Campus Transformation

(IN BRIEF) European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris visited University College Dublin (UCD) to celebrate a 35-year partnership that has contributed €453 million towards transforming the university’s academic, scientific, and residential infrastructure. UCD President Professor Orla Feely acknowledged the EIB’s long-term support, which has funded major campus developments and student housing projects. Tsakiris praised UCD’s commitment to educational excellence and sustainability, aligning with the EIB’s goals of fostering innovation and addressing climate action. This visit highlighted the ongoing collaboration between UCD and the EIB in shaping the university’s future.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 12-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — University College Dublin (UCD) welcomed European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris to its Belfield campus, celebrating a 35-year partnership that has significantly transformed UCD’s academic, scientific, and residential infrastructure. Since 1989, the EIB has contributed €453 million to help UCD realize its vision for educational excellence, funding key campus projects that have elevated the university’s facilities and student experience.

During the visit, UCD President Professor Orla Feely emphasized the importance of the EIB’s long-term investment, noting its pivotal role in shaping the university’s modern landscape. Tsakiris highlighted UCD’s efforts to provide world-class academic facilities while addressing student housing challenges, aligning with the EIB’s focus on fostering innovation and supporting climate action through sustainable campus development.

The collaboration between UCD and the EIB has funded cutting-edge buildings in fields such as science, law, and the humanities, as well as expanded student accommodations. Additionally, the partnership has supported UCD’s commitment to environmental sustainability by ensuring energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades.

This visit reinforced the enduring partnership between UCD and the EIB, showcasing the transformative power of long-term investment in higher education.

Background information

EIB Group

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed a total of €88 billion in new financing in 2023 – 90% of it in the European Union.  These commitments are expected to mobilise around €320 billion in investment, supporting 400 000 companies and 5.4 million jobs.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Accord. The EIB Group does not fund investments in fossil fuels. We are on track to deliver on our commitment to support  €1 trillion in climate and environmental sustainability investment in the decade to 2030 as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Over half of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower. This underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and the convergence of living standards.

Media Contact:

Richard Willis
r.willis@eib.org
+352 4379 – 82155

Press Office

press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank