EIB’s Largest-Ever Loan Agreement in Czech Republic Fuels Rail Network Upgrade

EIB’s Largest-Ever Loan Agreement in Czech Republic Fuels Rail Network Upgrade

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a historic loan agreement worth CZK 24 billion (€992 million) with the Czech Ministry of Finance to support the transformation of the country’s rail network. This monumental financing deal, the largest in the Czech Republic, will facilitate the modernization and retrofitting of trans-European networks (TEN-T) railway lines, along with the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), led by the national railway infrastructure administrator, Správa železnic. The initiative aims to enhance rail service quality, reduce emissions, and promote modal shifts from road to rail transport. It will also improve level crossing safety, cyber-security, accessibility for those with reduced mobility, and digitalization in railway transportation. The financing is part of the broader plan to modernize the Czech Republic’s railway network, and it aligns with EU policy goals, fostering sustainable transport and regional development. This collaboration with EIB marks a significant step in advancing the nation’s railway infrastructure.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 24-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed its largest ever loan agreement in the Czech Republic, with a CZK 24 billion (€992 million) contract with the Ministry of Finance to support the upgrade of the country’s rail network. Through Správa železnic, the national railway infrastructure administrator, which falls under the authority of the Transport Ministry, the loan will support the modernisation and retrofit of trans-European networks (TEN-T) railway lines in the country and enable the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

“It is a pleasure to know that our meeting in October last year has had this important outcome. This will be the largest EIB loan ever signed in the Czech Republic and the funds will greatly benefit rail transport usage in the country.” commented EIB Vice-President Kris Peeters. “We expect the increased quality of rail services to promote a modal shift from road to rail, which will reduce the negative impacts of the transport sector on the local environment. Decreasing emissions means the project contributes to sustainable transport in line with EU objectives. In addition, better and more rail connections will facilitate access to EU Cohesion Priority Regions, thus supporting regional development.”

As part of the broad programme that the EIB funding will finance, Správa železnic will improve the safety of level crossings on the network, retrofit maintenance vehicles with ERTMS equipment, and strengthen the company’s cyber-security. The investment also includes works in railway stations and railway buildings to improve their accessibility for people with reduced mobility and people travelling with children.

“The use of a loan from the European Investment Bank is the most economical and efficient solution to obtain funds for a strategic investment such as the digitalisation and automation of railway transportation, given the current level of the general government budget deficit. We can therefore finance long-term investments of a strategic nature through a favourable loan from the EIB with a lower interest rate, while at the same time using funds from the general government budget for other, equally important, priorities.” said Czech Minister of Finance Zbyněk Stanjura.

The signed facility is the first concrete financing result of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed In November 2022 with both Ministries to establish a partnership to finance the modernisation of the Czech Republic’s railway network. Under the memorandum, the EIB may also provide technical assistance to the Czech railway infrastructure administrator, with support already being provided under its JASPERS mandate. The financing is expected to accelerate an increased use of rail transport, with clear environmental benefits over traditional road transport.

“The development of high-quality railways is key for the Czech Republic on a domestic and Central European scale. Multi-source financing of these projects that are necessary for the prosperity of the country is currently the right choice. Investments for the future must not stop. EIB loan funds are a key component of the financial portfolio of projects, thanks to which we are able to draw on other resources such as EU support. We will use them, for example, in the modernisation of Prague’s Masaryk railway station and the important Karlštejn – Beroun line near the capital,” said Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.

Modernising the railway lines will increase both maximum speeds and capacity on sections of the TEN-T network, which is expected to improve connectivity between EU regions. The operation consists of around 40 sub-projects in different parts of the country, which are part of the Czech Republic’s “Unified Railway Framework” plan for 2023-2027.

The European Investment Bank finances sound investment contributing towards EU policy goals. In 2022 alone, the EIB made available over €1.7 billion for Czech projects.

Media Contact:

Tim Smit
t.smit@eib.org
+352 4379 – 89076

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 4379 – 21000

SOURCE: European Investment Bank