Today in Bucharest, the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) launched a new version of the “Finding the Funds” brochure at the TAIEX seminar Rail Investments in Central and Eastern Europe.
“Finding the Funds” explains in a clear and practical way how Infrastructure Managers and Member States can benefit from available EU funding, as well as to explore alternative sources of financing such as Public‐Private Partnerships (PPPs) or loans from the European Investment Bank. The brochure provides practical guidelines for successful applications for EU grants and gives examples of a number of EU funded rail infrastructure projects. At the TAIEX seminar, Michael Robson, EIM Secretary General, presented three examples of best practice in rail infrastructure PPPs from EIM members: the Infrabel Liefkenshoek Rail Link and Diabolo project and the RFF Nimes‐Montpellier bypass. A series of interviews with key EU decision makers and stakeholders adds further value to the brochure.
This is the third version of “Finding the Funds”. The latest developments in EU funding policy as well as significant progress in ongoing EU funded infrastructure projects have required an update of the brochure to ensure its timeliness and relevance. The priorities of the current and upcoming presidencies of the European Union have also been taken into account, as well as recent political and economic developments, including the financial crisis and the fight against climate change.
Michael Robson said: “Rail investments are the best solution to tackle climate change and financial crisis at the same time. Launching the new EIM funding brochure in Bucharest was deliberate choice as EIM is keen to help Eastern European countries to develop their railway network sustainably and efficiently. EU funds are a key instrument for reaching this goal.”
“Finding the Funds” is available as a pdf on the EIM website: http://www.eimrail.org/Finding_funds_3edition.pdf.pdf

For further information or copies of the brochure , please contact:
Patrick Keating
EIM Public Affairs Manager
phone +32 2 234 37 70
mobile +32 476 66 19 09
e‐mail patrick.keating@eimrail.org