The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU’s long-term financing institution, contributes directly to the integration, balanced development, and economic and social cohesion of the Members of the European Union. The bank is selffunded and raises, on the markets, substantial volumes of funds which it then directs, on the most favourable terms, to the financing of capital projects in accordance with the objectives of the Union. Outside the Union, the EIB implements the financial components of agreements concluded under European development aid and cooperation policies.