EIB Group: Annual Report 2000

In 2000, the European Investment Bank continued to support the objectives of the European Union both through its borrowing (EUR 29 billion) and lending (EUR 36 billion) activities. Beyond the sheer volume of activity, the Bank concentrated its efforts on the fulfilment of its core mission, the promotion of economic and social cohesion within the Union (73% of our lending within the Union went to support investment in the lessfavoured regions). Another top priority set last year was the start of the ?Innovation 2000 Initiative?, a dedicated programme to support investment aimed at facilitating Europe?stransformation into an innovation-led and knowledge-based society, the priority objective set by the Lisbon European Council in March 2000.