Participation of the EIB
Article 31
1. The EIB may, at the request of Member States, participate in the preparation of the Partnership Agreement, as well as in activities relating to the preparation of operations, in particular major projects, financial instruments and PPPs. 2. The Commission may consult the EIB before the adoption of the Partnership Agreement or the programmes. 3. The Commission may request the EIB to examine the technical quality, economic and financial sustainability, and the viability of major projects and to assist it as regards the financial instruments to be implemented or developed. 4. The Commission, in implementing the provisions of this Regulation, may award grants or service contracts to the EIB covering initiatives implemented on a multi-annual basis. The commitment of the contributions of the budget of the Union in respect of such grants or service contracts shall be effected annually.