S&P Decision To Put EIB On CreditWatch Negative

EIB takes note of S&P’s decision, announced on 8 December 2011, to put EIB’s long term AAA rating on CreditWatch negative (its short term rating was reaffirmed at A-1+, the highest on the rating scale). This follows directly from S&P’s decision to put 15 Eurozone countries, notably its AAA members, from among the 27 EU Member State shareholders of EIB, on CreditWatch negative. The announcement leaves room for the rating of EIB to be maintained or downgraded, depending on a forthcoming evaluation by S&P.

EIB believes there are strong reasons for its existing credit ratings, and credit standing in the eyes of the market more generally, to be maintained. Also S&P does recognise the high quality of the EIB’s loans and its conservative risk management. The Bank will be in active dialogue with S&P and other market participants on this matter.