LOCATION Nicaragua DESCRIPTION Framework loan to co-finance a multi-scheme operation in Managua, Nicaragua, contributing to climate action and/or circular economy objectives. The operation includes urban development and renewal, urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility and strengthening of the storm-water drainage system. OBJECTIVES The proposed project is in line with EIB's External Lending Mandate 2014-2020 (ELM) as it will contribute to the fulfilment of ELM's objectives of (i) climate change mitigation (i.e. replacing private vehicles with cleaner public transport and improving fuel use efficiency through reduction of traffic congestion), and (ii) supporting social and economic infrastructure (i.e. improving public transport and road safety) in Managua. Also, the project will support the development of the private sector (i.e. operation of the public transport service as well as tourism and other economic activities). ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS If the project had been located in the EU, the bus rapid transit scheme and the road rehabilitation schemes a€" the main project components - would have fallen under Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU on environmental impact assessment (EIA). EIA requirements for any other scheme will be reviewed at allocation stage. Cumulative impact of the programme and compliance of the Urban Development Plan with the principles of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC will be assessed at appraisal. PROCUREMENT The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that implementation of the project will be done in accordance with the Bank's Guide to Procurement.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF EIB The EIB Complaints Mechanism is designed to facilitate and handle complaints against the EIB by individuals, organizations or corporations affected by EIB activities. When exercising the right to lodge a complaint against the EIB, any member of the public has access to a two-tier procedure, one internal - the Complaints Mechanism Office - and one external - the European Ombudsman. A complaint can be lodged via a written communication addressed to the Secretary General of the EIB, via email to the dedicated email address complaints@eib.org, by completing the online complaint form available at the following address: http://www.eib.org/complaints/form, via fax or delivered directly to the EIB Complaints Mechanism Division, any EIB local representation office or any EIB staff. For further details, check: http://www.eib.org/attachments/strategies/complaints_mechanism_policy_en.pdf When dissatisfied with a complaint to the EIB Complaints Mechanism, citizens can then turn towards the European Ombudsman. A memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the EIB and the European Ombudsman establishes that citizens (even outside of the EU if the Ombudsman finds their complaint justified) can turn towards the Ombudsman on issues related to 'maladministration' by the EIB. Note that before going to the Ombudsman, an attempt must be made to resolve the case by contacting the EIB. In addition, the complaint must be made within two years of the date when the facts on which your complaint is based became known to you. You can write to the Ombudsman in any of the languages of the European Union. Additional details, including filing requirements and complaint forms, are available at: http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/atyourservice/interactiveguide.faces