Willkommen in Wien -
Welcome to Vienna
EIC and its Austrian Member Federation, VIBÖ (Vereinigung Industrieller Bauunternehmungen Österreichs) are pleased to invite you to the EIC Autumn 2025 Conference with a Workshop on
Boosting the ‘Team Europe’ Approach for Global Gateway Transport Infrastructure Funding
Through its Global Gateway initiative, the EU aims to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments to fund sustainable infrastructure projects in the digital, energy, transport, health and education sectors. The preferred mode to support transport infrastructure projects is the so-called ‘Blending Option’, under which the EU Commission provides grant funding to concessional loans from European and non-European lending institutions. Since EU legislation allows that the procurement regulations of the lending institutions win priority over the EU Commission’s own procurement rules, civil works tenders co-financed with EU grants – when mixed with loans from financial partners – are open to bidders from all countries. Except for World Bank financed projects, the most widely used award criterion for civil works tenders is still the lowest evaluated bid.
The rapidly changing dynamics of global economic governance, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions, calls for greater coordination and complementarity of EU external financial tools and a closer alignment of EU policymakers and financiers with EU service providers, suppliers and contractors.
As Member of the Global Gateway Business Advisory Group, EIC has submitted several proposals to make Global Gateway-financed civil works tenders more attractive to European international contractors, including a restriction of eligibility rules, the transition to Strategic Procurement, the elimination of abnormally low and/or subsidised tenders and the use of collaborative delivery models.
The EIC Workshop in Vienna shall facilitate a better understanding of the consultation process between the European Commission, the EIB and European bilateral development banks in relation to Global Gateway-related transport infrastructure projects and how they interpret their role as ‘Team Europe’ members. The Workshop also aims at developing a closer collaboration between the EU public sector and the EU private sector to identify transport infrastructure projects in partner countries which are in the EU’s interest, maximise European content and provide for an attractive risk-reward profile.
Welcome to Vienna
Vienna, Austria's capital on the Danube river, is known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and unique culture. Both locals and tourists appreciate the high quality of life in Vienna. The city offers a variety of attractions, including the historic city center with St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and numerous museums and galleries such as Belvedere or Albertina.
Austria's capital is also known for its music scene, especially classical music, and for its excellent restaurants and beautiful cafés, which are an important part of Viennese life.
We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna!