Wallonia has completed its first bond issue of the year. This operation made it possible to secure 60% of the 2024 financing needs, namely €1.5 billion.
These are ESG-type issues, more specifically social issues, aimed at financing hospital infrastructure, family allowances or social housing.
In total, purchase orders exceeded €5 billion, which made it possible to optimise the financing conditions. This can be described as a genuine success, with orders more than 3 times higher than the amount on offer, which is exceptional.
The operation took place over two maturities: a 6-year issue for €700 million and a 19-year issue for €800 million.
- For a 6-year maturity, a spread of +45 basis points with a rate of 3.027%
- For a 19-year maturity, a spread of +47 basis points with a rate of 3.052%
Minister Dolimont: “I want Wallonia's 2024 financing to be completed, or nearly completed, before the June 2024 elections. As I have done since taking office, this forward planning reflects a genuine commitment to responsibility. The operation was a success, with more than 70 investors. The market window used also made it possible to secure the best possible financing conditions. Since taking office, I have paid particular attention to ensuring that every issue can be labelled green or social (ESG); this was fully the case in 2023, and the teams are doing what is necessary for this to be the case again in 2024. Hence the importance of professional management in Wallonia, which saves the community millions”.