01/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 1 December, the European Commission approved a second prolongation of six months of a Spanish guarantee scheme for credit institutions hit by the crisis. The Spanish scheme was initially approved on 23 December 2008 and prolonged for a first period of six months on 26 June. The Commission found the second prolongation of the measures to be in line with its communication on state aid to overcome the financial crisis. In particular, the extended measures are limited in time and scope. The Commission has therefore concluded that they represent an appropriate means of remedying a serious disturbance in the Spanish economy and as such are compatible with Article 87(3)(b) of the EC Treaty. (A.B./transl.fl)