Brussels, 29/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 26 March, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and BAWAG P.S.K. (Bank für Arbeit und Wirtschaft und Österreichische Postsparkasse A.G.) signed an agreement under which EIB will lend €100 million to the Austrian bank to finance small and medium-sized projects by its business customers. BAWAG P.S.K. will use up to half of the EIB funding to support a wide range of projects implemented by Austrian SMEs and mid-cap companies, particularly in the areas of industry, infrastructure and services, including tourism. The remainder of the loan amount will be used by BAWAG P.S.K. to support priority investments in the public infrastructure sector covering energy and environment, health and education and development of the knowledge based economy. This loan continues the successful cooperation between the EIB and BAWAG P.S.K. Previously, the EIB has provided thirteen credit lines to this financial institution amounting to €512 million supporting smaller investments in Austria. (O.L./transl.rt)