Brussels, 19/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to a €150 million loan to Catalonia for the funding of investment projects. The operation includes various small and medium-scale schemes located throughout the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia to foster economic growth, the creation of jobs and social cohesion through investment in human capital, urban regeneration, sustainable mobility and the environment. The investment programme financed includes: - the construction, refurbishment and expansion of primary and secondary schools, hospitals and clinics, care centres for the elderly and residences for persons with disabilities and children; - the rehabilitation of typical buildings of the region, and the construction and refurbishment of public libraries; - the improvement of public spaces and green areas, including investment in energy efficiency, water saving and waste recycling, the removal of architectural barriers and the equipping of public buildings with new technologies; - the extension of the underground and rail networks in Barcelona and the development of public transport outside the city; - and investment to improve the sustainable use of land and of environmental resources in mountain and coastal areas. (O.L./transl.jl)