Brussels, 05/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 5 January the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) issued €3 billion of three-year bonds at a slightly higher interest rate than before because the EFSF's borrowing costs reflect those of the eurozone nations. In the next few weeks, the cash will be lent on to the Irish and Portguese governments, which will receive aid of a total of €24bn in 2012. (MB/transl.fl)