Brussels, 14/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced on 11 June that it was to grant BayernLB a new credit line of €100 million which will enable it to provide low-interest investment finance, particularly to SMEs and municipalities, with immediate effect. The funds are to be used to part-finance projects in the areas of energy efficiency, environmental protection, sustainability and climate change mitigation. The EIB's contribution may cover up to 50% of the overall cost, which must not exceed €25 million, the balance being financed from the beneficiaries' own resources or through external borrowing from BayernLB. The EIB funds may be advanced to both private and public customers, with maturities of up to 20 years depending on the type of project. (OL/transl.rt)