Brussels, 29/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 29 January 2013, the European Commission authorised the sixth extension of a guarantee system and other aid for Polish banks, this time until 30 June 2013. The system was initially approved in September 2009 as a way of dealing with the bank crisis by restoring confidence in the solvency of Polish banks and thereby encourage inter-bank lending. It comprises guarantees by the state for the emission of new senior bonds by banks and liquidity support in the form of treasury bonds to be used as loans or sold with a time lag before payment becomes due. Given the strict eligibility criteria, the non-discriminatory nature, scope and limited duration of the measures, the Commission concluded that they comply with EU guidelines on state aid for banks in times of crisis. (FG/transl.fl)