Brussels, 01/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the European Commission authorised the prolongation of a number of Hungarian aid schemes for banks until 30 June 2013. The banks introduced these measures in response to the financial crisis, in an effort to stabilise the markets. These aid schemes provide fresh capital and further guarantees on new short- and medium-term loans, in return for meeting strict conditions. The measures were adopted on 12 February 2009 and have already been extended on several occasions. The Commission said that with regard to the authorised prolongation, the Hungarian aid schemes complied with its guidelines on public aid to banks during the crisis and that, “in particular, the prolonged measures are well targeted, proportionate and limited in time and scope”. The Commission has therefore concluded that they represent an appropriate means of remedying a serious disturbance in the Hungarian economy and as such are compatible with Article 107(3) (b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). (OL/transl.fl)