Brussels, 30/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 30 July, the European Commission authorised a second prolongation, until 31 December 2014, of a Portuguese scheme providing state guarantees to banks that guarantee European Investment Bank (EIB) loans granted to companies in Portugal. The scheme was initially approved on 27 June 2013 and prolonged in December 2013. The scheme will allow the continuation of funding provided by the EIB to the real economy and prevent the disruption of the credit granted by the EIB through the banks participating in the scheme. The Commission found the prolongation of the measure to be in line with its guidance on state aid to banks during the crisis. It says the prolonged measure is well targeted, proportionate and limited in time and scope. The Commission also authorised the prolongation of a public guarantee system for Portuguese banks that was first approved in en 2008. (EL)