16/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - Portuguese guarantee scheme on EIB loans extended until end of 2015. On Wednesday 15 July, the European Commission approved the extension - until 31 December 2015 - of the Portuguese state guarantee scheme to the country's banks, which themselves guarantee EIB loans to companies. Approved for the first time in June 2013, this scheme is in line with the European rules on state aid to banks during the crisis. (MB)