17/07/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 17 July, the European Commission found that the Dutch guarantee scheme for banks granting loans for energy saving projects does not constitute state aid. Through this measure, the Dutch authorities aim to improve access to financing for initiatives that promote the transition to a green economy. The Dutch state, which will roll out the measure this year, will provide a guarantee of up to 80% of the loan value. Observing that the guarantees would be paid for at a sufficiently high level and that they would only be awarded to financially viable projects, the Commission concluded that the Dutch regime did not constitute State aid within the meaning of EU law. (LT)