Brussels, 03/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a €220 million loan to Veneto Banca for the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in industry, services, tourism, environmental improvement, strengthening of human capital and high technology. In addition, the facility will support public and private sector investment in SME projects in infrastructure, energy and the environment, says an EIB press release. The operation Claris Finance 2006, says the press release, is aimed at investments located mostly in the North East of Italy. Up to €20 million will go to projects in Romania, an EU accession country, through the Banca Italo-Romena, a subsidiary of the Veneto Banca.