The European Investment Bank provided EUR 75 million to Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) for onlending mainly to municipalities and other local authorities in assisted areas of Portugal. The funds will contribute to develop small and medium-sized infrastructure and could also be used notably to pursue investments in energy savings projects, development of renewable energies or aimed at the protection of the environment.

The loan contract was signed in Lisbon by Carlos Costa, EIB Vice President, and by José Ramalho and Norberto Rosa, CGD Board Directors.

State-owned CGD is Portugal's largest banking group and a major provider of finance for public sector entities, serving Portugal and parts of Spain.