EIB rules out Greek aid

The European Investment Bank, the EU’s long-term lending institution, on Tuesday denied speculation that it might become involved in a bail-out of Greece, saying such support would go beyond its legal mandate. Germany and France meanwhile have ruled out direct EU aid for Athens and the European Commission has vetoed suggestions of IMF involvement. If Greece were to require emergency help, it would probably take the form of bilateral loans and guarantees from other eurozone governments and perhaps involving private bank consortia, say experts.