Italy, June 26 -- The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a new strategic agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Defence, with the goal of further strengthening Italy's security and defence capabilities.The operation is part of the EIB's broader commitment to European security and defence. It recently expanded its eligibility criteria to backing military projects, in line with EU priorities.The loan will be disbursed to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which will then channel the EIB resources to the Ministry of Defence. The favourable conditions offered by the EIB on international markets mean that the loan will enable the Italian government to make substantial interest savings over the 20-year ter...