The European Union has approved a ¤5 billion ($7.8 billion) German rescue package for the regional WestLB bank to help it deal with the sub prime crisis in the global markets. The German regional bank had a net loss of ¤1.6 billion ($2.5 billion) last year, significantly higher than predicted because of the crisis. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia joined the rescue bid to help cover payment defaults. The Commission approved it on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.