10/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Since 1 January 2003 registered capital at the European Investment Bank (EIB) has risen to EUR 150 billion. This 50% increase in EIB capital will allow the bank to strengthen its support for EU policies by a moderate increase in operation within the current EU and a stronger subsequent increase in this support in accession candidate countries and Mediterranean countries. EUROPE will be coming back to this subject later.