Brussels, 16/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - Further to consultation in member states completed in 2007, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has decided to conduct a new policy with a view to providing SMEs with easier access to credit. The EIB has chosen to bring in greater flexibility and simplified procedures, in exchange for greater transparency on the part of intermediary banks. This support, which is mainly to the industry, tourism and services sectors, will allow traditional investment in fixed assets, but it will also be possible to finance intangibles essential for companies' growth today. Seven Spanish institutes benefited from EIB loans during the first half of 2008, for a total of €910 million. (A.D./transl.jl)