BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 24. The European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed to provide a
€70 million loan to NLB Komercijalna banka to expand financing for
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Serbia, Trend reports via the
Bank.
The loan, extended under the EBRD’s Financial Intermediaries
Framework (FIF), will allow NLB Komercijalna banka to offer working
capital and investment loans to private businesses, helping to
address persistent financing gaps, particularly in regions outside
Serbia’s major cities.
At least 30 percent of the funds will be earmarked for projects
that support the country’s transition to a green economy, including
initiatives that enhance energy efficiency and promote renewable
energy solutions.
SMEs are a cornerstone of Serbia’s economy, contributing
significantly to employment and value added. However, access to
long-term financing remains limited. Through this loan, the EBRD
aims to strengthen SME competitiveness while supporting a more
resilient financial sector by promoting high environmental and
financial standards.
Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD Director of Financial
Institutions for the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, said:
“This financing will enable NLB Komercijalna banka to expand
lending to small and medium-sized enterprises across Serbia,
fostering business growth, job creation, and regional development.
By directing a substantial portion of the funds toward green
investments, the project also supports Serbia’s transition to a
more sustainable and resilient economy.”
The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Serbia, having
committed more than €10.7 billion across 405 projects to date. Its
investment priorities in the country focus on enhancing
private-sector competitiveness, advancing the green economy, and
supporting sustainable infrastructure.
