The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €25 million loan to Romania-based Patria Bank SA to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Cap companies across the country. The funding aims to make credit more accessible to businesses, particularly in less-developed regions, helping to strengthen economic cohesion and support inclusive growth.
A fifth of the total loan is specifically earmarked for climate action, enabling companies to invest in renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient machinery that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This component of the loan supports Romania’s transition toward a low-carbon economy and encourages sustainable business practices.
This agreement marks the second partnership between the EIB and Patria Bank, addressing a key challenge in Romania: limited access to long-term credit for smaller businesses. By providing longer-term and more affordable funding, the loan allows companies outside major urban centres to invest confidently in production expansion, job creation, and cleaner technologies.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris highlighted the importance of the loan in offering stability and predictability for businesses, helping them lower electricity costs amid persistent market volatility. Small businesses, which form the backbone of Romania’s economy, benefit from financial resilience against market shocks and interest-rate fluctuations.
Valentin Vancea, Patria Bank’s Director General, noted that the loan reinforces the bank’s strategic role in supporting entrepreneurship and local development. By accessing these funds, Patria Bank can offer tailored solutions, longer maturities, better interest conditions, and targeted support for green projects, fostering economic resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable growth throughout Romania.
