Podgorica, June 2026 – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a new €18 million financing package for NLB Banka AD Podgorica, aimed at expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women- and youth-led businesses, and households in Montenegro.
The package is structured through four senior unsecured loans: €7 million for SMEs, €2 million for Women in Business, €2 million for Youth in Business, and €7 million for residential mortgages. Together, these loans will strengthen competitiveness, widen financial inclusion, and provide households with affordable housing finance.
A key feature of the financing is EU-backed risk-sharing support through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), enabling NLB to reach underserved market segments, particularly women and young entrepreneurs. The programme will be complemented by advisory and capacity-building assistance to help the bank design inclusive financial products and services.
The initiative also supports Montenegro’s green transition, with part of the financing dedicated to energy-efficient investments and green mortgages. These funds will help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable growth.
EBRD Head of Montenegro Remon Zakaria emphasized the partnership’s impact: “Together, we are widening access to finance for entrepreneurs, women and young people, helping households invest in better and more affordable homes, and accelerating energy efficient upgrades.”
NLB Banka President Martin Leberle highlighted that this package introduces the first Youth in Business credit line in Montenegro, opening new opportunities for young entrepreneurs while reinforcing the bank’s role in supporting sustainable housing and green investments.
The EU Delegation to Montenegro also underscored the importance of strengthening the private sector in the context of Montenegro’s EU accession process, noting that dynamic SMEs will be crucial for integration into the EU Single Market.
NLB Banka Podgorica, one of Montenegro’s leading commercial banks, has a strong presence in retail, SME, and corporate banking. The EBRD has invested nearly €1.1 billion across 110 projects in Montenegro to date, supporting sustainable development, infrastructure, and private-sector growth.
This financing package represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive, greener, and resilient Montenegrin economy, combining EBRD’s financial strength, NLB’s local reach, and EU-backed guarantees to deliver tangible results.
