The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has expanded its SME Go Green Programme to increase access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises across the Western Balkans. The initiative aims to support sustainable business growth while accelerating the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
The scaled-up programme builds on strong demand since its launch in 2023 and was reaffirmed during the EBRD’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Riga. It will continue to operate across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, helping businesses invest in energy efficiency, climate resilience, and resource-saving technologies.
The second phase of the programme is expected to mobilize up to €233 million in EBRD credit lines through partner financial institutions. This will be complemented by €23.3 million in investment incentives for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises, along with €5.6 million in technical assistance to support project preparation, implementation, and capacity building.
Under the programme structure, local banks on-lend EBRD funds to SMEs, while EU-backed incentives help reduce the cost of green investments. Technical assistance supports both financial institutions and businesses by improving awareness, strengthening project design, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.
A key focus of the expanded initiative is support for agribusiness value chains, renewable energy adoption, and women-led enterprises. The programme also encourages businesses to align with EU environmental and market standards, improving their competitiveness and access to broader export opportunities.
Since its inception, the programme has already demonstrated measurable impact. By mid-2025, the EBRD had extended €110 million in financing to 15 partner financial institutions, enabling SMEs across the region to adopt greener technologies, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions while improving operational efficiency.
The EBRD and EU emphasize that SMEs play a critical role in driving the Western Balkans’ green transition. By expanding access to finance and technical support, the programme seeks to unlock further private sector investment and strengthen long-term economic resilience across the region.
