The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €70 million loan to NLB Komercijalna banka to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Serbia. The funding will be used to provide working capital and investment loans, helping to address the financing gaps faced by SMEs, particularly in less developed regions outside major urban centers.
At least 30 percent of the loan proceeds will support projects that foster the green transition, including initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Serbia’s economy while advancing environmental sustainability.
SMEs play a vital role in Serbia’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and value creation, yet access to long-term financing remains limited. By offering long-term funding and promoting high environmental and financial standards, the EBRD aims to boost SMEs’ competitiveness and support a more resilient financial sector.
Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD Director of Financial Institutions for the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, noted that the financing will help NLB Komercijalna banka expand lending, support business growth, create jobs, and promote regional development, while channeling a substantial share of funds into green investments to advance a sustainable economy.
The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested over €10.7 billion across 405 projects, with a focus on enhancing private-sector competitiveness, green economy initiatives, and sustainable infrastructure.
