EBRD and EU Launch €120M SME Go Green Programme to Boost Sustainable Investments in Serbia

EBRD and EU Launch €120M SME Go Green Programme to Boost Sustainable Investments in Serbia

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD, with EU support, has launched the SME Go Green programme to finance green economy investments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia and the Western Balkans. Starting with €120 million in funding, with plans to expand to €400 million, the programme targets sustainable investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource management, with special support for agribusinesses and women-led companies. Eligible SMEs can receive cashback grants on project completion, promoting green technology adoption across the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 7-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is enhancing its support for green economic initiatives in Serbia through the SME Go Green programme. This new credit line, initially valued at €120 million, will be provided to local financial institutions in the Western Balkans to facilitate loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) investing in green technologies. The programme aims to grow to €400 million in the coming years.

Backed by EU grants totaling €24.94 million, SME Go Green will support Serbian SMEs in energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction. The initiative also has dedicated funds for agribusiness and women-led enterprises, helping these sectors improve sustainability and climate resilience. Eligible SMEs completing green investments will receive a cashback grant of 10-15% of their loan amount.

Building on the success of previous support programs for Serbian SMEs, SME Go Green’s launch event featured EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans, Matteo Colangeli, and Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Serbia. A €5 million loan agreement was also signed with NLB Komercijalna banka to initiate SME Go Green funding.

The EBRD remains a key investor in Serbia, with a record of over €9.3 billion invested in projects that bolster private sector growth, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure.

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SOURCE: EBRD