EBRD Provides €25 Million Loan to PBZ Leasing to Boost Green Investments by Croatian MSMEs

EBRD Provides €25 Million Loan to PBZ Leasing to Boost Green Investments by Croatian MSMEs

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD has provided a €25 million loan to PBZ Leasing for on-lending to Croatian MSMEs, dedicating at least 30 percent of the funds to green asset leases. This initiative advances the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition goals by improving MSMEs’ access to financing for energy-efficient technologies. The agreement was formalized by PBZ Leasing’s Nikolina Žganec and Bogdan Drakulić and EBRD’s Miljan Ždrale. Since its entry into Croatia, the EBRD has invested nearly €5 billion in 263 projects, with a continued focus on economic reform, EU integration, and public-sector modernization.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 1-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a €25 million loan facility to PBZ Leasing, a leading universal leasing company in Croatia. This funding will be on-lent to local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with at least 30 percent of the proceeds earmarked for leasing green technologies and equipment.

By enhancing MSMEs’ access to finance for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly assets, the transaction supports the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) objectives and promotes sustainable investment across Croatia’s private sector. The loan agreement was signed by PBZ Leasing’s Management Board members Nikolina Žganec and Bogdan Drakulić, alongside Miljan Ždrale, EBRD Regional Director for Central Europe.

“Deepening our collaboration with the EBRD through this facility strengthens our capacity to back the growth and competitiveness of Croatian MSMEs,” said Bogdan Drakulić, President of PBZ Leasing’s Management Board. “It also underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable investments and accelerating the green transition of Croatian businesses.”

Miljan Ždrale added, “MSMEs are vital to Croatia’s economy, yet they often face financing gaps. Through targeted lending and technical support, the EBRD is broadening access to leasing solutions, enabling entrepreneurs to invest in modern technologies and drive economic development.”

Since commencing operations in Croatia, the EBRD has invested nearly €5 billion across 263 projects, focusing on reforms, leveraging EU membership benefits, and modernizing public-sector enterprises.

Media Contact:

Jelena Pajic
Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD