EIB Group Strengthens Partnership with Ameriabank to Support Armenian Economic Growth and Job Creation

EIB Group Strengthens Partnership with Ameriabank to Support Armenian Economic Growth and Job Creation

(IN BRIEF) The EIB Group and Ameriabank have launched a new EU-backed guarantee programme expected to unlock up to €106.25 million in financing for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Armenia. Supported under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility, the initiative is expected to benefit around 900 companies and sustain more than 5,000 jobs. The programme enables Ameriabank to expand lending to businesses that may face difficulties accessing affordable financing while supporting economic resilience and private-sector growth. The agreement represents the second direct cooperation between the EIB Group and Ameriabank and forms part of broader EU efforts to strengthen Armenia’s economic competitiveness and investment environment.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 8-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank Group and Ameriabank have launched a new EU-backed financing initiative aimed at improving access to credit for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across Armenia. The programme is expected to unlock up to €106.25 million in new financing for Armenian businesses through a partial portfolio guarantee structure supported by the European Union under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility.

The operation is being implemented jointly by the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, which together form the EIB Group. Through the guarantee mechanism, Ameriabank will be able to expand lending to Armenian MSMEs, particularly businesses that face difficulties obtaining affordable financing under standard market conditions.

According to the institutions involved, the initiative is expected to support approximately 900 businesses throughout Armenia while helping sustain more than 5,000 jobs. The programme is intended to strengthen private-sector resilience, encourage investment, and support long-term economic growth in the country.

The agreement marks the second direct operation between the EIB Group and Ameriabank, further expanding the existing cooperation between the institutions in support of Armenia’s business sector and financial ecosystem.

The signing ceremony took place in Yerevan and was attended by EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, Ameriabank Chief Financial Officer Hovhannes Toroyan, and European Union Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos.

Karl Nehammer said small businesses play a central role in Armenia’s economy and stressed that improved access to financing can significantly influence their ability to grow and strengthen operations. He noted that the agreement is designed to provide entrepreneurs with greater opportunities to invest, expand, and improve business resilience by ensuring that viable projects are not constrained by limited access to funding.

The guarantee facility is supported through the EU4Business initiative, which forms part of the European Union’s broader strategy to promote sustainable economic development, competitiveness, innovation, and private-sector growth in Armenia.

EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos stated that supporting Armenian small businesses contributes directly to employment, innovation, and long-term economic prosperity. He added that the initiative reflects the deepening political and economic cooperation between the European Union and Armenia under the recently adopted Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership. According to Maragos, strengthening economic competitiveness and societal resilience remains closely connected to increased private investment and job creation.

Ameriabank Chief Financial Officer Hovhannes Toroyan said supporting small businesses remains one of the bank’s strategic priorities. He explained that the partnership with the EIB Group will allow the bank to expand financing access for businesses seeking to grow and strengthen their operations. Toroyan added that the initiative is intended to help Armenian entrepreneurs turn investment plans into practical business expansion while contributing more actively to the national economy.

The operation reflects continued efforts by European financial institutions to support economic resilience and private-sector development in Eastern Partnership countries through targeted guarantees, lending programmes, and investment initiatives focused on SMEs and sustainable growth.