European Investment Bank and UniCredit Unlock Up to €400 Million in Financing for Mid Cap Companies in Czechia and Slovakia

European Investment Bank and UniCredit Unlock Up to €400 Million in Financing for Mid Cap Companies in Czechia and Slovakia

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has provided a €200 million guarantee to UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, enabling up to €400 million in new loans for mid-cap companies in the region. The initiative aims to support manufacturing and export-oriented businesses by offering improved financing terms, including longer maturities, larger loan sizes, and the option to borrow in both euros and Czech korunas. As part of the EIB’s broader Growth4MidCaps programme, the partnership is designed to address financing gaps, strengthen economic resilience, and enhance competitiveness in two economies closely tied to EU supply chains. By increasing lending capacity and introducing more flexible financing tools, the agreement also seeks to attract additional private investment and support long-term business growth amid ongoing economic challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 17-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank (EIB) has partnered with UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia to expand financing opportunities for mid-sized companies, unlocking up to €400 million in new lending for businesses across both countries. The initiative is supported by a €200 million EIB guarantee, enabling UniCredit to significantly increase its lending capacity to manufacturers and export-focused firms.

Through this arrangement, eligible companies will gain access to more favourable financing conditions, including longer repayment periods and larger loan volumes. The scheme is designed to help fast-growing mid-cap businesses meet rising investment needs while navigating economic pressures such as inflation, higher input costs, and global market volatility.

A notable feature of the agreement is the inclusion of loan options denominated in both euros and Czech korunas, marking the first time such flexibility has been introduced under an EIB-backed operation in the Czech and Slovak markets. This added flexibility aims to better align financing structures with the operational realities of local businesses.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the Czech and Slovak economies, both of which are closely integrated into European Union industrial supply chains. By easing capital constraints for UniCredit, the EIB guarantee enables the bank to extend more financing to companies undertaking larger-scale projects and expansion initiatives.

EIB Vice-President Marek Mora highlighted the importance of mid-cap companies to the region’s economic stability and export performance, noting that the initiative will support investment, innovation, and resilience during a period of economic uncertainty.

Jakub Dusílek, Chairman of the Board and CEO of UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, emphasized that the collaboration enhances the bank’s ability to support businesses in achieving long-term growth and stability, positioning UniCredit as a key partner for companies adapting to evolving market conditions.

The operation forms part of the EIB’s broader €4 billion Growth4MidCaps Lending Envelope, launched in 2023 to address financing gaps for mid-sized companies across the European Union. By sharing risk with financial institutions, the programme aims to stimulate additional lending and improve access to capital.

In addition to traditional lending, the initiative promotes the use of alternative financing instruments such as mini-bonds, helping mid-cap companies diversify their funding sources and access capital markets more effectively. The EIB guarantee is also expected to encourage further private investment by strengthening confidence in the sector at a critical time.

Background information

About the European Investment Bank

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €100 billion in new financing in 2025. These commitments are expected to mobilise around €350 billion in investments and create 1.5 million jobs by 2029. In Czechia, the EIB Group signed operations worth a total of €1.93 billion last year. For more information, please visit the EIB website.

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+352 4379 – 70217

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank