Patria Bank Secures Second EIB Loan to Expand Credit Access and Promote Sustainable Growth in Romania

Patria Bank Secures Second EIB Loan to Expand Credit Access and Promote Sustainable Growth in Romania

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €25 million loan to Romania’s Patria Bank SA to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Cap companies, especially in less-developed regions. A fifth of the funds will support climate action, helping businesses invest in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. The agreement, the second between the two institutions, seeks to address the persistent challenge of limited access to long-term credit for small businesses in Romania. EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris highlighted the importance of providing stability and supporting cleaner technologies, while Patria Bank’s Director General, Valentin Vancea, emphasized the bank’s strengthened role in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and local economic growth. The initiative aligns with the EIB’s strategy to promote inclusive growth, competitiveness, and a low-carbon transition in Romania’s economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 9-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a new €25 million financing agreement with Patria Bank SA, a Bucharest-based financial institution, to boost access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Cap companies across Romania. The initiative aims to expand business lending, particularly in less-developed regions, and promote climate-friendly investments that support sustainable economic growth.

Under the terms of the agreement, 20% of the loan will be dedicated to climate action projects, helping Romanian companies invest in renewable energy sources such as rooftop solar installations, and in energy-efficient or low-emission equipment. The funds will also strengthen the ability of small businesses to manage energy costs and environmental performance.

This operation marks the second collaboration between the EIB and Patria Bank and targets one of Romania’s most persistent economic challenges — limited access to affordable, long-term financing for small enterprises. The partnership will enable Patria Bank to provide longer maturities, improved interest rates, and tailored financial products to support entrepreneurship and regional cohesion.

“We are taking another important step to ensure that long-term financing reaches Romania’s real economy,” said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “Through our partnership with Patria Bank, we are offering stability and predictability that help businesses invest with confidence, expand production, and create jobs. At the same time, we are helping companies lower their energy costs and transition to cleaner, more efficient technologies.”

Small businesses form the backbone of Romania’s economy but often face difficulties accessing credit, especially outside major cities. The new loan supports the EIB’s broader strategy for Romania — to drive inclusive growth, industrial modernization, and the shift to a low-carbon economy.

According to Valentin Vancea, Director General of Patria Bank, “This second EIB financing validates our strategic direction and underlines our ongoing commitment to supporting Romania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With these new resources, we can strengthen our capacity to deliver customized financial solutions that foster sustainable growth and resilience among small businesses. The collaboration also reinforces international confidence in our mission as a catalyst for local development through modern financial instruments that create positive economic impact.”

Through this renewed cooperation, Patria Bank will continue to play a key role in bridging financing gaps, advancing regional development, and promoting green transformation across Romania’s business landscape.

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union and the capital markets union.

The EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed almost €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60 % of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

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Patria Bank

Patria Bank is a Romanian bank listed on the Regulated Market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: PBK), offering a full range of financial products and services – from current accounts, deposits and loans, to modern digital solutions – targeting both individuals as well as micro-enterprises, SMEs and the agricultural sector. Through its digital platform, “Patria de Oriunde,” clients can access banking services 100% online, without the need for physical presence at branches. Patria Bank is part of a financial group that also includes Patria Credit IFN, specializing in rural microfinancing, and SAI Patria Asset Management, an Investment fund manager. The bank’s majority shareholder is the Emerging Europe Accession Fund (EEAF), supported by international financial institutions such as the EBRD, FEI, and BSTDB. www.patriabank.ro

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank