RATO Credit Union and EIF Launch €20 Million Financing Initiative to Support Sustainable Projects in Lithuania

(IN BRIEF) RATO Credit Union has partnered with the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU program to provide €20 million in financing for sustainable projects in Lithuania. This agreement enables RATO to offer more accessible loans with favorable terms, including reduced interest rates and lower collateral requirements, for investments in renewable energy, green buildings, and low-emission transport. The initiative supports individuals, SMEs, and housing associations in reducing energy costs and contributing to the green transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — RATO Credit Union has signed a significant guarantee agreement with the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU program, unlocking €20 million in new financing aimed at supporting sustainable projects in Lithuania. This agreement will promote climate change mitigation and green innovation across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and clean transport.

The EIF guarantee enables RATO Credit Union to offer more favorable financing conditions for individuals and businesses investing in sustainability. This includes reduced interest rates and lower collateral requirements, expanding access to funding for a range of green projects.

“This marks a pivotal moment for our credit union,” said Vytenis Mažiulis, Chairman of the Board of RATO Credit Union. “Through this partnership with the European Investment Fund, we can provide tangible benefits to our clients, offering lower-cost loans, reduced collateral, and more flexible terms. This agreement is not just about financing—it’s our contribution to sustainability and the green transition.”

Marjut Falkstedt, CEO of the European Investment Fund, commented, “This new InvestEU agreement will empower local businesses and, for the first time, individuals in Lithuania to take action on the green transition. By enabling credit unions like RATO to finance sustainable projects, we are putting the green future into the hands of businesses and people across the country.”

Eligible Projects:

Under this agreement, financing will be available for a variety of sustainable initiatives, including:

Renewable Energy: Projects related to the production, storage, heating, and cooling from renewable sources.
Green Buildings: Construction or renovation of residential and commercial buildings that meet energy efficiency standards.
Industrial Energy Efficiency: Investments in equipment and solutions that significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Low- and Zero-Emission Transport: Acquisition of clean energy vehicles or development of supporting infrastructure.
Green IT Technologies: Innovations focused on reducing energy consumption and pollution.

Who Can Apply?

Loans are open to individuals, SMEs, and housing associations, with terms ranging from one to twelve years. This initiative supports a wide range of sustainable investments, from business innovations and green technologies to household and multi-apartment modernization projects, such as energy-efficient renovations, solar panel installations, and heating system upgrades.

By making sustainable financing more accessible, RATO Credit Union is empowering clients to reduce energy costs, lower their climate impact, and unlock long-term value for the economy, the environment, and society.

Background information

About the EIF

The European Investment Fund is part of the European Investment Bank Group. Its central mission is to support Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by helping them access finance. The EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments that specifically target this market segment. In this role, the EIF furthers key EU policy objectives such as competitiveness and growth, innovation and digitalisation, social impact, skills and human capital, climate action and environmental sustainability, and more.

About InvestEU programme

The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU programme brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.

About RATO

RATO credit union is one of the largest credit unions in Lithuania, currently seeking to obtain a specialised banking licence.

For more information about sustainable finance opportunities, visit www.rato.lt, visit the RATO credit union headquarters, or contact our representatives.

Media Contact:

Tel :(+352) 2485-1
Fax :(+352) 2485-81200

SOURCE: European Investment Fund

MORE ON EUROPEAN INVESTMENT FUND, EIF, ETC.: