Moldovan businesses are expected to gain improved access to financing following a new €10 million funding package provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in partnership with the European Union. The funding has been extended to OTP Bank Moldova under the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line, with the aim of supporting the growth and development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the country.
The new financing will help Moldovan MSMEs invest in modern technologies and equipment, upgrade production processes, and improve quality and operational standards. By doing so, businesses will be better positioned to compete in both the domestic market and the European Union. The initiative also encourages the adoption of EU standards in Moldova, supporting innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.
Through a combination of loans and grants, the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line supports projects that enhance the competitiveness and capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises. It is designed to help businesses not only strengthen their position at home but also expand into EU markets. EU4Business is a wider European Union initiative that brings together all EU support for SMEs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
OTP Bank Moldova has been an active partner in this programme since 2016. Over the years, the bank has successfully disbursed around €70 million in similar loans, helping local businesses modernise their operations and adopt international best practices. A significant share of these investments, at least 70 per cent, has been directed toward green projects, particularly those focused on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technologies. MSMEs play a crucial role in Moldova’s economy. They account for nearly 98 per cent of all businesses in the country and provide employment to about 60 per cent of the workforce, making them a key driver of sustainable economic development.
OTP Bank is one of Moldova’s four systemically important banks and has a strong track record in implementing a wide range of projects, including trade finance, energy efficiency initiatives, and credit lines for MSMEs. The bank has maintained a long-standing relationship with the EBRD, which dates back to 1996. The EBRD is Moldova’s largest institutional investor. To date, it has invested close to €2.9 billion in 188 projects across the country, with around 40 per cent of its portfolio focused on sustainable infrastructure.
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