The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has expanded its support for green financing in North Macedonia by providing a new €8 million loan to Sparkasse Bank Skopje under the Green Finance Facility (GFF). The financing will be used by Sparkasse Bank to extend loans to local small and medium-sized enterprises for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce emissions while improving competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The Green Finance Facility is a collaborative programme financed by the Joint SDG Fund, the government of North Macedonia, the EBRD, and participating local financial institutions. It is implemented through a partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the EBRD, and the government of North Macedonia, with coordination support from the UN Resident Coordinator in the country.
The initiative is designed to improve access to affordable green financing for SMEs and underserved groups, enabling investments that lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollution. The project supports North Macedonia’s climate and energy objectives and aligns fully with the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition approach as well as the goals of the Paris Agreement. In addition to financing, the programme will provide technical assistance and investment incentives funded by the Joint SDG Fund, the government of North Macedonia, and the EBRD to help ensure effective project implementation.
According to Fatih Turkmenoglu, the EBRD’s head of North Macedonia, the new loan reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to helping SMEs adopt renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. He noted that with this latest extension, total EBRD funding allocated through the Green Finance Facility will reach €37 million, supporting SME investments in sustainable technologies. He added that improving access to green finance is essential for driving the country’s green transition while enabling businesses to grow responsibly and contribute to climate action.
Nina Nedanoska, Deputy President of the Management Board of Sparkasse Bank Skopje, said the new credit line reinforces the bank’s role as a long-term partner to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of North Macedonia’s economy. She emphasized that the bank remains focused on providing financial solutions that deliver lasting value for clients, strengthen the economy, and benefit the wider community.
Sparkasse Bank Skopje is the fifth-largest bank in North Macedonia and plays an important role in supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs across the country. The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in North Macedonia and has invested more than €3 billion in over 200 projects to date, supporting the country’s economic development, infrastructure, and transition to a greener economy.
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