EBRD Provides €50 Million Financing To Support SME Growth And Sustainability In Serbia Through ProCredit Bank Serbia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia with a new financing package of up to €50 million through ProCredit Bank Serbia. The package is designed to improve access to long-term funding for private businesses, helping them expand, modernize and adopt sustainable practices.

The financing includes two separate loans. The first is a €40 million loan under the Financial Intermediaries Framework, aimed at providing on-lending to SMEs throughout Serbia, with at least 30 per cent of the funds earmarked for green investments. The second is a €10 million loan under the Go Digital in the Western Balkans programme. This portion focuses on digital and green investments, with at least 60 per cent of the funds supporting projects in these areas. In addition, technical assistance and investment incentives are provided by the European Union to encourage digitalization and sustainability.

Access to finance has been a longstanding challenge for many SMEs in Serbia, even though these businesses form the backbone of the country’s economy, generating the majority of jobs and economic value. This new funding will make it easier for them to secure the financing needed to grow, adopt energy-efficient solutions, meet EU standards, and embrace gender-inclusive practices, including capacity-building programmes for women-led businesses.

Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD Director for Financial Institutions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that supporting SME growth and digital transformation is critical for Serbia’s sustainable economic development. She emphasized that the financing will help businesses innovate, increase competitiveness, and accelerate their green transition. She also noted the programme’s focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive growth. She praised ProCredit Bank Serbia for its strong track record and responsible banking approach, making it a reliable partner to deliver tangible impact.

Igor Anić, President of the Executive Board of ProCredit Bank Serbia, said that the EBRD financing strengthens the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting SMEs in the country. He explained that the €40 million credit line will expand access to financing for businesses nationwide, with a dedicated portion for green projects. The additional €10 million under the Go Digital programme will help local companies accelerate digital transformation and automation. He underlined the partnership with the EBRD as a way to jointly promote innovation, sustainability, and more competitive SME development in Serbia.

ProCredit Bank Serbia has been a long-standing partner of the EBRD and is a leading lender to SMEs in the country, serving over 6,000 clients and focusing on green finance and digital innovation. The EBRD itself is a major institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than €10 billion across over 400 projects, most of which have supported the private sector. Its priorities in the country include strengthening private-sector competitiveness, improving productivity, and enhancing access to finance.