EBRD Partners With Libra Internet Bank To Unlock €40 Million InvestEU Guarantee For Energy-Efficient Projects In Romania

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has formed a new partnership with Libra Internet Bank S.A. to support the expansion of green financing in Romania. Under this collaboration, the EBRD will provide a portfolio guarantee of up to €40 million through the InvestEU programme, backed by funds from the Romanian Recovery and Resilience Facility. This marks the first time the InvestEU facility is being applied within Romania’s financial sector. The guarantee is designed to help Libra Internet Bank increase its lending capacity for environmentally focused projects across the country.

The bank will be able to scale up financing for areas such as energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport. By reducing risk for the lender, this arrangement helps close the funding gap that often affects green investments and supports Romania’s broader transition toward a low-carbon economy. Through the EBRD’s guarantee, Libra Internet Bank will be able to direct €50 million into eligible green projects, leading to meaningful improvements in energy savings and reductions in emissions. For a mid-sized Romanian bank with a strong reputation in digital innovation, this partnership offers an opportunity to expand its contribution to the country’s green transformation. The EBRD’s participation further strengthens Libra’s ability to support clients pursuing sustainable upgrades and climate-friendly investments.

InvestEU, the European Union’s flagship investment initiative, focuses on strengthening areas such as sustainable infrastructure, digitalisation, innovation, small and medium-sized businesses, social inclusion and skills development. It works by offering a guarantee structure that encourages financial institutions to support projects that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. This model plays a key role in promoting long-term resilience and economic growth across the EU. As one of the main implementing partners of the InvestEU programme, the EBRD supports financial intermediaries across EU member states by offering portfolio risk-sharing tools that make green and strategic lending more accessible.

Through partnerships with local banks and financial institutions, the EBRD ensures that InvestEU resources are channelled efficiently and aligned with market needs, ultimately expanding access to sustainable financing. Commenting on the agreement, EBRD Head of Romania Victoria Zinchuk emphasised its importance for the country’s green transition. She noted that increased access to financing for energy-efficient buildings and cleaner transport will help both households and businesses reduce emissions, lower costs and become more sustainable. She added that, through InvestEU and its partnership with Libra Internet Bank, the EBRD is supporting investments that strengthen the country’s resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Cristina Mahika-Voiconi, CEO of Libra Internet Bank, highlighted that this collaboration reinforces the bank’s commitment to supporting the shift toward a low-carbon economy. She stressed that partnering with the EBRD—one of Romania’s most influential institutional investors—will help turn sustainability-focused plans into real outcomes that benefit clients, communities and the environment. In addition to the guarantee, the EBRD will provide technical assistance to Libra Internet Bank and its borrowers, funded through the InvestEU Advisory Hub. This support will focus on improving the bank’s green lending operations. The project will also be strengthened by the EBRD’s Digital Transformation Support Programme, which will help the bank build internal AI capabilities aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.

The InvestEU programme continues to play an important role in supporting the European Union’s long-term goals, including sustainable recovery, economic growth, the European Green Deal and the ongoing digital transition. By combining public and private funding, it helps mobilise investments that contribute to these strategic priorities. The EBRD remains a major investor in Romania. Over the years, it has committed more than €12.4 billion across 589 projects, supporting the country’s efforts to build a greener, more resilient and inclusive economy.