EBRD, EU providing support for green investments in Serbia

A press release said that the EBRD, in partnership with the EU is providing a loan of up to €15 million to Erste Bank in Serbia to support green investments by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “The loan is being extended under the SME Go Green programme, co-funded by the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework,” it said and added that Erste Bank Serbia will give loans to to SMEs for investments in energy- and resource-efficient green technologies with a view to making their operations more sustainable and competitive, in line with the EU’s green agenda.

The credit line will focus on agriculture investments and will support women-led SMEs, helping to make access to climate finance more equitable for women entrepreneurs in recognition of their key role as early adopters of green technologies and sustainable business practices. SMEs will be eligible for an EU grant equal to 10 per cent of the loan amount, with a higher figure of 15 per cent for investments in renewable energy and the agribusiness value chain once they complete their investment projects. SMEs will also benefit from EU-funded technical assistance, helping them to prioritise their investments and structure them accordingly,” the press release said.