Criteria and structure - large projects

EBRD funding criteria for projects from €5 million - €250 million

• The project must be located in an EBRD country of operation.
• It must have good prospects of being profitable.
• Significant equity contributions in cash or in kind are required from the project sponsor.
• The project must benefit the local economy.
• It must satisfy EBRD's environmental standards as well as those of the host country.

Smaller projects are almost always financed through financial intermediaries. In exceptional circumstances, the EBRD can consider financing smaller projects.

Project structure

The Bank tailors solutions to client and project needs and to the specific situation of the country, region and sector. It assigns a dedicated team of specialists with expertise in project finance, the region and sector, law and environment.

• The EBRD funds up to 35% of the total project cost for a greenfield project or 35% of the long-term capitalisation of an established company.
• Additional funding by sponsors and other co-financiers is required. The EBRD may identify additional resources through its syndications programme.
• Typical private sector projects are based on at least one-third equity investment.
• Significant equity contributions are required from the sponsors. Sponsors should have a majority shareholding or adequate operational control. In-kind equity contributions are accepted.

Excluded sectors the EBRD does not finance

• Defence-related activities
• Tobacco industry
• Substances banned by international law
• Stand-alone gambling facilities.

In addition, the Bank may not finance certain products or processes due to their environmentally harmful nature or if adverse impact cannot be adequately mitigated.