EBRD boosts SME financing in Serbia with €70 million loan to NLB Komercijalna banka

• 70 million EBRD loan to NLB Komercijalna banka for on‑lending to SMEs in Serbia
• At least 30 per cent of funds will support investment in green transition
• Focus on improving SMEs’ access to finance, including in less developed regions

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €70 million loan to NLB Komercijalna banka to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Serbia.

The loan is being extended under the EBRD’s Financial Intermediaries Framework (FIF) and will be used by NLB Komercijalna banka to provide working capital and investment loans to private businesses, helping to address the persistent financing gaps that are faced by SMEs, particularly outside major urban centres.

At least 30 per cent of the proceeds of the loan will be allocated to investments fostering the transition to a green economy, including projects that improve energy efficiency and support renewable energy.

SMEs are a key driver of Serbia’s economy, accounting for a significant share of employment and value added, yet access to long‑term finance remains constrained. By providing long‑term funding and supporting high environmental and financial standards, the EBRD aims to strengthen SMEs’ competitiveness while contributing to a more resilient financial sector.

Aleksandra Vukosavljević, the EBRD’s Director of Financial Institutions for the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, said: “This financing will help NLB Komercijalna banka to further expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises across Serbia, supporting business growth, job creation and regional development. By channelling a significant share of the funds into green investments, the project also contributes to the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy.”

The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than €10.7 billion through 405 projects to date. The Bank’s focus in Serbia is on private-sector competitiveness, the green economy and sustainable infrastructure.