EBRD launches EU-backed guarantees to support Moldovan businesses

The EBRD facility is supported by first loss risk cover provided by the European Union via the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), which promotes sustainable investments in EU partner countries. 

“The EFSD+ guarantee agreement on financial inclusion is also an important part of the EU4Business Initiative, which by integrating three pillars of action - access to finance; business development services and a business enabling environment – is supporting Moldova in its path towards building a sustainable and inclusive market economy, in which SMEs are the main driver for innovation and job creation,” stated Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova. 

“As Moldova’s leading financial institution, maib is deeply committed to creating opportunities to thrive for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—vital drivers of strong economic growth, high resilience, and sustainable job creation across all sectors. In partnership with the EBRD, we are pleased to announce the launch of an innovative €40 million risk-sharing program. This initiative enables maib to further expand financing for MSMEs, empowering local entrepreneurs to further grow, drive innovation, and strengthen their contribution to Moldova’s strong and sustainable development,” said Macar Stoianov, maib’s Chief Financial Officer.  

”The risk-share guarantee is a product much needed on the Moldovan market. MSMEs need accessible finance to seize on the current business opportunities and sustainable approaches to ensure long-term success. We are happy our colleagues from maib are joining us in this project. Together we will be able to unlock 70 million in secure, accessible finance for MSMEs,” said Bogdan Spuza, Executive Committee President and Chief Executive Officer of OTP Bank. 

The EBRD is Moldova’s largest institutional investor. To date it has invested nearly €2.5 billion in 177 projects in the country.