EBRD makes innovative €40 million green loan to UniCredit Leasing Serbia

• €40 million package is first loan under the Western Balkans Green Outcomes‑Linked Debt Financing Framework (WB GOLD)
• Innovative green finance instrument introduces outcome-based incentives to stimulate green lending
• Programme will support SMEs with sustainable investments and boost competitiveness

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will lend up to €40 million to UniCredit Leasing Serbia under the newly created Western Balkans Green Outcomes‑Linked Debt Financing Framework (WB GOLD).
The facility will mainly support leasing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them grow their business while stimulating them to increase their investments in environmentally sustainable assets.

WB GOLD is an innovative green finance instrument that introduces outcome-based incentives to stimulate the financial sector to increase green financing for SMEs and mid-cap companies. It is designed to help improve standards for green lending practices while supporting the general financing needs of SMEs.
The framework aligns with the EBRD’s dual mission in the Western Balkans: of supporting economic growth through private-sector development and accelerating the transition to greener, more resilient economies. By empowering local businesses to invest in sustainable technologies – from energy-efficient machinery to renewable energy systems – WB GOLD aims to create direct environmental benefits while boosting competitiveness.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Vice President for Banking, said: “We are glad to partner with UniCredit Leasing Serbia to channel this innovative green financing into the heart of Serbia’s SME and mid-cap sector. This project exemplifies how the WB GOLD framework translates finance into real-world environmental outcomes and sustainable growth.”

Nikola Vuletić, President of the Management Board of UniCredit Bank, said: "Through this initiative, we provide small and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia with access to more favourable financing for green investments - from energy-efficient equipment to renewable energy sources. UniCredit Leasing Serbia thus contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic economy and accelerating the green transition. By using specific financial instruments, our clients get more flexible access to modern technologies that bring long-term benefits for the environment."

The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than €10 billion through 382 projects. The Bank’s focus in Serbia is on private-sector competitiveness, the green economy transition and sustainable infrastructure.