€18 million financing package for NLB Banka AD Podgorica with EU-backed risk-sharing support

• €18 million EBRD financing package to NLB Banka AD Podgorica to support SMEs, women‑ and youth‑led businesses, and residential mortgages in Montenegro
• EU-backed guarantees under EFSD+ to strengthen lending to women and young entrepreneurs
• Support for green investments, with part of the financing dedicated to energy‑efficient projects and green mortgages

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing an €18 million financing package to NLB Banka AD Podgorica (NLB) to expand access to finance for businesses and households across Montenegro.

The package consists of four senior unsecured loans: a €7 million small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loan, a €2 million Women in Business loan, a €2 million Youth in Business loan and a €7 million mortgage loan. Together, they will support the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, improve access to finance for women‑ and youth‑led businesses, and help households access long‑term, affordable housing finance.

Part of the financing will benefit from European Union (EU) support through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) in the form of risk‑sharing instruments that will enable NLB to reach underserved market segments, particularly women and young entrepreneurs. The programme will be complemented by advisory and capacity‑building assistance to strengthen the bank’s ability to develop inclusive financial products and services.

The financing will also help to advance Montenegro’s green transition, with a share of the funds expected to be directed to energy‑efficient investments and green mortgages, helping to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable growth.

Remon Zakaria, EBRD Head of Montenegro, said: “This financing package reflects the strength of our partnership with NLB Banka AD Podgorica, the EU and our bilateral donors in delivering tangible support for Montenegro. Together, we are widening access to finance for entrepreneurs, women and young people, helping households invest in better and more affordable homes, and accelerating energy efficient upgrades. By combining EBRD financing, NLB’s local reach and EU risk sharing support, we are backing a more inclusive, greener and more resilient Montenegrin economy.”

Martin Leberle, President of the Management Board of NLB, outlined: “Our long-standing partnership with the EBRD is built on trust and shared commitment to supporting the development of Montenegro, and it confirms NLB’s position as a strong and reliable partner in the market. This €18 million financing package is an important step forward, as it allows us to further support small and medium-sized businesses, while opening new opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs through dedicated programmes, including the first Youth in Business credit line on the local market. At the same time, this support will contribute to the green transition and improved housing conditions, which are important for the long-term development of the Montenegrin economy. We truly value the continued partnership with the EBRD and the European Union, as it enables us not only to expand financing, but also to strengthen our expertise and bring sustainable, meaningful solutions closer to our clients.“

Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, said: “The EU is committed to supporting the development of Montenegro’s private sector, particularly in the context of the country’s EU accession process and its future integration into the EU Single Market. A dynamic and competitive private sector will enable Montenegro to fully seize the opportunities offered by access to a market of more than 450 million consumers. In this context, it is essential that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have access to the financial resources needed to adapt, innovate and grow. By leveraging the full strength of EU guarantees, the EU will support local banks in providing stronger backing to domestic companies, especially those operating in innovative and higher-risk sectors.”

NLB Banka Podgorica is one of Montenegro’s leading commercial banks, with a strong presence in retail, SME and corporate banking. The EBRD has a long‑standing partnership with NLB Group across the Western Balkans, supporting access to finance, financial inclusion and the adoption of international best practices in banking.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Montenegro, with almost €1.1 billion invested in 110 projects to date, supporting the country’s sustainable development, infrastructure, private-sector growth and regional integration.