EBRD and EU strengthen access to finance for MSMEs in Serbia

• EBRD provides €50 million portfolio risk‑sharing guarantee to ProCredit Bank Serbia
• EU support under EFSD+ enables increased lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
• At least 30 per cent of financing to support green investments

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from the European Union (EU), is strengthening access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Serbia through a new €100 million portfolio risk‑sharing facility with ProCredit Bank Serbia.

Under the transaction, the EBRD will provide an unfunded portfolio guarantee of up to €50 million, covering 50 per cent of the credit risk on a newly generated portfolio of MSME loans of up to €100 million. The facility will enable ProCredit Bank to expand lending to businesses across Serbia, including outside major urban centres, while preserving capital and managing risk.

The operation benefits from EU-backed first-loss risk cover under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), which enhances the EBRD’s risk capacity and supports increased lending to underserved segments of the economy. The facility is designed to promote access to finance for MSMEs, including women- and youth-led businesses, while strengthening the resilience of Serbia’s private sector.

The financing also supports Serbia’s green transition, with at least 30 per cent of the portfolio expected to be allocated to green investments, contributing to energy efficiency, climate mitigation and environmentally sustainable business practices.

Aleksandra Vukosavljevic, the EBRD’s Director for Financial Institutions, Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, said: “By combining the EBRD’s portfolio risk‑sharing instrument with EU support under the EFSD+, this operation creates strong incentives for increased lending to Serbia’s small businesses. It allows ProCredit Bank to extend financing to MSMEs at scale, while advancing green investments and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.”

Igor Anić, Chairman of the Management Board of ProCredit Bank Serbia, said: “This cooperation with the EBRD and the European Union marks an important step in further strengthening our support to MSMEs in Serbia. Through this risk-sharing facility, we will be able to expand our lending, particularly towards businesses outside major urban centres, as well as companies investing in sustainable and green solutions. Our goal remains to be a reliable partner to the real economy, contributing to its long-term, inclusive and sustainable development.”

ProCredit Bank Serbia is a long‑standing partner of the EBRD and a leading lender to MSMEs, with a strong focus on responsible and sustainable banking practices.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Serbia and has invested more than €10 billion in the country to date, supporting private‑sector development, infrastructure, competitiveness and the green transition.