EBRD, UniCredit Leasing support Serbian SMEs transition to green economy

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Luxembourg are supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia. Financing of EUR 20 million is available through UniCredit Leasing Serbia for investments in climate and green economy projects.

GEFF Serbia Leasing is the EBRD’s financing facility of up to EUR 40 million that helps SMEs in Serbia, including sole proprietors and registered agricultural households, to improve their business through the application of high-performing, sustainable and green solutions in their operations.

Leases will also be offered for electricity generation in photovoltaic solar power plants

GEFF Serbia Leasing helps SMEs in Serbia, including sole proprietors and registered agricultural households, to improve their business through the application of high-performing, sustainable and green solutions in their operations.

The facility is available for privately-owned enterprises in the manufacturing, agriculture, services, construction, commerce, and transport sectors. Leases will also be offered for electricity generation in photovoltaic solar power plants, according to the GEFF Serbia Leasing.

GEFF Serbia Leasing also provides technical assistance in the form of an online database called the Technology Selector

Besides financial support, GEFF Serbia Leasing also provides technical assistance in the form of an online database called the Technology Selector. It contains a list and characteristics of high-performing, assessed and pre-approved equipment eligible for financing under the facility.

Investments in energy efficiency and the efficient management of water, land, and natural resources as well as investments in the application of renewable energy sources boost the profitability and competitiveness of enterprises and mitigate the negative impact on the environment, global warming, and climate change.

There is demand for green financing in Serbia

“We are providing significant support to the Serbian economy to carry out a successful transition to a green economy in cooperation with our donors and UniCredit Leasing. It is promising that there is demand for green financing in the country as it is seeking to recover from the covid crisis’ economic impact,” said Zsuzsanna Hargitai, EBRD Director for the Western Balkans.

Ana Milić, President of the Executive Board of UniCredit Leasing, said that the bank recognizes the importance of the green economy.

“We are proud that the EBRD is working with us to promote the importance of improving environmental protection in Serbia,”, she added.

GEFF Serbia Leasing is part of the EBRD’s over EUR 4 billion global programme GEFF that provides financing to businesses and individuals who wish to invest in green technologies.