The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a €20m ($23m) financing arrangement to NLB Banka Prishtina to increase funding options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kosovo to support the country’s digital development initiatives.
The funding is split into two parts. The first involves a senior loan of up to €15m dedicated to SMEs.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
This loan is the second such facility that EBRD has extended to NLB Banka Prishtina, aiming to address the financing needs of private SMEs and encourage business activity in Kosovo.
At least half of this funding is expected to go towards projects that meet criteria under the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) policy, which includes areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and other environmental investments.
NLB Banka Prishtina Management Board president Gem Maloku said: “This partnership with the EBRD marks another important milestone in our commitment to advancing Kosovo’s economic growth and resilience.
“Through this financing package, we are empowering local businesses to embrace innovation, digital transformation and sustainability.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe second part of the support package is up to €5m senior loan under the Go Digital in Western Balkans initiative, which is supported by the European Union.
This programme aims to help SMEs adopt automation, digital tools and environmentally sustainable technologies, with a requirement that at least 60% of these investments qualify under GET standards.
NLB Banka Prishtina is part of the NLB Group, and has a presence in Kosovo with a particular focus on lending to SME and corporate clients.
EBRD Kosovo head Sergiy Maslichenko stated: “This financing package with NLB Banka Prishtina will help local businesses invest in innovation, sustainability and green technologies, while also ensuring women-led enterprises have greater access to finance.”
Last month, EBRD announced a financial package for Albania’s financial sector: a loan facility of up to €10m for Tirana Bank aimed at expanding trade-related financing.
