By investing in green technologies, companies reduce energy consumption and negative impact on the environment.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Luxembourg support small and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia. Financing in the amount of 20 million euros is available through a credit line placed through UniCredit Leasing Serbia for investments in climate and green economy projects.
GEFF Serbia Leasing is a financial line of the EBRD in the total amount of up to 40 million euros, which helps small and medium private companies in Serbia, including entrepreneurs and registered agricultural farms, to improve their business through the application of highly efficient, sustainable and green business solutions.
Investments in energy efficiency, as well as efficient management of water, land and natural resources, as well as investments in the application of renewable energy sources, encourage profitability and competitiveness of companies and reduce the negative impact of business on the environment, global warming and climate change.
The leasing line is intended for private legal entities from the sectors of production, agriculture, services, construction, trade and transport. Through leasing, companies will be able to invest in photovoltaic solar power plants for electricity production.
In addition to the financial component, the GEFF Serbia leasing line also provides technical support in the form of an online database called Technology Selector. The database contains a list and characteristics of highly efficient, previously assessed and approved equipment for financing within the credit line.
Szuuszanna Hargitai, EBRD Director for the Western Balkans, said: “In cooperation with our donors and UniCredit Leasing Serbia, we provide significant support to the Serbian economy to successfully implement the transition to a green economy. It is encouraging that there is a demand for green financing in Serbia as the country seeks to recover from the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ana Milic, President of the Executive Board of UniCredit Leasing Serbia, stated: “We are aware of the importance of the green economy and that is why we are proud that the EBRD has given us confidence to work on promoting the importance of improving environmental protection in Serbia. The funding we will offer to our clients will not only help them make their business more sustainable in the long run, but will enable a healthier future for us and future generations.”
The GEFF Serbia Leasing Line is part of the EBRD’s global GEFF program worth over 4 billion euros, which provides financial resources for the business sector and citizens who want to invest in green technologies.
The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia. The bank has so far invested over 6 billion euros in 267 projects in Serbia, with a focus on private sector development and the transition to a sustainable and green economy, BiF reports.
