EIB signs EUR 30m contract with Crédit Agricole Srbija in support SMEs projects

The loan is aimed at supporting Serbian companies and assisting the country’s efforts to integrate into the European Union.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a finance contract totaling EUR 30 million with Crédit Agricole Srbija AD Novi Sad (Crédit Agricole Srbija) in support of projects of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as mid-cap companies in Serbia. The loan is aimed at supporting Serbian companies and assisting the country's efforts to integrate into the European Union. The financing contract signed today is the first tranche of a total EUR 50 m credit line already approved by the EIB governing bodies.

The EIB loan will finance the projects of SMEs and other projects promoted by local authorities and final beneficiaries, particularly on manufacturing, agriculture and tourism activities. In the current environment, the operation will increase the availability of funding for SMEs and mid-sized companies, which are key drivers of economic and social progress in Serbia, and would help accelerate the country's convergence with its EU peers. The loan encourages, in particular, investments promoting youth employment under the European Youth Employment and Training for the Western Balkans ("EYET") initiative.

The loan will be managed by Crédit Agricole Srbija, the Serbian unit of French Crédit Agricole Group, the third-largest bank in Europe and an established market player in the agribusiness sector. Part of the proceeds may be available for the support the training and employment of young people by SMEs. It is expected to provide direct support to some 300 companies and sustain around 10,000 jobs.

"The bank of the European Union continues in its support activities to local businesses in Serbia. The contract signed with Crédit Agricole Srbija will improve the access of Serbian companies, including fast-growing mid-cap companies, to long-term financing provided on favorable terms, with positive effects on the job market and social environment. We are pleased to carry on our long-standing and successful cooperation with Crédit Agricole Group.", said Matteo Rivellini, Head of Division for EIB Lending Operations in Croatia, Slovenia, and Western Balkans.

"Credit Agricole Srbija strives to be a leading partner of the Serbian economy providing mid-cap companies with attractive financing solutions. Our continuous and fruitful cooperation with European Investment Bank will bring the possibility for local companies to further develop their business, employ more people and give a positive impulse to Serbian integration into EU.", stated Mr. Carlos de Cordoue, President of the Executive Board at Crédit Agricole Srbija.