Media releases 14.6.2024

EBRD loan of €15 million arranged with Intesa Sanpaolo Banka for the Go Green and Go Digital programmes 

Sarajevo, June 14, 2024, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Intesa Sanpaolo Banka, a member of the PBZ Group and a daughter company of Intesa Sanpaolo, continue their successful long-term cooperation. This year, with the signing of a new agreement worth EUR 15 million, this partnership continues to generate successful stories. 

This is to say that, from now on, all small and medium-sized companies from the territory of BiH, upon fulfilment of relevant conditions, will be able to apply for the new Go Green credit line. Also,the Go Digital credit line, which Intesa Sanpaolo Banka started in 2022, has also continued and was more than welcomed by many. 

"Intesa Sanpaolo Banka and EBRD in BiH have already implemented several successful projects. I must say that I am grateful for the excellent cooperation.  I am especially pleased that, through the partnership of the EBRD and Intesa Sanpaolo Banka, we support many BiH companies. as drivers of the entire society. in the transformation of their operations regarding environmental and digital aspects. This also leads to reduction of their production costs", said Mr. Marco Trevisan, President of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka. 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided EUR 7 million loan to Intesa Sanpaolo Banka under the SME Go Green programme and EUR 8 million under the Go Digital programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  These funds are supported by incentive payments and technical assistance, funded by the European Union. 

The  SME Go Green loan of EUR 7 million will be used to boost investments in green technologies, including energy efficient and renewable energy projects.  This programme will improve competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises and trade through the promotion of sustainable practices and internationally recognised quality standards.  One third of this amount will be used to make agribusiness supply chains more sustainable and reduce their environmental impact.  Another key objective is to ensure more equal access for women-led SMEs in the region that take measures to fight the climate change.  The Bank will aim to deliver at least 70% of the funds to eligible Green Economy Transition (GET) projects. 

Go Digital in BiH (EUR 8 million) will be used to help small and medium-sized enterprises meet EU standards in the segment of environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and product quality and safety by increasing the level of automation and digitalisation applied in operational processes.  The Bank will try to route at least 60% of the funds to projects that meet the GET requirements.  This programme directly contributes to the European Commission's Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans aimed at supporting the private sector transition and help businesses fully reap the benefits of the digital transformation of the economy.  This is the second line for Intesa Sanpaolo Banka under the Go Digital in BiH program, following the successful drawdown of the EUR 8 million loan signed in December 2022.  

With these programs, the Bank aims to foster innovation, sustainability and growth among small and medium-sized enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The EBRD has invested more than EUR 3 billion in 223 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina since it began its activities in 1996.  The Bank's strategic priorities in the country are to promote the green economy, support the competitive development of the private sector and encourage regional integration.