The loan to Sparkasse Bank is being provided under the SME Competitiveness Support Programme, a joint initiative by the EBRD and the European Union.

Sparkasse will on-lend the EBRD funds to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for investments that will improve their competitiveness and compliance with EU technical standards, for example, with regard to energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, waste minimization, recycling and improvements in health and safety standards.

At least 60% of the loans will go to support the green transition.