BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. At a ceremony
held in Belgrade, the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and
Erste Bank a.d. Novi Sad signed agreements for a 10 million euros
loan and a 1.3 million euros grant aimed at fostering inclusive
growth and employment across Serbia, Trend reports citing
the EIB’s latest reports.
Using an innovative impact incentive structure, Erste Bank will
provide financing on affordable terms to small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps that commit to offering permanent
employment, career development and leadership opportunities, with a
particular focus on women, young people and people with
disabilities.
Companies that achieve such social inclusion objectives will
receive financial incentives under the grant component funded by
the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI). EIB Global will
also provide technical assistance to small businesses, helping them
implement projects and inclusive practices with strong social
impact, ensuring measurable and lasting results.
“This new partnership with Erste Bank demonstrates our shared
and growing commitment to social inclusion.”, said EIB
Vice-President Robert de Groot, who is responsible for the Bank’s
operations in the Western Balkans. “By linking incentive grants to
clear targets, we are promoting gender equality, youth employment
and job opportunities. This initiative will strengthen SMEs’
competitiveness, boost economic resilience and foster women’s
entrepreneurship, while creating more equal opportunities for
all.”
CEO of Erste Bank Serbia Jasna Terzić said: “At Erste Bank, we
believe that sustainable growth is only possible when it is
inclusive – when it opens opportunities for all members of the
society to thrive. Through this partnership with the European
Investment Bank, we are taking a meaningful step toward supporting
companies that share our commitment to social impact and equal
opportunity. By helping businesses invest in people – especially
those who face barriers to employment – we are not only fostering
professional development and inclusion but also strengthening the
resilience and competitiveness of the Serbian economy as a
whole.”
This latest partnership is EIB Global’s third impact incentive
loan in the Western Balkans. The Bank won an Uxolo Award in 2023
for its innovative approach to SME financing with a long-term
social footprint.
