EIB Supports PBZ to Boost SMEs, Green Investments, and Gender Equality in Croatia

The EIB loan will be disbursed progressively in stages over the next three years, starting immediately with an initial tranche of €50 million.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a significant loan agreement worth €100 million with Privredna Banka Zagreb (PBZ), one of Croatia’s leading banks and a member of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group. This strategic financial agreement aims to strengthen support for Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps, with a particular emphasis on enhancing business competitiveness, promoting sustainable growth, and encouraging green investments throughout the country.

The EIB loan will be disbursed progressively in stages over the next three years, starting immediately with an initial tranche of €50 million. PBZ will channel these resources directly into Croatia's business sector, significantly expanding lending capacity and enabling enterprises to undertake key investments that enhance productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

A notable component of this financing initiative is its dedicated focus on climate action and environmental sustainability. At least 70% of the funds will specifically benefit SMEs, which represent the backbone of Croatia’s economy, creating job opportunities and driving economic dynamism. Additionally, at least 20% of the total lending amount is earmarked for environmentally sustainable projects. Investments will specifically target initiatives that increase energy efficiency and boost renewable energy production, thereby contributing significantly to Croatia's green transition and alignment with EU environmental and climate targets.

Furthermore, the agreement includes a noteworthy provision to support women entrepreneurs. Approximately 10% of the loan amount is dedicated on a best-effort basis toward businesses owned or managed by women, demonstrating the EIB’s firm commitment to gender equality and inclusivity within the financial sector.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska highlighted the importance of this financing agreement, stating: "This new financing operation will further strengthen our cooperation with PBZ and Intesa Sanpaolo Group, helping Croatian businesses access the critical funding they need to grow sustainably. By dedicating a substantial part of the loan to climate-friendly investments and women entrepreneurs, we are actively supporting sustainability efforts and strengthening economic resilience in Croatia."

PBZ has also welcomed the partnership enthusiastically. Dinko Lucić, President of the Management Board of PBZ, emphasized the strategic alignment of this cooperation: “We are very pleased to deepen our long-standing successful relationship with the EIB. This financial partnership aims to significantly boost the competitiveness and resilience of the Croatian economy, supporting clients committed to sustainability and green growth. It aligns perfectly with PBZ’s strategic focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, especially in areas like renewable energy and energy efficiency."

The new €100 million loan builds upon the EIB’s historical cooperation with PBZ, through which nearly €200 million has already been allocated over the past decade, significantly impacting Croatia’s economic landscape. Recently, in November 2024, PBZ further reinforced this collaboration by signing a €100 million guarantee agreement with the EIB designed explicitly to enhance financing opportunities for Croatian Mid-Cap enterprises.

Through these coordinated efforts, the EIB and PBZ continue to support Croatia’s strategic economic objectives, underscoring their mutual commitment to sustainable growth, regional cohesion, gender equality, and long-term economic resilience.