The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to €30 million to NLB Skopje through the Western Balkans Green Outcomes-Linked Debt Financing Framework (WB GOLD). This marks the first loan issued under this framework in North Macedonia, making it an important step in promoting sustainable finance in the country.
The purpose of this facility is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them strengthen and expand their businesses. At the same time, the funding is meant to encourage companies to invest in environmentally sustainable equipment and technologies. These investments may include energy-efficient machinery, renewable energy systems, or other green assets that reduce environmental impact while improving business performance.
WB GOLD is an innovative approach to green financing. It uses outcome-based incentives to motivate banks and other financial institutions to grow their portfolio of green loans. By linking financial benefits to actual environmental results, the framework ensures that support goes to projects that make a measurable difference. It also helps improve green lending standards across the financial sector while addressing the broader financing needs of SMEs and mid-cap companies.
This initiative aligns fully with the EBRD’s goals for the Western Balkans. These goals include supporting economic growth by strengthening the private sector and advancing the transition toward greener, more resilient economies. By making it easier for businesses to access funding for sustainable technologies, WB GOLD not only contributes to environmental improvements but also enhances productivity and competitiveness in the long term.
The loan agreement was formally signed by the EBRD’s Head of North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, and NLB Skopje’s CEO, Toni Stojanovski. During the signing, Mr. Türkmenoğlu expressed satisfaction with the partnership and emphasized the importance of directing innovative green financing to North Macedonia’s SME and mid-cap sector. He noted that the WB GOLD framework effectively transforms financial support into real environmental benefits and sustainable economic progress.
Mr. Stojanovski highlighted that green financing represents both an opportunity and a responsibility for businesses. He stated that every company has the potential to contribute to positive environmental change. By helping businesses invest in cleaner technologies, energy-efficient practices, and responsible resource management, NLB Skopje and the EBRD aim to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable business operations.
The EBRD continues to play a major role in North Macedonia’s economic development. To date, it has invested more than €3 billion in over 200 projects across the country. This latest loan under the WB GOLD framework further reinforces the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth and private-sector development in the region.
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