EIB increases support for SMEs and midcap companies in Romania by EUR 50 million

PRESS RELEASE

BEI/14/133

Luxembourg/Bucharest, 12 June 2014

EIB increases support for SMEs and midcap companies in Romania by EUR 50 million

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 50 million to UniCredit Leasing Corporation, Romania, to finance projects promoted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and midcap companies in the areas of agriculture, industry and services in Romania. A minimum of 70% of the loan is earmarked for supporting SME projects while midcaps and public sector authorities will receive some 30% of the loan amount.

EIB Vice-President Mihai Tanasescu said: “EIB funds will facilitate the access of Romanian SMEs and midcap companies active in the sectors of agriculture, industry and services in the country. The improved availability of long-term finance for these companies is important for the development and diversification of the Romanian economy and will have positive impacts on economic growth and job creation across the country, including rural areas.”

Part of the loan will be combined with the SME Finance Facility, which is a joint scheme of the EIB and the European Commission that blends EIB loans with Commission grants to improve SME lending capacity and infrastructure.

This loan represents a continuation of the successful cooperation between the EIB and UniCredit Leasing Corporation, Romania. The previously granted EIB loan of EUR 50 million has been used in full for the benefit of SME and midcap projects.

Background information

The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and is owned by the EU Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

Press contact:

Dušan Ondrejička, d.ondrejicka@eib.org, tel.: +352-4379-83334

Website: www.eib.org/press - Press Office: +352 4379 21000 - press@eib.org