North Macedonia to borrow €100mn from EIB to support SMEs during crisis

By bne IntelliNews June 1, 2021

North Macedonia has secured €100mn in inexpensive loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for on-lending to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) via commercial banks after the parliament adopted the law on the new borrowing, the finance ministry said on June 1.

The European Commission said also on June 1 it disbursed €80mn for North Macedonia from its macro financial assistance, which is the second and final tranche of its €160mn programme for the country.

“The corporate sector needs support to solve liquidity and solvency problems during the crisis, especially in contact-intensive industries,” the finance ministry said in the statement.

"New funding should be delivered via various mechanisms. In that way, a multiple positive effect on the economy will be achieved," Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi said.

The financial agreement with EIB on securing a €100mn loan is expected to be signed this month.

Related Articles

EIF signs guarantee agreements with 11 banks in Western Balkans, unlocking €750mn for small businesses

The European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group, said on April 15 that it has signed guarantee agreements with 11 banks and financial intermediaries in the Western Balkans. These ... more

EIB surpasses investment milestone in the Western Balkans by investing €1.2bn in 2023

EIB Global, the financial arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for activities beyond the EU, set a new record by investing €1.2bn in the Western Balkans in 2023, the EIB said on February 9. ... ... more

bne IntelliNews Southeast Europe Outlook 2024

This Southeast Europe Outlook 2024 has been prepared by bne IntelliNews as part of a series of annual reviews providing updates on the geopolitical, macroeconomic and commercial state of ... more

Dismiss