Western Balkans & Croatia Financing Framework

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Sub-projects signed under this framework The proposed Framework builds on the positive experience of the existing Western Balkans SME Finance Facility and MSME Financing Framework for Western Balkans & Croatia. It is a multi-client, multi-product framework facility for an aggregate amount of EUR 250 million. Under the proposed facility, the EBRD will provide its partner financial institutions (“PFI”s) in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia a full range of financial products including mortgage financing, MSME credit lines, consumer finance, leasing finance, guarantee facilities, syndicated loans, subordinated debt and equity investments. The proposed Framework will support the financial sectors in Western Balkans and Croatia through a combination of debt, equity and quasi-equity financing while at the same time will promote adherence to best practices in corporate governance and strengthen financial discipline. It will facilitate the strengthening of MSME lending and further development of mortgage finance, consumer finance, factoring, leasing and insurance products. Further improvements in operational efficiency and the increased amount of financing made available by EBRD are expected to increase competition, thus contributing to greater efficiency, innovation and customer orientation in the financial sectors of the region. PFIs to be financed under this Framework will include commercial banks, leasing companies, non-bank microfinance institutions, factoring companies, consumer finance companies and insurance companies. PFIs should meet sound banking and corporate governance standards to become eligible. EUR 250 million in debt, equity and guarantee facilities to eligible financial intermediaries. EUR 250 million. PFIs under the Framework will be required to apply the EBRD's Environmental Procedures for Intermediated Financing. The type of Environmental Procedures applicable will be assessed on a case by case basis. The procedures commit the PFIs to ensuring compliance with the applicable national environmental, health, safety and labour standards and regulations, adherence to the EBRD’s Environmental Exclusion and Referral List and submission of annual environmental reports to EBRD. Technical cooperation (“TC”) funding will be sought, as needed, on a project by project basis. Where applicable, tailor made technical assistance will be made available to PFIs in order to achieve the stated goals under this Framework. The TC assignments will contribute to the overall institution building of recipient PFIs aimed at strengthening the sustainability of their operations and expanding their outreach. Respective PFIs.