Garanti BBVA Leasing will utilize the loan to finance new leases for SMEs, enabling them to acquire equipment and vehicles. Over 70 percent of the benefiting firms are located outside the capital, Bucharest, giving the initiative a regional focus. Furthermore, at least 30 percent of the loan proceeds will be allocated to financing green assets that support climate change mitigation, in accordance with EBRD's Green Economy Transition standards.

"I'm pleased to expand cooperation with our longstanding partner Garanti BBVA Leasing. The project will improve access to finance for SMEs while also encouraging investments in green technologies. Garanti BBVA Leasing's focus on SMEs aligns with EBRD's strategic objective for Romania to support SME lending," stated Victoria Zinchuk, EBRD Head of Romania.

“We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and continue to support the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania. The inclusion of dedicated green financing funds represents a significant step forward, perfectly aligning with Garanti BBVA Leasing's strategy to offer companies leasing options for sustainable, environmentally-friendly projects,” said Okan Yurtsever, General Manager of Garanti BBVA Leasing.

In 2023, the EBRD invested €658 million in Romania. Since the EBRD began operations in Romania in 1993, it has committed nearly €11 billion to 525 projects in the country, with 81 percent of these investments in the private sector.