EBRD lends €120m to AFI Europe for green real estate in CEE

Green Forum
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will extend a regional loan of up to €120 million to AFI Europe (AFI) to support the company's ongoing development projects in Serbia, Poland, Romania, and Czechia.

This financing will facilitate the expansion of AFI's portfolio of modern residential and commercial properties throughout Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

All properties developed with the support of this loan will meet high sustainability standards, in line with the EBRD's Green Economy Transition agenda. Additionally, with EBRD's assistance, AFI has committed to implementing a comprehensive Corporate Climate Governance action plan, aligning its operations with the forthcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and strengthening its long-term ESG strategy.

Vlaho Kojakovic, EBRD's Head of Real Estate, stated: “We are proud to support AFI Europe's growth across the CEE and Western Balkans, in accordance with our Real Estate Sector Strategy for 2025–2029. This strategy emphasizes the green transition, enhancing human capital, and tackling housing and affordability issues. Our financing highlights the EBRD's dedication to sustainable development, preparing businesses for evolving regulations, and promoting high environmental performance in real estate. Integrating strong climate governance and advanced green certifications is key to building market resilience and advancing the low-carbon transition. One of our core priorities is addressing housing shortages. AFI Europe has already established itself as a leader in the private rented sector (PRS) in Poland and the Czech Republic, and is expanding this model into Serbia and Romania. Our support will help AFI scale up its PRS portfolio in the region and further cement its leadership in this growing sector.”

Anat Dafna, Chief Financial Officer of AFI Group, added: “We are thrilled to begin our partnership with the EBRD. This loan not only strengthens our liquidity but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability. AFI is focused on growing its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the office and residential rental markets.”

AFI is a major real estate developer and operator in Central and Eastern Europe, active in income-generating commercial property. Its core business includes the development, ownership, and management of office buildings and residential-for-rent projects, complemented by selective investments in shopping centres and retail parks. The company is incorporated in the Netherlands and is wholly owned by AFI Properties Ltd, an Israeli real estate group listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

 

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