The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend €350 million to Czech bank Česko-Slovenská Obchodní Banka (CSOB) to support sustainable financing initiatives for businesses across the Czech Republic. This partnership will allow CSOB and its leasing unit to provide businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps, access to affordable financing, helping them diversify funding sources and improve their financial stability. A significant portion of the loan will fund climate action and environmental sustainability projects.
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Focus on Green Projects and Climate Action
The funding will promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability by directing resources toward several key sectors. It will support energy-efficient technologies, clean transportation options, and the growth of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass. A significant portion of the financing will target cohesion regions in the Czech Republic, supporting economic and social development.
A Boost for SMEs and Mid-Caps
Kyriacos Kakouris, the EIB Vice-Presiden said, “SMEs and Mid-Caps are the backbone of the European economy, driving innovation, employment, and sustainable growth.”
He added, “This new loan will not only provide Czech businesses with better access to financing but will also accelerate their transition to greener and more robust operations, enhancing the Czech Republic’s economic competitiveness and environmental resilience.”
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The loan aligns with the EIB’s broader climate goals, supporting the European Green Deal and the EIB’s “Climate Action Strategy” to achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. It aids the Czech Republic’s shift to a low-emission economy by focusing on sectors that reduce emissions and foster sustainability.
In addition, the financing aligns with EU policies that aim to stimulate economic growth and promote social cohesion. By supporting green projects in underdeveloped regions, the loan will not only foster sustainability but will also create job opportunities and contribute to long-term economic stability across the country.