EBRD and EU step up support for digital and green investments

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union are stepping up their support for digital development across the regions outside the EU where the EBRD operates, including in the Eastern Partner countries.

A top-up of €150 million in European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) guarantee programmes under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative will expand two programmes already implemented by the EBRD. First, €100 million will boost investments in digital infrastructure and services in eastern Europe and the south Caucasus, the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Central Asia, Mongolia, Iraq, and the southern Mediterranean. Second, €50 million will support climate resilience in the Western Balkans.

“We face outside powers trying to weaken Europe, and voices in candidate countries claiming EU membership is a dead end. That’s why we must speak to citizens of our neighbourhood faster and more directly. And back words with action,” said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. “Today we are putting new money to help our neighbours build better digital services for their citizens and projects that protect and preserve the environment.”

The EBRD has been partnering with the EU on these two existing EFSD+ guarantee programmes since 2020. The guarantees have already supported high impact investments and unlocked funding from the private sector for a wide variety of partners and businesses, such as crucial energy suppliers in Ukraine, expanding digital access to rural areas in several countries and many more.

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. The European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) was established in June 2021 and is a key tool of the EU’s Global Gateway, providing grants and guarantees for investment projects through International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

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Press release