EU and EBRD promote companies’ adoption of environmental and social criteria

On 13 January, the European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a new guarantee agreement worth up to €76.75 million to accelerate the development of greener and fairer global value chains.

Aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), this initiative will make it easier for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and MidCaps to access financing in the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Western Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia and Mongolia. 

Support will focus on those companies whose projects meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. The goal is to strengthen their ability to compete in rapidly evolving markets and to navigate new business landscapes, while advancing sustainable growth and job creation in local economies worldwide.

“Protecting the environment and citizens’ wellbeing is a core part of becoming an EU member,” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said. “By supporting local businesses that invest in clean energy and sustainable practices, we’ll help candidate countries protect their beautiful nature and the health of their citizens, all while growing their economies.” 

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions 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 to support public and private sustainable investment in the EU’s partner countries, and as a key tool of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative

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Press release