Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia are to benefit from new funding from the European Union and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) made available through Intesa Leasing.

A new €5 million credit line will be on-lent by Intesa Leasing to Serbian firms in the form of leases such as for equipment and vehicles, enabling them to invest in their working standards and processes and become more competitive in local and EU markets. SMEs will be able to access grants from the European Union worth up to 15% of a total lease amount.

The aim of the funding is to encourage SMEs to invest in upgrades in three key areas: environmental protection, health and safety, and product quality. A particular focus will be on investments in greener technologies, to help SMEs adapt to EU environmental standards and improve their energy efficiency with at least 60% of all leases supporting energy-saving measures.

The new facility is part of the Western Balkans SME Competitiveness Support Programme, to which the European Union contributes with incentive payments and technical assistance and the EBRD provides loans. The goal is to help SMEs modernise their activities and take advantage of trade opportunities in the Western Balkans region and wider European market.