OREANDA-NEWS. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing EUR 20 million to Banka Sparkasse d.d. (BS) to finance projects of SMEs, mid-caps and public sector entities in the areas of the knowledge economy, energy, environmental protection, health and education.

This is the second tranche of a EUR 50 million loan, the first instalment of EUR 30 million provided in 2013 having been successfully distributed - mainly to finance SMEs: on investments (63%) and working capital (37%), among others in the fields of energy, metal industry, processing waste, road transport and information technology.

EIB Vice-President L?szl? Baranyay stated: “I very much welcome the fact that EIB funds will improve access to credit for SMEs and mid-cap companies active in the sectors of industry, services and agriculture in Slovenia. The improved access of these companies to long-term finance is vital for the development of the Slovenian economy in terms of job creation and growth. Together with Banka Sparkasse d.d, the EIB is extending the funds needed to accomplish priority projects fostering the competitiveness and diversification of the Slovenian economy.”

Through its cooperation with Banka Sparkasse, a well-established financial institution in Slovenia, the EIB is ensuring that the benefits of granting loans on favourable terms are passed on to eligible beneficiaries.

The EIB has so far provided credit lines in Slovenia for co-financing projects promoted by SMEs and mid-cap companies in the total amount of some EUR 2 billion, representing around 35% of the Bank’s lending commitments in Slovenia since the start of its operations in the country in 1991.