The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €10 million senior secured loan to UniCredit Bank Mostar, one of the leading commercial banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to support the digital and green transformation of the country’s small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs).
The financing is being extended under the Go Digital in the Western Balkans Programme, which aims to improve the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs by supporting investments in automation, digitalisation and green technologies, while helping businesses align with European Union (EU) standards.
The proceeds of the EBRD loan will be on‑lent to eligible SMEs across Bosnia and Herzegovina to finance digital upgrades, advanced production equipment and energy‑efficient solutions. At least 60 per cent of these investments are expected to be eligible under the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, contributing to energy savings and emissions reductions.
In addition to financing, the programme provides technical assistance and investment incentives backed by the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework. This will help SMEs prepare bankable investment plans, improve digital and green skills, and facilitate the effective implementation and monitoring of supported projects. Emphasis is also placed on women‑led SMEs, helping to promote more equitable access to finance and digital skills.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s SME sector plays a critical role in employment and economic growth, yet many firms still face barriers to adopting modern technologies and meeting EU standards. By combining long‑term financing with advisory support, the EBRD aims to help close this gap and strengthen the private sector’s capacity to compete regionally and internationally.
Stela Melnic, EBRD Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “Digitalisation and green innovation are increasingly essential for SMEs to remain competitive, resilient and ready for closer integration with European markets. Through our partnership with UniCredit Bank Mostar, and with the strong support of the EU, we are helping businesses across Bosnia and Herzegovina invest in modern technologies that improve productivity, reduce energy consumption and support sustainable growth.”
Amina Mahmutović, President of the Management Board of UniCredit Bank Mostar, said:
“Through the continuation of our successful cooperation with the EBRD, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to the digital transformation of the domestic economy and to strengthening our business community. Investments in digital solutions enable improvements in productivity and cost optimisation, and further enhance competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. We believe that companies will recognise this opportunity and – through the adoption of innovative technologies, the development of skills and the enhancement of services – continue to grow on sustainable foundations. We remain strongly committed to supporting SMEs in their digitalisation process, as they represent a key driving force of economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
UniCredit Bank Mostar is a universal commercial bank with a nationwide network, serving retail, corporate and SME clients across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is part of the UniCredit Group and a long‑standing partner of the EBRD.
The Go Digital in the Western Balkans Programme is one of the EBRD’s flagship initiatives in the region, supporting SME competitiveness, digital transition and green investment, in line with the EU’s Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans.
Since beginning operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EBRD has invested almost €3.5 billion in 266 projects, supporting sustainable infrastructure, the private sector and economic resilience, EBRD writes.
