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), according to a press release issued on 26 May 2026. The financing falls under the Go Digital in the Western Balkans Programme, which aims to strengthen SME competitiveness and resilience. The initiative is backed by the European Union (EU) through the Western Balkans Investment Framework. It will fund investments in automation, digitalisation and green technologies. The program also helps businesses align with EU standards.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s SME sector plays a critical role in employment and economic growth. However, 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. The effort also seeks to strengthen the private sector’s capacity to compete regionally and internationally. UniCredit Bank Mostar is part of the UniCredit Group and a long-standing partner of the EBRD.
The proceeds of the EBRD loan will be on-lent to eligible SMEs across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The funds will 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. This share will contribute to energy savings and emissions reductions. The program also extends technical assistance and investment incentives backed by the EU.
Support measures include helping 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, promoting more equitable access to finance and digital skills.
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.”
She added that, together with UniCredit Bank Mostar and the EU, the EBRD is helping businesses invest in modern technologies that improve productivity and reduce energy consumption. Amina Mahmutović, President of the Management Board of UniCredit Bank Mostar, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to the digital transformation of the domestic economy.
The Go Digital in the Western Balkans Programme is one of the EBRD’s flagship initiatives in the region. It supports SME competitiveness, digital transition and green investment, in line with the EU’s Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. UniCredit Bank Mostar serves retail, corporate and SME clients across Bosnia and Herzegovina through a nationwide network. Since beginning operations in the country, the EBRD has invested almost €3.5 billion in 266 projects. These efforts have supported sustainable infrastructure, the private sector and economic resilience.
