The EBRD is providing a portfolio guarantee of up to EUR40 million under the InvestEU program, supported by funding from the Romanian Recovery and Resilience Facility. This is its first InvestEU facility in Romania’s financial sector. The EBRD’s guarantee will enable Libra to allocate EUR50 million to eligible green projects, ensuring a strong impact on energy savings and emissions reduction.
This innovative risk-sharing instrument will enable Libra to scale up financing for green projects in Romania, focusing on energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport, and will help bridge the funding gap for sustainable energy investments to support Romania’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Libra Internet Bank, a mid-sized Romanian bank, has a strong track record in digital innovation and solid and increasing interest in green financing. EBRD support will enhance Libra’s ability to expand its role in Romania’s green economy.
InvestEU is a flagship initiative of the European Union aimed at supporting strategic investments in sustainable infrastructure, research, innovation, digitalisation, small and medium-sized businesses, and social investment and skills. It provides a guarantee mechanism to unlock financing that might not otherwise be available, focusing on projects that promote long-term growth and resilience.
The EBRD is one of the leading implementing partners of the InvestEU Program and deploys portfolio risk sharing instruments for financial intermediaries across the EU economies where it invests. By working with local financial institutions and market players, it ensures that InvestEU support is delivered efficiently and aligned with regional needs and opportunities.
“This agreement with Libra Internet Bank is an important boost for Romania’s green transition. By broadening access to finance for energy-efficient buildings and cleaner transport, we are helping Romanian households and businesses save costs, reduce emissions, and become greener and more sustainable. Through InvestEU, together with Libra Internet Bank, we are proud to support investments that strengthen Romania’s resilience and enhance its long-term competitiveness,” said EBRD Head of Romania Victoria Zinchuk.
“The partnership between Libra Internet Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for financing green projects in Romania reaffirms our strong commitment to supporting the transition towards a low‑carbon economy. Together with the EBRD, one of Romania’s leading institutional investors, we will turn business plans into achievements that benefit our clients, the environment, and our communities,” said Cristina Mahika‑Voiconi, CEO of Libra Internet Bank.
Alongside the guarantee, to strengthen green lending operations, the EBRD will also deliver to Libra and final borrowers dedicated technical assistance funded through the InvestEU Advisory Hub. The project will be complemented by the EBRD’s Digital Transformation Support Program, to help Libra build internal AI capacity to optimize customer experience.
The InvestEU program provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It also helps mobilize private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition.
The EBRD is a major institutional investor in Romania, which has invested more than EUR12.4 billion in 589 projects.