EIB provides €150m to ČSOB Leasing to boost SME green investment in Slovakia

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed a €150 million financing deal with ČSOB Leasing aimed at accelerating green investment among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in Slovakia.

The funding will expand ČSOB Leasing’s capacity to provide long-term finance for sustainable projects, with the partnership expected to unlock more than €420 million in total investment. A significant portion of this funding will be directed դեպի EU cohesion regions, supporting climate initiatives and enhancing the competitiveness of the Slovak economy.

The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the EIB and ČSOB, which for over two decades has helped Slovak businesses access financing to grow and modernise.

Under the deal, Slovak companies will be able to fund a wide range of projects, including the modernisation of vehicle fleets, machinery, and industrial equipment. The financing will also support the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar installations.

The EIB said the initiative would play a key role in advancing Slovakia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, helping businesses reduce energy costs and emissions while improving air quality and overall living standards.

“The EIB remains committed to supporting operations and partnerships that protect jobs, promote sustainable regional development, and contribute to a modern, competitive, and greener Slovakia,” he said.

“This loan to ČSOB will ultimately help smaller Slovak companies modernise, innovate, and increase their competitiveness, while supporting jobs and regional development.”

“The cooperation between ČSOB Leasing and the EIB is good news for our clients, as it enables them to better finance their needs and modernise their businesses and vehicle fleets. At a time when maintaining competitiveness is a daily challenge for entrepreneurs, such support is essential,” he said.

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of Slovakia’s economy, accounting for around 75% of private sector employment and approximately 59% of total jobs nationwide. The new funding is expected to address ongoing gaps in access to long-term finance, particularly for businesses investing in low-carbon technologies outside major urban centres.

In addition to financial support, the EIB Group will provide advisory services to ČSOB Leasing through its Green Gateway initiative. This will help the company identify, assess, and report on green projects more effectively, further increasing the scale and impact of environmentally focused investments.

The deal also strengthens the wider partnership between the EIB and the KBC Group in Central and Eastern Europe, reinforcing efforts to support sustainable development and economic resilience across the region.