In 2024, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested 213 million euros in 23 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina that help shape the economic and sustainable growth of the country.
A total of 90 million euros dedicated to green projects, supporting energy efficiency, renewable energy and decarbonization projects. These investments reflect the Bank’s commitment to strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition towards a greener and more resilient economy.
Stella Melnic, EBRD Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “I am very happy that through 23 impactful projects we have strengthened the green transition in the country, improved infrastructure and improved access to financing for businesses and individuals, which reflects our commitment to leading sustainable development and strengthening the resilience of the economy. These achievements are proof of the strong partnership we have built with local partners, donors and the private sector. Looking ahead to 2025, I am optimistic about continuing this momentum, achieving even greater results and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in reaching its full potential.”
In 2024, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) supported the economic and sustainable development of Bosnia and Herzegovina through several influential projects. A significant financial package of 40.1 million euros was agreed for Elektroprivreda BiH in order to speed up the transition to green energy, which represents a big step towards decarbonization. EBRD has provided EUR 65.5 million to the financial institutions (FI) sector, using innovative solutions to strengthen business and encourage sustainable growth. These include the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) RePower projects that promote green energy financing, the SME Go Green and SME Reboot projects, which enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transition to sustainable and resilient operations, and the Go Digital projects in BiH that accelerate digital transformation. Additional support was provided through SME credit lines, Youth in Business and RSF financing.
A significant achievement was the signing of the first loan to ensure the minimum requirement for capital and acceptable liabilities (MREL) in BiH with Raiffeisen Bank BiH (RBBH) in the amount of 12.5 million euros, with the mobilization of an additional, complementary 12.5 million euros for RBBH .
Furthermore, the signing of the first Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) framework with Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and the subsequent project with Lider Microcredit Foundation, highlight our innovative approach in supporting financial inclusion and encouraging access to finance for disadvantaged local communities.
In the field of transport infrastructure, the EBRD allocated an additional 95 million euros for the completion of the Poprikusa – Nemila section, a critical part of Corridor Vc, which connects Budapest with the Adriatic port of Ploče. This investment strengthens our commitment to regional connectivity and economic integration.
The EBRD’s green agenda is very prominent in BiH, including several important projects: the first solar project in BiH signed with Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH) in Gračanica, which improves the capacities of renewable energy sources. We continued to bring the Pale central heating project to an end, offering solutions for sustainable heating. Progress has been made on the Sarajevo Green City Action Plan (GCAP), including public transport e-mobility initiatives and the extension of the tram line.
Following the devastating floods in central and southern BiH, the EBRD mobilized the Special Shareholders’ Fund (SSF) and expert staff to support the government’s application for funds from the EU Solidarity Fund. This critical step was aimed at securing vital financial resources to rebuild affected communities and infrastructure, underscoring the need for swift action in a period of crisis.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) delivered a record €16.6 billion in investments across its area of operations in 2024, an increase of 26 percent compared to the previous year. During 2024, the EBRD received its first two shareholders from sub-Saharan Africa, Benin and Ivory Coast, bringing its total number of members to 76, and the Bank plans to launch operations in this region in the current year. The year also marked presidential elections, with the Board of Directors re-electing Odile Renaud-Basso for a second presidential term at its Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Yerevan, Armenia.
The EBRD has invested more than 3.3 billion euros in 241 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina since it started working in the country in 1996.
