BDB grants "green" financing with the support of CEB and EIB
The Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) provides new opportunities for environmentally focused enterprises as well as for companies developing “green” projects. It offers long-term investment and working capital financing with state-guaranteed resources from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The financing is aimed at supporting the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, with a focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Loans funded by CEB resources are intended both for “green” enterprises and for projects with an environmental focus. Eligible for financing are companies holding patents for renewable or clean technologies, companies that have received awards or grant funding for such technologies, as well as firms holding eco-labels such as the EU Ecolabel or equivalent environmental certification. For working capital loans with CEB resources, the repayment period ranges from 1.5 to 4 years, while for investment loans it is up to 15 years.
Financing from the EIB is fully dedicated to the implementation of “green” projects, including the deployment of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures and carbon emission reduction, as well as the efficient use of water resources and recycling. Investments are eligible in areas such as biodiversity, eco-tourism, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture. Working capital loans with EIB resources have a repayment period of 2 to 5 years, while investment loans are granted for up to 15 years.
BDB may offer its clients a financial advantage in terms of interest rates, achieved due to the state-guaranteed funding provided to the bank by the Council of Europe Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.
The financed projects must meet the eligibility criteria of the CEB and the EIB. To facilitate this process, a specialized tool - Green Checker - is available, enabling the verification and documentation of the green nature of the investments.
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is the oldest international financial institution in Europe, founded in 1956. The Bulgarian state is a shareholder, and cooperation between Bulgaria and the Bank dates back to 2003.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU’s long-term lending institution, owned by the Member States. The EIB has been working with Bulgaria since 1992 and has supported investment projects worth more than EUR 6 billion aimed at reducing regional development disparities and strengthening economic competitiveness. Its advisory support contributes to the implementation of projects in the fields of transport, water supply, healthcare, and the environment.