Ooni Koda
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Newsfeed
  4. /
  5. Garanti BBVA and EIF partner to offer a minimum...

Garanti BBVA and EIF partner to offer a minimum €30 million in guarantees, to support Romanian companies

December 2, 2024

  Garanti BBVA and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have signed a strategic agreement to provide guarantees of a minimum of 30 million euros, to enhance Romanian companies` competitiveness and sustainability. The InvestEU guarantees will enable Garanti BBVA to facilitate a minimum of €42 million in financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Romania, driving growth and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable economy. Through this collaboration with EIF, Garanti BBVA is launching two new guarantee programs designed to address key challenges for Romanian enterprises. The SME Competitiveness Guarantee Program aims to increase access to financing and stimulate lending, which faced significant obstacles during and after the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, the Sustainability program supports companies transitioning towards greener, more sustainable investments, which is essential to the sustainable transformation of Romania’s economy.   “This partnership with the European Investment Fund marks an important step in Garanti BBVA’s mission to support Romanian companies in their effort toward increased competitiveness and sustainability. The financing opportunities we bring to the market with the InvestEU guarantee reflect our commitment to facilitating Romania’s economic growth while contributing to its transition to a greener economy. By improving access to capital and promoting sustainable projects, Garanti BBVA confirms its role as a reliable partner for Romanian businesses in every stage of their development”, said Bilge Demirer, Deputy General Manager, Enterprise Banking Area, Garanti BBVA Romania.   In the framework of these programs, Garanti BBVA is focused on delivering advantageous financing solutions to Romanian businesses. Eligible companies will benefit from more advantageous terms, including access to larger loan amounts, extended financing periods, and preferential interest rates. These conditions are designed to facilitate access to finance and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Romanian companies.   Through the SME Competitiveness Guarantee Program, companies can expect a guarantee rate of 50% to 70%, depending on specific eligibility criteria, enabling Garanti BBVA to extend financing to companies with reduced collateral. The sustainability Guarantee Component, with a guarantee percentage of 70%, is exclusively dedicated to companies developing green and sustainable projects. The guarantee is backed by InvestEU, the European Union’s funding program and by Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).   The collaboration between Garanti BBVA and the EIF represents a strong effort to help Romanian businesses thrive in a challenging economic environment, opening pathways for long-term growth and resilience. Through the dual focus on competitiveness and sustainability, the bank aims to provide SMEs with the resources and incentives they need to stay competitive and embrace the green economy.  

Read in full - click here
Romanian man sentenced to 20 years in prison in US for ransomware attacks

Daniel Christian Hulea, a Romanian man accused of contributing to the NetWalker ransomware attacks, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud, according to a public announcement from the US Department of Justice.  NetWalker was a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation launched in 2019, which recruited […]

New Romanian government issues ambitious governance program focused on reducing expenses

The new Romanian government, headed by the same Social Democratic prime minister, Marcel Ciolacu, recently made its governance program public. Among its objectives are reducing the level of bureaucracy, maintaining the flat tax rate, and reducing the budget deficit to 7% in 2025. To reach its goals, the government reduced the number of ministries to […]

EC disburses EUR 37 mln to Romania as part of its second Recovery Facility payment request 

The European Commission (EC) announced on Monday, December 23, that it disbursed payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to Czechia, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Romania, totaling EUR 26.8 billion in loans and grants. Under this latest disbursement, Romania received EUR 37.05 million as part of its second payment request. By comparison, according to the...

Romanian trilogy Moromeții screened at Rotterdam International Film Festival 2025

Romanian film trilogy Moromeții, directed by Stere Gulea, will be presented at the 54th edition of the Rotterdam International Film Festival, taking place from January 30 to February 9, 2025. This renowned European event, which annually presents hundreds of films across more than 20 sections, will feature the three films - Moromeții (1987), Moromeții 2 […]

Romania issued EUR 1.3 bln in state aid between 2019-2023, most to foreign companies

Romania issued state aid worth EUR 1.3 billion during 2019-2023, with 62% of the projects being granted to foreign companies, according to an analysis conducted by EY Romania. The sectors that benefited the most from aid were the automotive industry, technology, manufacturing (light industry), medical industry, and the food and beverage industry. According to the […]

Abracadabra – Secrets of Magic interactive exhibition opens in Bucharest

The Abracadabra – Secrets of Magic interactive exhibition will transform Arcub – Hanul Gabroveni in Bucharest into a magical universe starting December 27, 2024. Running until May 4, 2025, the event offers visitors the opportunity to explore a labyrinth of magic, featuring over 20 interactive attractions and more than 500 live performances by MAGITOT and […]