EBRD invests €10 million in Romania’s first sustainability-linked bond: Car leasing and rental firm Autonom is raising finance for environmentally friendly growth By 2025, the company plans to cut operating fleet’s carbon emissions by 25 per cent The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing €10 million in a €48 million sustainability-linked bond issued by Autonom, a Romanian car leasing and rental company. This is Romania’s first sustainability-linked bond and the debut issuance under Autonom’s five-year €250 million corporate bond programme. Autonom’s services include car leasing, fleet management and short-term rental of vehicles. The company is raising finance to pursue environmentally friendly growth. It aims to expand the car fleet to meet increased demand from local business, while reducing its carbon footprint. In line with its sustainability strategy, by 2025, the company plans to cut the operating fleet’s carbon emissions by 25 per cent, and by 51 per cent by 2030. Mark Davis, EBRD Regional Director for Romania and Bulgaria, said: “Autonom’s sustainability-linked bond is a milestone for Romania as the first instrument of this type issued locally. By launching this programme, which underpins Autonom’s ambitious sustainability strategy, the company signals its commitment to significantly reducing its carbon footprint, which is consistent with decarbonisation objectives of European Union countries. We are proud to support Autonom in its sustainability journey.” Marius and Dan Stefan, the co-founders of Autonom, commented: "We believe that the future belongs to companies with valuable, transparent, and responsible business models. These criteria will become a benchmark for all and we believe that the Romanian capital markets will provide extraordinary opportunities for local companies that care about their impact in the society. We appreciate the thoughtful advice, the passion for excellence and the strong commitment of the EBRD. We are grateful for the Bank’s trust, dedication and support for our ambitious vision.” Founded in 2006 in Piatra Neamt by entrepreneurs Marius Stefan and Dan Stefan, Autonom has more than 500 employees and operates a fleet of over 9,000 cars. It is a member of the EBRD’s Blue Ribbon programme, which delivers tailor-made financing and sector-specific advice – covering operational, management and financial advisory – to high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the course of five years. The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Romania and has invested €9.3 billion through 477 projects in the country to date, with 77 per cent of that in the private sector.
On November 20th, 2025, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) celebrated 30 years since its reopening, organizing a series of anniversary events along with various representatives of the Romanian capital market. Three decades ago, the first transactions took place on the BVB, and the Romanian investment landscape as we know it today began to take shape. […]
With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve created the new Collection of Boromir Infused Cozonac with natural vanilla syrup and pistachio. Unique, slightly moist, and richly filled, our latest assortments of Boromir Infused Cozonac make every festive moment with your loved ones even more special. Each bite melts in your mouth, bringing warmth, comfort, […]
Romanian airline AnimaWings announced on Friday, November 21, that starting in 2026, it will operate five new air routes from Timișoara International Airport, serving holiday destinations in Italy and Greece. The new connections include Athens (ATH), Olbia – Sardinia (OLB), Kefalonia (EFL), Thessaloniki (SKG), and Kavala (KVA). “We want Timișoara to become a reference point […]
President Nicușor Dan promulgated a law establishing October 29 as Queen Marie Day, following the bill’s adoption by the Chamber of Deputies on October 28, news agency Agerpres reported. The new law designates the date as a day dedicated to commemorating the life and historical contribution of Queen Marie of Romania. On October 29, public […]
Horaţiu Potra, the mercenary leader with alleged ties to Russia who previously fled Romania, was placed under preventive arrest for 30 days after his extradition from Dubai. He is investigated for attempted actions against the constitutional order, violation of the regime of weapons and ammunition, and violation of the regime of explosive materials. The same preventive […]
Nicușor Dan is the political figure in whom Bucharest residents have the most trust, according to a survey by INSCOP Research. The former mayor, now head of state, is followed by prime minister Ilie Bolojan. More precisely, 44.2% of the total sample state that they have quite a lot or very much trust in Nicușor […]
