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.
Estonian cinema will take center stage at the 24th edition of the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) in the Focus Estonia program, presenting a curated selection featuring both recent releases and rediscovered classics, screened in restored versions. Among the films to be screened is Moonika Siimets' The Black Hole (2024), a dark sci-fi comedy inspired […]
The ITH Group, which includes the portals Vola.ro, Fru.pl, and GoVola.com and operates in Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria, announced the direct integration of LOT Polish Airlines flights into its own platforms. The collaboration strengthens the group’s position as a regional leader in flight ticket distribution, according to its press release. This will be achieved through […]
In a ruling handed down on Tuesday, May 13, the Bucharest Court of Appeal rejected a request by US authorities for the extradition of a 17-year-old Romanian student. The youth is accused of sending hundreds of bomb threats and manipulating underage girls into engaging in acts of extreme violence, sexual exploitation, and self-harm. Aside from […]
Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the expansion of its presence in Romania by signing a franchise agreement with Amazonia Aquapark SRL for Novotel Timișoara. The newly built hotel is scheduled to open by the end of 2027, marking the brand's first property outside Bucharest and becoming a flagship for Novotel in Eastern […]
A survey published on Wednesday, May 14, by the Open Minds Association shows that Romanians strongly support respect and mutual support in the workplace, signaling that the business environment can play a critical role in supporting social unity. According to the first data set from the “Diversity and Inclusion Barometer,” May 2025 edition, 81% of […]
Eight of the largest business organizations active in Romania have voiced their concern over the accelerating deterioration of the business climate and the erosion of Romania’s credibility. The call is signed by AmCham Romania – American Chamber of Commerce in Romania, AOAR – Association of Romanian Businessmen, AHK – Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, […]
