Signature(s)
Summary sheet
- Credit lines - Credit lines
The operation aims to finance eligible small and medium investments undertaken by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-caps in Ukraine, thereby contributing to economic resilience and employment-generating activities in the country.
The aim is to enhance access to finance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and contribute to economic resilience and employment-generating activities in the country.
This operation aims to support private sector development and provides financing to projects promoted by SMEs and Mid-Caps in Ukraine, through a credit line to Ukrgasbank, which would channel the funds to local enterprises through their branch network in the country, thereby contributing to promote inclusive growth, sustain employment and reinforce long-term economic resilience.
SMEs are the backbone of the Ukrainian economy providing key employment, especially for youth and women. Before COVID-19 and the war, they employed around 7.4 million people and accounted for over 64% of value added and 65.5% of sales. The war since February 2022 has severely disrupted supply chains, reduced demand, and led to workforce migration, hitting SMEs hard?especially in conflict-affected regions. Many have relocated, and SME activity has dropped by 29%, with 2.4 million jobs and 35% of exports lost.
Despite difficult conditions, Ukrainian SMEs have shown resilience, with business activity stabilizing for most. Around 57% continue operating at pre-war levels, 30% at reduced capacity, while the rest have closed, often due to asset loss. Access to long term financing has been identified as one of the most significant obstacles to the survival and recovery of SMEs. The EIB operation will enable the funding at attractive terms, which address the needs of final beneficiaries. The cooperation with the EIB will strengthen the financial profile of the financial intermediary and reinforce confidence of other DFIs and private investors, of which very few are currently active in Ukraine.
Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.
Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.