European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international multilateral financial institution with the goal to advance the transition to open market economies, whilst fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.

The EBRD offers a range of financing instruments, among which equity investments. Equity investments are available through EBRD-supported private equity funds, through donor-supported equity funds, as well as directly from the EBRD. The equity investments range from EUR 2 million to EUR 100 million in private sector projects.

In general, two types of equity instruments are available:

• Direct and indirect equity investments: the EBRD offers both direct equity investments and indirect investments that are channelled through financial intermediaries. In general, the larger investments are directly provided by the EBRD and the smaller ones are made on an indirect basis, through financial intermediaries. Financial intermediaries can for example be commercial banks, micro business banks, (private) equity funds, and leasing facilities. Often, they are focused on a specific country, region or industry.
• Equity Participation Fund: the Participation Fund mobilises global institutional investors to take part in EBRD’s own direct equity investments with the goal of attracting long-term institutional capital into the private sector in the countries they work in.

In addition to equity, the EBRD also offers loans.

What is the relevance for Circular City initiatives?

The EBRD focusses on a very wide spectrum of sectors , which means that different kinds of projects can apply for financing. Because all projects that apply for financing will be assessed on environmental and social impacts, sustainability plays an important role in all EBRD’s investments. In addition, circularity is a topic that is interwoven with the different focus areas, such as green economy transition and food security.

How to apply?

The EBRD is operating in many central and (south-) eastern European countries. Find out whether your country is eligible here .

To apply for financing from the EBRD, you can first fill out a questionnaire, the Interactive Funding Advisor . The questionnaire provides insight into whether your business or project meets the key criteria of the EBRD and what types of services or products could be available to meet your specific needs.