Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania has signed a €20 million agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group under the newly launched Innovation and Green Transformation Facility for the Western Balkans, aimed at supporting Albanian SMEs and Mid-Caps in their innovation, digitalisation, and green transition efforts. The agreement was announced during the official visit to Albania of EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, marking Albania as the first beneficiary country of the new regional initiative.

The financing facility will provide favourable lending conditions for Albanian businesses investing in innovation, digital transformation, energy efficiency, and sustainable production. The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj, senior government representatives, EIB officials, and representatives of Intesa Sanpaolo Group and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania.

During his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the expertise and international experience of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group in implementing major financing programmes and strategic partnerships across Europe, highlighting the Group’s important role in supporting Albania’s economic development and European integration process. He emphasized the confidence that international financial institutions place in Intesa Sanpaolo and underlined the importance of having a strong banking partner capable of delivering impactful financing solutions for Albanian businesses.

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj also underlined the importance of the agreement and the benefits the new loan facility will bring to the Albanian economy. She highlighted that the programme will significantly improve access to finance for SMEs and Mid-Caps, enabling businesses to invest in innovation, digitalisation, sustainability, and increased competitiveness. Minister Ibrahimaj also referred to Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania as a strategic partner for the country’s business community and economic transformation.

Under the agreement with the EIB, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania will implement the €20 million credit line through dedicated financing solutions for eligible Albanian companies. According to the financing framework investments will primarily support innovation, digitalisation, climate action, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

The facility forms part of a broader regional programme comprising €170 million in EIB loans, €17 million in EU grants, and technical assistance aimed at strengthening the business ecosystem across the Western Balkans.

“Through this agreement with the EIB Group, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Albanian businesses. By leveraging the strength of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group and our long-standing partnership with European institutions, we are enabling SMEs and Mid-Caps to accelerate their innovation, digital transformation, and green transition journeys,” said Giuseppe Giampietro, Chief Executive Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania.

The agreement further strengthens Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania’s role as a key financial partner for businesses in Albania and confirms the Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and the country’s closer integration with the European economy.