TIRANA, May 15 – Albania has become the first beneficiary of the European Union’s Innovation and Green Transformation Instrument for the Western Balkans, according to The Brussels Times. The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced a 20 million euro agreement for small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-cap companies.

The EIB said the financing will support energy, climate and digitalisation projects. President Nadia Calvino visited Albania on May 12, 2026. She met Prime Minister Edi Rama. They discussed EU accession and related reforms. The EIB said it will increase financing for Albania by 60% in 2026 compared to 2025.

Meanwhile, Calvino visited the Tirana bakery and pastry business “Le Bon.” The EIB said the company benefited from previous support for production upgrades, energy efficiency and job creation. Separately, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the EIB remains a strategic partner for Albania. He linked cooperation to EU integration and regulatory alignment.

In addition, the EIB said it will channel the 20-million-euro credit line through Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. It added that EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot and Intesa Sanpaolo signed the agreement. The instrument will support SME and mid-cap investment under favourable conditions.

The EIB also confirmed that the wider programme includes 170 million euro in loans, 17 million euro in EU investment grants and 5.8 million euro in technical assistance.

/a.p./