Tirana, 10 October 2025 — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has unveiled a €10 million financing package for Tirana Bank, designed to strengthen Albania’s financial sector and expand access to sustainable finance and trade opportunities.
Structure of the Package
The support consists of two key components:
- €5 million senior loan under the SME Reboot Programme, dedicated to helping micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) invest in green technologies and services. Businesses adopting energy-efficient or environmentally sustainable solutions will also benefit from cashback incentives of up to 10%, supported by donor contributions from Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, and Denmark.
- €5 million trade finance facility under the EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP), enabling Tirana Bank to expand its trade operations, strengthen correspondent banking networks, and promote intra-regional trade. The facility includes guarantees for international transactions and short-term loans to support pre- and post-shipment finance.
Strategic Importance
The initiative is the EBRD’s first collaboration with Tirana Bank, which was established in 1996 as Albania’s first privately owned bank and is now part of the Balfin Group. The partnership is expected to:
- Enhance competitiveness of Albanian SMEs by aligning them with EU and international standards.
- Support sustainable growth through investment in green technologies.
- Strengthen Albania’s role in regional trade networks.
Statements from Stakeholders
Charlotte Ruhe, EBRD Managing Director for Central and South-Eastern Europe, said the partnership would “expand access to green finance and trade support in Albania,” adding that it would help local businesses innovate and build resilience.
Dritan Mustafa, CEO of Tirana Bank, welcomed the agreement, noting: “The SME Reboot Programme loan helps small businesses invest in green technologies, while the trade finance facility strengthens our ability to support cross-border trade. These programmes reflect our commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable growth.”
Outlook
The package underscores the EBRD’s broader mission in Albania, where it has invested more than €2.3 billion across 168 projects since 1991. By combining financial tools with technical assistance, the initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for Albanian enterprises, positioning Tirana Bank as a key driver of innovation and competitiveness in the country’s evolving financial landscape.
Sources: EBRD [1]; SeeNews [4].
