Slovenia’s SID Banka receives new CEB loan to improve energy efficiency, municipal infrastructure and services
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has approved a new €50 million loan to the Slovene Export and Development Bank (SID Banka) to support the improvement of living conditions in urban and rural areas through co-financing investments of both urban and rural public infrastructure, improvement of public services, access to social and affordable housing, as well as energy efficient investments.

The approval comes after a recent visit of CEB Governor Rolf Wenzel during which he met with representatives of SID Banka to discuss the finalisation of the new loan. It follows the successful implementation of previous two loans to SID Banka, namely the €40 million loan granted in 2010 and the €50 million one approved in 2017.

“The CEB is pleased to continue the long-standing cooperation with SID Banka with this new loan that will respond to Slovenia’s current needs, namely supporting social resilience through better access to quality public services, affordable housing, and overall improved living conditions for all citizens,” Governor Wenzel explained. “With its component on the protection of environment, the loan is also expected to have significant environmental benefits.”

The loan addresses the priorities set in the Slovenian Development Strategy 2030 since the improvement of social infrastructure and continued availability of long-term financing to municipalities are essential for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic growth and employment.

With at least 33% of the loan expected to be allocated to green investments, it will also support the implementation of Slovenia’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan adopted in 2020.

The end-borrowers will be municipalities, public and municipal organisations and enterprises that will directly use the funds for eligible investments, while the final beneficiaries will be residents of participating municipalities.