EU Supports New Financing Opportunities for Businesses
Pristina, 7th July 2026 – Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Kosovo will benefit from improved access to finance following the expansion of the EU-supported loan guarantee programme for businesses – EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme – already started with eight financial institutions through new cooperation agreements signed with the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund (KCGF).
As Kosovo’s strongest and most reliable partner, and the largest provider of financial assistance, the European Union continues to support the country’s private sector by improving access to finance, fostering innovation and competitiveness, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation.
The new agreements with Banka Ekonomike, BKT, KEP Trust, KRK, NLB Bank, ProCredit Bank, PriBank and Raiffeisen Bank will make it easier for businesses to obtain loans on more favourable terms, enabling them to invest, expand and create jobs. The programme places particular emphasis on supporting rural businesses, women entrepreneurs, startups and other underserved groups, while reducing lending risk for banks and microfinance institutions.
Supported by the European Union and implemented by KfW Development Bank, the programme enables KCGF to provide guarantees for loans issued by participating financial institutions. By sharing lending risk, it allows banks and microfinance institutions to extend credit to a wider range of businesses, including those with limited collateral or operating in higher-risk sectors.
“The European Union is proud to support the expansion of this loan guarantee programme for businesses in Kosovo. By improving access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-led businesses, startups and underserved entrepreneurs, we are helping businesses invest, grow and create jobs while strengthening Kosovo’s private sector,” said Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the European Union in Kosovo.
“The expansion of the programme to eight financial institutions is an important milestone in strengthening access to finance for Kosovo’s MSMEs. Together with the European Union and the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund, we are helping financial institutions increase lending to viable businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development.” said Moritz Reme, Office Director KfW Kosovo and North Macedonia
“Through this expanded cooperation, we are creating more opportunities to finance the real economy by sharing risk with financial institutions and enabling increased lending in high-potential segments. Guarantees remain a key instrument for fostering trust and expanding access to finance.” said Besnik Berisha, Managing Director of the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund
Additional agreements are expected to be finalized with other RFIs, already KCGF partners, by expanding further the financing opportunities for businesses across Kosovo.
