What EFSE does

The European Fund for Southeast Europe provides sustainable funding to entrepreneurs and private households in Southeast Europe, including the European Eastern Neighbourhood Region, helping small businesses to grow and generate additional income, and to create as well as to sustain employment. In addition, it assists low-income families in the improvement of their housing conditions.

EFSE operates through financial intermediaries in the region of Southeast Europe, including the Eastern European Neighbourhood Region. These include commercial banks, microfinance banks, microcredit organisations and non-bank financial institutions such as leasing companies. They on-lend funds received from EFSE to the Fund’s ultimate target group: micro and small enterprises and low-income private households. All of EFSE’s partner lending institutions are carefully selected: In addition to being financially stable, the institutions must treat their clients fairly and in a transparent manner.

EFSE also has a Development Facility endowed with grants to enable technical assistance, consulting and training measures to strengthen financial institutions in the region. It aims to enhance the long-term development impact of the Fund’s investments.

Words from our Donors & Investors

Stefan Füle,
European Commission

The EFSE: a vital component of the growth strategy for Southeast Europe and further EU integration
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Dirk Niebel,
German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development

Building momentum in development finance
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Dr. Norbert Kloppenburg,
Member of the Executive Board of KfW Bankengruppe

Building momentum in development finance
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