EFSE and HALKBANK a.d. Beograd join forces to support resilient agriculture and local businesses across Serbia

Mostar, 16 September 2026 – The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and HALKBANK a.d. Beograd are strengthening their partnership through a EUR 10 million facility designed to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and agricultural producers across Serbia. The financing will support business growth and investment, while addressing the long-term funding needs of farmers, particularly in underserved rural areas.

MSMEs and agricultural producers are key drivers of economic growth and rural development across Serbia. Through this investment, HALKBANK a.d. Beograd will  enhance access to finance for entrepreneurs and farmers seeking to modernize operations, expand their businesses, improve productivity, and invest in long-term growth.  

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the sustainability and resilience of Serbia’s agricultural sector. Dedicated financing will support farmers in adopting more resource-efficient and climate-resilient technologies and practices, helping them respond to evolving environmental and market challenges while improving the competitiveness of their businesses. and sustainability of Serbia’s agricultural sector.

By combining support for MSMEs with targeted financing for sustainable agriculture, the investment will strengthen access to finance for underserved segments and contribute to more sustainable economic development and resilient rural communities across Serbia.

"Strong local economies depend on both dynamic entrepreneurs and a resilient agricultural sector. As farmers and businesses navigate evolving economic and environmental challenges, access to appropriate financing becomes increasingly important. Through our partnership with HALKBANK a.d. Beograd, we are supporting investments that can strengthen competitiveness, encourage sustainable growth, and help businesses and agricultural producers prepare for the future," said Jasminka Berget Portfolio Manager of EFSE at Finance in Motion.  

The President of the Executive Board of HALKBANK a.d. Beograd, Mr. Suleyman Bulut , stated: “HALKBANK a.d. Beograd and EFSE have a long-standing cooperation dating back to 2007, and this facility represents another important step in our partnership. Over the years, we have worked together on a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening access to finance and supporting the development of the local economy.

Supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises is an important part of HALKBANK a.d. Beograd’s business focus, given their significant contribution to economic activity and employment in Serbia. At the same time, we see agriculture as an important area where we can further strengthen our role and support the development of the agro segment.

As a bank focused on the real economy, we believe our role is to provide appropriate financial solutions to businesses and agricultural producers and to support their investment and development needs. The EUR 10 million facility with EFSE will enable us to further expand our support to agricultural clients and strengthen our capacity to finance their investment needs.

We are pleased to continue our long-standing cooperation with EFSE and to contribute, through this partnership, to the further development of agriculture and the wider Serbian economy.” 

 

About EFSE

An impact investment fund established in 2005, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the European Eastern Neighborhood Region. EFSE was initiated by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion Asset Management S.à r.l., serves as EFSE’s Portfolio Manager and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, acts as manager.  

For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu  

About Finance in Motion

Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 10 funds, all classified as SFDR Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to Eastern Europe, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 20 years.  

For more information, please visit: www.finance-in-motion-com    
 

About HALKBANK

Roots of HALKBANK a.d. Beograd dating back to 1956, when the bank was founded as Čačanska Bank which in 2015. joined the HALKBANK Group and was renamed to HALKBANK a.d. Beograd, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Türkiye Halk Bankası A.Ş. Established in 1933, Türkiye Halk Bankası A.Ş. (Halkbank) is one of Türkiye’s leading public banks, founded to support economic development and entrepreneurship.

HALKBANK a.d. Beograd is operating through a network of 51 branches across the country, offering a wide range of product and services towards retail and business clients. With a strong capital base and focus on digital products and services Bank is committed to expanding financing opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, agricultural producers and retail, while building long-term relationships with its clients and partners across the Serbian market.

For more information, please visit: www.halkbank.rs 

Media Contacts: 

EFSE: Nusha Westhoff 
Director Marketing & Communications 
+49 69 271 035-789 
press@efse.lu

HALKBANK a.d. Beograd : Marija Hajdarević Nikolić
Head of PR, Communication and Complaints Department
+381 66855 67 44
PR&QM @halkbank.rs