Hungary is set to benefit from a EUR 400 million financing push backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at strengthening businesses, accelerating green investment and improving access to education. The initiatives involve financing agreements with CIB Bank, EXIM Hungary and the state-owned Student Loan Centre, alongside a guarantee scheme expected to expand lending to medium-sized companies.
European Investment Bank approved huge financial boost for Hungary
The EIB has signed a EUR 100 million risk-sharing agreement with CIB Bank, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group. This is the first deployment in Hungary of the EIB’s Growth for MidCaps (G4M) programme. The guarantee is expected to enable CIB to provide up to EUR 200 million in new loans and mobilise approximately EUR 280 million in investment by Hungarian businesses.
The scheme is designed to help medium-sized enterprises finance projects, expand operations and improve competitiveness. Such companies can be large enough to drive innovation and create skilled jobs, yet may struggle to access financing available to larger corporations or state-backed guarantee programmes. The renewed partnership, following a 15-year interval, is expected to offer borrowers larger loans, longer repayment periods and lower collateral requirements. More than 60 per cent of the financing is expected to reach businesses in Hungary’s less developed regions.
EUR 100 million for green investment
A separate EUR 100 million EIB financing agreement with EXIM Hungary will support renewable energy, energy efficiency and other green projects across the country. Eligible investments may include solar power installations, upgrades to industrial and commercial buildings, electric vehicles and associated charging infrastructure.
The funding is intended to help companies reduce energy consumption and costs, cut carbon emissions and lessen reliance on fossil fuels. EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac described the green transition as both an environmental necessity and a business opportunity, pointing to its potential to strengthen competitiveness and energy security. EXIM Hungary said the agreement would widen access to sustainable financing by combining international resources with domestic market experience.
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Student loans to support access to education
The EIB has also signed a EUR 100 million loan agreement with Hungary’s Student Loan Centre to finance affordable student lending. The programme is intended to help cover tuition fees, training expenses and living costs, supporting access to higher education, vocational training and adult education.
The funding is expected to benefit around 136,000 people by the end of 2028, with more than 63 per cent of recipients projected to come from less developed regions. The Student Loan Centre said the agreement would help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from pursuing education and professional development.
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