Polish Mid-Caps Set for Green Growth With €50M EIB Loan to Credit Agricole

Polish businesses are set to benefit from a significant green financing initiative following the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) decision to grant a €50 million loan to Credit Agricole Bank Polska. This move, in partnership with the French banking giant’s Polish subsidiary, is expected to generate up to €100 million in new loans specifically targeting Mid-Cap companies across Poland, with a clear focus on projects advancing the country’s climate transition.

Unlocking Finance for Sustainable Growth

Mid-Caps—firms employing between 250 and 3,000 people—are often considered the backbone of the Polish economy. Yet, these companies frequently struggle to secure the investment financing necessary for modernization and growth, particularly in regions where incomes lag the European Union average. With this new EIB-backed credit facility, Polish Mid-Caps will be able to access competitively priced loans and credit lines for projects valued up to €25 million, with favourable terms to help stimulate sustainable business development.

Green Financing: At Least 30% for Climate and Environmental Action

For the first time, at least 30% of the financing under this arrangement with Credit Agricole Bank Polska will be earmarked for investments directly fighting climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Eligible green investments include solar power and biogas installations, energy upgrades to buildings, and the acquisition of electric vehicles. This commitment is expected to drive a wave of green innovation, job creation, and competitiveness for Polish companies—especially those operating in Poland’s cohesion regions.

Most of the new lending is targeted at these cohesion regions, which are defined as areas where per capita income is below the EU average. This ensures the benefits of green investment are distributed widely, supporting regional economic convergence and a fairer energy transition.

Driving the Energy Transition: Better Terms for Forward-Thinking Firms

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska highlighted the strategic importance of the new loan program: “We are supporting Polish Mid-Caps’ energy transition with steps ranging from developing renewable energy to improving energy efficiency. In providing strategic resources to Mid-Caps, we want to encourage more private investors to engage with this important segment of the market.”

The EIB’s involvement allows Credit Agricole Bank Polska to offer more favourable loan conditions—including interest rates that are at least 25 basis points lower than standard market offerings. This significant reduction in borrowing costs is designed to incentivize ambitious climate and energy investments by Mid-Cap businesses, who might otherwise hesitate to take on new projects due to financial risk or high costs.

Supporting EU-Wide and National Climate Goals

This partnership advances several strategic EU objectives, including those under the RePowerEU initiative, which aims to decrease the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the bloc’s green transition. By helping Polish Mid-Caps access affordable finance for renewables, energy efficiency, and low-carbon innovation, the agreement also underscores the EIB’s evolving role as “the EU’s climate bank.”

Bernard Muselet, Senior Country Officer and First Vice President of Credit Agricole Bank Polska, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “The partnership between the EIB and Crédit Agricole is a response to the growing needs of entrepreneurs who want to make an energy transition and plan to implement sustainable business practices. It is a step towards a more responsible economy that is based on innovation and long-term growth.”

Building on a Track Record of Sustainable Partnerships

The EIB and Crédit Agricole have a long history of working together to foster sustainable business growth and energy transition projects across France, Italy, and Poland. Previous collaborations have helped finance everything from digitization initiatives to large-scale renewables, creating economic opportunities and enhancing competitiveness for businesses across Europe.

Looking Forward: A Greener, More Competitive Polish Economy

With the latest EIB loan, Polish Mid-Caps now have unprecedented access to green financing tools that can help them modernize operations, reduce emissions, and adopt new technologies. The focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transport is expected to deliver benefits not just to the companies themselves, but also to Poland’s broader economy and society by creating jobs, cutting energy costs, and improving the environment.

As Europe accelerates its transition toward a low-carbon future, initiatives like this will be essential in ensuring that companies of all sizes—and regions—can participate in and benefit from the green economy of tomorrow.