Moldova plans to open a €150 million European Investment Bank (EIB) credit line for agricultural businesses in early 2027, with government procedures and lender agreements still needed before borrowers can access the already-signed loan.
EIB Global, the EIB’s development arm, announced the facility Oct. 23 under Fruit Garden of Moldova II. The EIB project record dates the loan agreement to June 29, 2026. Moldova’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry said Oct. 22 that steps to bring the contract into force and agreements with local financial intermediaries were still pending.
About €135 million, or 90% of the loan, is intended for micro and small companies, medium-sized businesses and mid-cap firms in agricultural value chains. The money is expected to reach businesses through local banks, leasing companies and microfinance institutions. Up to 10% of the facility, or about €15 million, is intended for public investment in research, education, food safety and related infrastructure.
The government lists horticulture, viticulture, cereals, livestock, aquaculture, processing, post-harvest infrastructure, digitalization and irrigation as sectors the financing will support. The ministry expects the program to run for 60 months across 2026-2031 and support about 750 projects. It says the first Fruit Garden program funded 628 projects with €120 million.
The EIB project record cites financing barriers for agricultural businesses, including benefits from investment that may not translate into direct returns for lenders and information gaps between lenders and borrowers. Moldova is the loan’s borrower, and the ministry says the final repayment is scheduled for 2043. The EIB said the EU guarantee is provided through NDICI – Global Europe and that the financing fits within the EU’s €1.9 billion Growth Plan for Moldova.
Radio Moldova reported that opposition lawmaker Sergiu Stefanco warned unclear access rules could disadvantage farmers already facing financial difficulties. The ministry says it will publish an eligibility and access guide after agreements with financial intermediaries are completed. It plans for the credit line to launch in early 2027.
