EFSE USF and Bank Lviv strengthen their partnership through a top-up loan of EUR 15 million in UAH to support MSMEs in Ukraine

Chișinău, 17 June 2025 –The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) with its Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF) is expanding its strategic partnership with Bank Lviv, a key player in the financial sector of Western Ukraine, to provide EUR 15 million of additional UAH funding to the Bank, dedicated to supporting the resilience and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and contributing to the inclusive recovery.

The financing is complemented by dedicated grants designed to ease access to finance for war-affected MSMEs, including newly established and relocated businesses. These grants address the lack of collateral and ongoing market distortions, and strengthen MSME viability and business continuity amid heightened risk exposure and unpredictability.

“Our collaboration with Bank Lviv enables EFSE to support Ukrainian MSMEs in securing the critically needed local currency funding to invest in the adaptation and expansion of their operations amid uncertainties, thereby, keeping the engine of the country’s economic resilience going.” said Jasminka Begert, EFSE Portfolio Manager   at Finance in Motion. “This funding is a direct investment in the stability, competitiveness, and long-term, sustainable growth of local businesses.”

“Each new tranche is not just financial support, but also a recognition of the effectiveness of our cooperation with EFSE. Even in challenging circumstances, Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses continue to show resilience, growth, and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Support from international partners — particularly through meetings such as the one in Chisinau — enables Bank Lviv to further expand access to financing that is truly tailored to the real needs of our entrepreneurs,” said Ashot Abrahamyan, Chairperson of the Management Board of Bank Lviv

 

About EFSE
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is an impact investment fund to drive economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. Through its two sub-funds—the Regional Sub-Fund (RSF) and the Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF)—EFSE provides tailored financial solutions to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen financial inclusion, and support local economies. EFSE was initiated in 2005 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 GmbH, Germany, 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 Bank Lviv
Founded in 1991, Bank Lviv has built a strong reputation as a reliable regional player with solid governance and risk management, international European shareholders, and high priority on transparency and trust. Bank Lviv is a specialized provider of banking services to MSMEs and agricultural businesses, with a focus on tailor-made financing and committed customer care. It is also developing into a bank of choice for private households who are seeking a local bank which offers simple products and high service quality. Bank Lviv maintains its regional focus on Western Ukraine while further building its market position in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. For more information on Bank Lviv, please visit: www.banklviv.com

 

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

Bank Lviv: 
Anna-Maria Romanchuk Marketing Director 
Phone: +380 63 073 81 38
Email: romanchuk@banklviv.com