news_20260701 - Swiss

SME Eco-Tech: More Flexible Conditions for Financing Green and Digital Investments by SMEs

Under the SME Eco-Tech component, the electronic platform https://sme-ecotech.gov.ro remains open for the submission of financing application forms.

Eligible enterprises may apply until 24 July 2026, 20:00, to access favourable financing for investments in green technologies, energy efficiency solutions and digitalisation. The deadline may be extended until the available funds are exhausted.

The Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism has made the access conditions under the programme more flexible, in order to allow a larger number of economic operators to apply for financing and to accelerate green and digital investments.

The amendments were approved through the Order published in the Official Gazette No. 558 of 7 July 2026, and the updated implementation procedure may be consulted here: https://economie.gov.ro/procedura-de-implementare-a-programului-pentru-consolidarea-imm-urilor-prin-acces-imbunatatit-la-finantare-sme-eco-tech-consolidata/.

Following these amendments, micro-enterprises established no later than 31 December 2021 may also apply for financing, provided that they recorded a turnover of at least RON 2 million as of 31 December 2024 and meet the eligibility conditions set out under the programme.

At the same time, the programme is no longer limited to production activities. Enterprises carrying out trade and service activities are also eligible, except for sectors excluded under European and national legislation on de minimis aid.

The SME Eco-Tech programme, implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism under the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme, aims to support green and digital investments made by SMEs in the production, trade and services sectors, contributing to reducing environmental impact, increasing the competitiveness and productivity of enterprises, stimulating domestic production and supporting employment.

The total budget of the programme for the 2025–2027 period is CHF 54,041,886, equivalent to RON 288,843,072. Under this de minimis aid scheme, at least 800 SMEs from all eight development regions of Romania are expected to receive financing. The financial support consists of a grant covering up to 40% of the eligible expenditure related to an investment project, within the limit of CHF 50,000, equivalent to RON 267,240. The remaining amount will be covered through a bank loan of at least 60%, contracted with one of the partner banks selected by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism. The mandatory minimum value of an investment project is RON 668,100.

Financing will be granted in the order in which applications are submitted, according to the “first come, first served” principle.

More information about the programme and the financing application process is available on the website of the Programme Operator – the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism: https://economie.gov.ro/programul-sme-eco-tech/.