Skopje, 27 November 2024 (MIA) - The annual growth of green loans in the banks’ portfolios has continued in the third quarter of 2024, amounting to Mden 1.4 billion at the end of September 2024, which is an increase of 7.4 percent on an annual basis, the National Bank said Wednesday.

Compared to the end of 2019, when data on green loans began to be published, green loans have increased 2.8 times.  

The share of green loans in total loans is still relatively low, but has grown from 2.2 percent at the end of 2019, to 4.4 percent as of Q3 2024.

Green loans are loans aimed for projects that support sustainable, environmental goals or goals that contribute towards a green transition in society, such as investments in new environmental technology.

“Recognizing the long-term risks of climate change, the National Bank has taken a proactive stance and has set the contribution to a green sustainable economy as one of its strategic goals. Through a series of activities, the central bank is encouraging green financing, including monetary measures,” the National Bank said. 

Photo: National Bank