The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is participating in Slovenian Steel Group’s (SIJ Group) €230 million long term debt facility, with €25 million to support the specialised steel company’s efforts to further reduce its environmental impact. SIJ Group is one of Europe’s leading steelmakers, with a focus on production of specialised steels.

One of the core objectives of the EBRD is the transition towards a low-carbon economy in hard-to-abate industries. This investment will help SIJ Group decarbonise its operations and become more environmentally sustainable.

EBRD invests Central Eastern European Industry

Intro: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced that it will be investing €40 million in Slovenian company SIJ Group. This investment is a part of the bank's ongoing collaboration with the company, tracing from its participation in SIJ's inaugural local capital market issuance in 2015 and via a €25 million participation in a 2017 debt facility.  The EBRD participates as an investor because of the group's alignment with EU Taxonomy initiatives to promote decarbonisation within the metal industry. Additionally, SIJ Group already has one of the lowest carbon footprints among global steel producers due to their use of 100% recyclable scrap materials and production processes.

SIJ Group is the largest vertically integrated steel producer in Slovenia and a leading Slovenian exporter with a strong presence in the international markets in 68 countries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

To date, the EBRD has invested nearly €1.3 billion in 98 projects in Slovenia.