The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and BCR Social Finance (BCRSF), a non-bank financial institution, have signed a €25 million loan agreement to enhance financial inclusion and support micro-enterprises, farmers, and social economy entities across Romania. The funding will target underserved communities, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs, young people, and rural households. Over 3,260 micro-enterprises and farms, as well as approximately 125 social economy entities, are expected to benefit from improved access to finance. The first grant, totaling nearly €1.3 million under the InvestEU Fund and European Social Fund (ESF+) programme, will support youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. Ștefan Buciuc, CEO of BCRSF, highlighted that the partnership with CEB strengthens financial inclusion for vulnerable communities, especially women and young rural entrepreneurs, while providing tailored financing and educational support.