EFSE Boosts Ukrainian MSMEs with EUR 20 Million Loan

Deal News | Jul 09, 2025 | CEE Legal Matters

EFSE Boosts Ukrainian MSMEs with EUR 20 Million Loan

Sayenko Kharenko provided legal advice to the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) in arranging a EUR 20 million financing via its Ukraine Sub-Fund directed towards Ukrgasbank. This financial infusion aims to enhance access to local currency lending for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine, with particular focus on economically disadvantaged areas affected by Russian aggression, and targeting underserved entrepreneurs including women and veterans. The initiative also includes a special grant program for MSME end-borrowers. Despite inquiries, Sayenko Kharenko remained unavailable for comment. The legal team involved in this transaction consisted of Partner Igor Lozenko, Senior Associate Oles Trachuk, Associate Yevhen Koval, and Trainee Mykola Suprunovych.

Sectors

  • Financial Services
  • Legal Services

Geography

  • Ukraine – The financing is directed towards Ukrgasbank and MSMEs within Ukraine, particularly in regions affected by conflict.
  • Southeast Europe – EFSE, a fund focused on Southeast Europe, is providing the loan, linking the geography to Southeast Europe.

Industry

  • Financial Services – The transaction involves a significant financial loan to support MSMEs, highlighting its relevance to the financial services sector.
  • Legal Services – Sayenko Kharenko, a law firm, provided legal advisory services for the financing arrangement, which is a core aspect of legal services.

Financials

  • EUR 20 million – The amount of the loan provided by EFSE to Ukrgasbank for MSME support in Ukraine.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE)LenderCompanyEFSE is the entity providing the EUR 20 million financing to Ukrgasbank.
UkrgasbankBorrowerCompanyUkrgasbank is the recipient of the EUR 20 million loan intended to support Ukrainian MSMEs.
Sayenko KharenkoLegal AdvisorCompanyA law firm advising EFSE on the EUR 20 million financing to Ukrgasbank.
Igor LozenkoPartnerPersonPartner at Sayenko Kharenko leading the legal team for this transaction.
Oles TrachukSenior AssociatePersonSenior Associate at Sayenko Kharenko involved in the transaction.
Yevhen KovalAssociatePersonAssociate at Sayenko Kharenko involved in the transaction.
Mykola SuprunovychTraineePersonTrainee at Sayenko Kharenko involved in the transaction.