The funds are provided within the credit line for Bulgaria between UniCredit Group and CEDB amounting to EUR 30 mio.

The purpose of the program is to finance SME projects which create permanent or seasonal occupation (exclusive of agriculture) and preserve existing jobs or create new ones, including in the field of industrial construction; water supply; processing of waste waters, etc; supply of gas and electricity; development/creation of internal communication networks. Eligible to apply for financing by this program are also projects that have already started but not earlier than 12 November 2007.

All projects must meet the environment protection requirements of the European Union.

“We are happy about the possibility provided to us by that credit line, to support the investment plans of the business in the country again. We consider providing opportunities for financing, despite the current situation of difficult access to resource, as our engagement to the responsible business and our good clients”, said Ljubomir Punchev, MB member and Head of Retail Banking.

Council of Europe's Development Bank is the oldest inter-state financial institution in Europe. It was founded in 1956 as Social Development Fund with the Council of Europe. It was transformed into a bank on 1 November 1999.

CEDB supports exclusively social projects. Special attention in its sector policy is paid to financial programs for reduction of the unemployment and SME development, support to underdeveloped regions, recovery from damages caused by natural disasters, improvement of healthcare and education.

UniCredit Bulbank is a traditional partner of the international financial institutions supporting the region. Recently the Bank officially signed an agreement for a credit line of EUR 50 mio with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The funds from that credit line will be used again for support to the investment intentions of the Bulgarian business.

Contacts:

UniCredit Bulbank, Public Relations and Corporate Communications

Victoria Blazheva, tel: 0894/570 159, wjlj/ebwjepwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Ekaterina Ancheva: тел: 0894/518 193, Flbufsjob/bodifwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch