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The European Bank launches financing programs for small and medium-sized enterprises in Iraq.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on Friday the launch of a package of programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, providing specialized advisory services and financing facilities for these projects .
The bank also officially launched its first call for applications to join its flagship “Star Venture” program, inviting promising technology-based startups to participate through a competitive selection process, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency.
“This day is a milestone in our partnership with Iraq,” said Katarina Björlin Hansen, the bank’s country director for Iraq, during the launch ceremony for the bank’s programs. “We see promising potential in the Iraqi private sector, which is a key pillar for achieving sustainable growth and creating opportunities for future generations .”
She affirmed: “The bank is committed to working with our partners to foster an environment conducive to their growth and success,” noting that the bank “supports ambitious Iraqi entrepreneurs, helping them expand their businesses, employ more talent, and enhance their international competitiveness, through launching our programs to finance and develop small and medium enterprises, and launching the first local call for companies to join the program .”
The selected startups will receive specialized consulting services, international expertise, and opportunities to access networks of investors and mentors, which will support their growth and enable them to expand into regional and global markets, according to the office director .
The launch event was attended by representatives of the Iraqi government, the donor community, financial institutions, business associations, and private sector leaders, and formed a platform to promote common goals for the development of small and medium enterprises, enhance the competitiveness of Iraqi companies, and present solutions, cooperation opportunities, and financing .
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The conference also provided valuable opportunities for communication, networking and introductions between small and medium enterprises and banks and development financial institutions, which contributed to strengthening cooperation with Iraqi business associations with which the bank will work to enhance trade networks and help identify and reduce obstacles to growth .
It is noted that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) began its operations in Iraq in September 2025, focusing on private sector development to improve access to finance, support local entrepreneurs, and promote long-term sustainable economic growth.
The bank supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by laying the foundations that enable them to grow, create jobs, and enhance their competitiveness. It also works through an integrated approach that combines financing, advisory support, and participation in policy formulation to build resilient institutions and sustainable local markets. (LINK)
The Central Bank of Iraq clarifies the mechanisms for dealing with the dollar in all its issuances.
The Central Bank of Iraq, in a directive to licensed banks and non-bank financial institutions, stressed the importance of reducing discrimination in the exchange rate of the US dollar between old and new issues, stressing the need for all banks and financial institutions to adhere to the instructions for trading and exchanging banknotes, in accordance with the approved standards for foreign banknotes, especially the US dollar, in order to ensure the safety of monetary transactions and market stability.
The Central Bank clarified that the laws, instructions and regulations in force do not adopt any discrimination between the different editions of the US dollar currency, noting that the bank continues to receive these issues and deal with them through all authorized banks, provided that they are within the internationally and locally approved standards and regulations.
This clarification comes within the framework of the Central Bank of Iraq’s commitment to enhancing transparency and discipline in the banking sector, protecting customers, and supporting monetary and financial stability in Iraq.
Central Bank of Iraq,
Media Office,
February 16, 2026 (LINK)
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The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.
The Iraqi political scene is witnessing intense activity regarding the presidential e******n, amid increasing pressure to fulfill constitutional requirements in a way that strengthens political stability and ensures respect for the constitution.
This activity involves reaching preliminary understandings that would allow for the selection of a consensus candidate representing all Kurdish parties before heading to Baghdad, in a move aimed at ending the political deadlock and rearranging priorities within the federal government.
Mayada al-Najjar, a member of the Kurdistan D********c Party, affirmed on Tuesday that the position of President of the Republic is one of the most important sovereign positions in the country due to its direct connection to protecting the constitution and ensuring adherence to its implementation, stressing that this position has become a stable political custom for the Kurds.
Al-Najjar told Al-Maalomah that “no candidate for this position can be put forward by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan or other Kurdish forces without a comprehensive Kurdish political consensus,” noting that “a unified Kurdish position is a fundamental condition for resolving the entitlement and preventing a recurrence of previous disputes that affected the formation of the federal authorities.”
She added that “former President Barham Salih did not achieve any tangible accomplishments during his time in office,” stressing that “the next phase requires a figure with a political vision capable of strengthening the balance of power and consolidating constitutional stability.” She also noted that “the ongoing dialogues between the Kurdish forces are witnessing significant progress, amidst efforts to reach a consensus candidate who enjoys unified support before heading to Baghdad.”
In a related context, Jamal Khalil, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, confirmed that “political consultations between his party and the Kurdistan D********c Party are still ongoing,” noting that “significant progress has been made, resulting in an agreement in broad outlines to go to Baghdad with a single candidate for the presidency.”
Khalil explained that “both sides are seeking to accelerate the pace of meetings and bring viewpoints closer, given their awareness of the importance of unifying the Kurdish position within Baghdad to enhance the chances of national consensus in the upcoming constitutional entitlements,” indicating that “agreeing on a single candidate represents clear progress compared to previous stages that witnessed a divergence in proposals, and it will be officially announced after the completion of understandings related to balances and alliances within Parliament.”
These developments come at a time when the Iraqi public is awaiting a decisive step towards ending the political deadlock, amid expectations that the anticipated Kurdish agreement will contribute to expediting the presidential e******n and strengthening internal political stability, while keeping the presidential file under the scrutiny of all political forces to ensure a comprehensive national consensus. (LINK)
Source: Dinar Recaps
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