HPB and HAC sign a loan agreement worth EUR 2.13 billion
Croatian Postal Bank approves record amount for debt refinancing and new sections of motorways A1 and A7, with 100% state guarantee.
Croatian Postal Bank approves record amount for debt refinancing and new sections of motorways A1 and A7, with 100% state guarantee.
The agreement worth up to €2.13 billion, which Croatian Postal Bank (HPB) concluded with the company Hrvatske autoceste d.o.o. (HAC) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, is the largest individual loan transaction in the bank's history. Refinancing of earlier debt and fresh capital for continuation of motorway network construction are secured with a 100% guarantee from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, report Glas Istre and N1 Hrvatska.
The total amount is divided into two parts. The first part, Tranche A in the amount of €1.53 billion, is intended for settling the existing club loan that HAC took out in 2023. The second part, Tranche B of €600 million, will be directed to capital projects, specifically the construction of new sections of motorways A1 and A7, HPB announced as reported by N1.
Funds from Tranche B are planned for the continuation of works on the A1 motorway on the section Metković - Pelješac Bridge - Doli junction - Dubrovnik, as well as on the A7 motorway from Križišće via Novi Vinodolski to Žuta Lokva. These projects are key for the traffic connection of the south and the northern coast, writes 24sata.
"With this agreement, HPB confirms its role as a reliable financial partner of the Republic of Croatia in financing strategic infrastructure, and the more favorable refinancing conditions are the result of the bank's strong position, its commitment to supporting key national projects and fulfilling the mission of creating conditions for a better life in Croatia," stated Marko Badurina, President of the HPB Management Board, in a statement cited by N1 Hrvatska.
HPB has thus taken over the financing of the largest part of the motorway network, and the more favorable loan conditions, which Badurina emphasizes are the result of a strong market position, bring savings compared to the previous debt from 2023.
