Responding to feedback from applicants, the National Economy Ministry announced on Wednesday that it would be easing conditions of a HUF 156bn credit programme launched to support SMEs' productivity and export capacity, while advancing the green and digital transitions.

Richard Szabados, the state secretary for SMEs, said the minimum investment ratio of 30pc inside of a project for info communication and/or renewable energy investments will be reduced to 10pc. Projects must still include technological modernisation or equipment acquisitions equal to at least 30pc of eligible costs.

Businesses can apply for zero-interest investment financing between HUF 150m and HUF 600m. Up to HUF 180m of the financing in the European Union-funded scheme can be converted into non-refundable support upon fulfilment of certain conditions.

So far, 23 applications worth a total of HUF 9.8bn have been submitted, while more than 130 companies have registered for the programme.