Shaping the future of microfinance
Our work
Advocacy
The development of microfinance in Europe has encountered many legal and political obstacles. It is therefore important that the European Microfinance Network be strongly involved in advocacy on a wide range of issues related to microfinance, micro-enterprises, social and financial exclusion, self-employment and employment creation.
Knowledge Exchange
The peer-to-peer exchange visits, exclusively intended for EMN members, provide each EMN member with the opportunity to visit another member on a specific theme, in order to deepen the understanding of their work, to encourage exchange of good practices and to develop expertise. These bilateral exchanges, tailor-made to members’ needs and expectations, also facilitate cooperation and collaboration between EMN members.
Research
The development of microfinance in Europe has encountered many legal and political obstacles. It is therefore important that the European Microfinance Network be strongly involved in advocacy on a wide range of issues related to microfinance, micro-enterprises, social and financial exclusion, self-employment and employment creation.
Working Groups
EMN organises Working Groups to strengthen the involvement of its members in the Network. The activities carried out by the different Working Groups are very diverse: organisation of workshops, elaboration of research papers, publications, creation of new tools for microfinance management, etc.
Discover who we are
About us
European Microfinance Network is an NGO that connects microfinance institutions, social finance organizations, and other stakeholders throughout Europe (EU and candidate countries). Since 2003, with the help of members from EU countries and candidate countries, EMN has played an important role in cultivating collaboration, encouraging innovation, and knowledge sharing across the microfinance ecosystem. We partner with EU institutions like the EIF and EIB, as well as corporations, to implement projects across Europe. EMN, together with other partners, also developed the Code of Good Conduct to ensure high standards in microfinance operations and protect clients’ interests.
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Identify, protect and monetise IP assets
The future of microfinance is stronger together
Our network
We are proud to have 95 members from 23 countries, including EU and candidate countries. Among these, 27 organizations follow the Code of Good Conduct, showcasing their dedication to high standards in microfinance. Inside EMN there are 11 national networks that are focused on advocating for microfinance as a tool for overcoming social and financial exclusion. Inside of EMN members are collaborating across regions in project consortia and also establish partnerships between themselves for developing dedicated financial products.
EMN amplifies its support for its members through partnerships with companies offering tailored value, enabling the creation of customized events and services. Members also receive assistance from EMN in applying for SIFTA technical support, organizing study visits, and obtaining the COGC. Additionally, EMN offers its support and knowledge to members in conducting research on specific needs, like impact assessments, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the evolving microfinance landscape.
Explore our latest news
Latest news
The EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office is offering two online training opportunities: one focused on IP for Business Advisers and the other on IP Monetisation Opportunities. You can find more information at the links below.
We are excited to announce that UNESCO and EMN have joined forces to develop innovative resource mobilization mechanisms for the benefit of UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
The goals of this collaboration include:
- Mobilizing Funding: Attract public and private funding to support communities associated with UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Developing a Sustainable Investment Ecosystem: Create a network of stakeholders dedicated to establishing sustainable investment mechanisms for entrepreneurs within UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Supporting Business Development: Offer assistance in developing viable business plans for entrepreneurs in UNESCO-designated sites and programs.
- Recognizing and Sharing Local Knowledge: Conduct competency mapping to identify the skills and expertise of community members within UNESCO-designated sites and programs, facilitating knowledge exchange both within and outside the networks.
- Assisting MEN Member Institutions: Help member institutions expand services that enhance entrepreneurs’ resilience to climate change and prevent biodiversity loss. This includes providing both financial and non-financial support, as well as implementing risk management and environmental strategies.
- Facilitating Funding Initiatives: Promote funding opportunities for communities living in or around UNESCO-designated sites and programs, particularly those affected by natural disasters due to climate change.
- Raising Awareness: Inform the member community about the latest trends in sustainable farming and explore how these practices can be integrated with microloans and impact investing.
We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon.
We are delighted to announce that during the recent EMN General Assembly held in Cagliari on October 16th, we officially established a partnership with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
This partnership aims to foster cooperation among financial stakeholders to improve access to finance for SMEs and start-ups. By enabling these enterprises to leverage their intellectual property (IP) as a tangible asset in financial and investment processes, we align with the EUIPO’s strategic approach.
Our collaboration will focus on the following key areas:
- Capacity Building: EMN and EUIPO will collaborate to develop initiatives that strengthen the capacity of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to recognize and value Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as part of the financial due diligence process.
- Awareness-Raising Activities: We will work together to raise awareness among European SMEs about the importance of protecting and managing their intangible assets.
- Exchange of Data and Information: EMN and EUIPO will promote the exchange of relevant knowledge, non-confidential data, and insights to better understand the specific needs and challenges that MFIs face regarding IPRs.
- Participation in Workshops and Events: We will encourage mutual participation in conferences, forums, and other relevant platforms.
EMN looks forward to collaborating with EUIPO to enhance support and services for SMEs.
Explore our latest publications, reports, and insightful studies
Latest publications
In this publication, the European Microfinance Network describes the latest legislative developments in Greece regarding microfinance.
Regulatory reports
Regulatory reports
Regulatory reports
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