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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The future of microfinance is stronger together
Our network
We are proud to have 86 members from 22 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 research aims to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of investing in female entrepreneurs in Belgium, with a particular focus on women of color and those with migration backgrounds. The objective is to assess how microfinance can empower these entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses while also analysing their specific needs and the effectiveness of existing coaching programs. Ultimately, the research will quantify the economic return on investment in female entrepreneurs through microfinance, using a ‘1 euro invested = X euro generated’ approach.
Deadline to apply: July 7th, 2025
The main objective of this research is to analyse the financial exclusion experienced by migrant populations in Spain and to evaluate the role of microcredit as an effective tool for fostering their inclusion in the financial system. The study will combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies to assess the current barriers, the effectiveness of existing financial mechanisms, and the potential for innovation to enhance migrant access to finance.
Deadline to apply: July 7th, 2025
– The day highlights the role of microcredits as a tool for social and financial inclusion.
– With a loan portfolio of 2.136 billion euros, Spain leads Europe in the penetration of microcredits.
22 May 2025
Barcelona has emerged as the European capital of microfinance with the celebration of the closing ceremony of the European Microfinance Day. The event was organized by the European Microfinance Network, based in Brussels, which promotes microfinance as a means to combat social and financial exclusion, in collaboration with MicroBank and Fundació Autoocupació.
Under the theme “Changing the Narrative: Supporting Local Communities to Generate a Global Impact,” the event addressed the key challenges, opportunities, and perspectives of the microfinance sector in front of an audience of about one hundred attendees. During the discussions, important data illustrating the significance of microfinance in Europe was presented, including a total loan portfolio of 5.273 billion euros in 2022, according to a report by the MNE. Specifically, in Spain, the loan portfolio amounts to 2.136 billion euros, making it the European country with the highest microcredit penetration. In Spain, MicroBank holds an impressive market share of 88.6%.
Throughout the event, the role of microcredits in supporting entrepreneurship and job creation was examined in detail. Cristina González, the general manager of MicroBank, emphasized that 23,253 business ideas were launched in Spain last year, thanks to microcredits from MicroBank. In total, in 2024, CaixaBank’s social bank allocated 317.3 million euros in loans for the start-up or consolidation of businesses, reflecting a 25.2% increase compared to previous years.
Georgios Papadakis, managing director of the European Microfinance Network (EMN), focused on the social impact generated by microfinance, noting that its scope extends beyond financial services alone.
Guillem Aris, director of the Fundació Autoocupació, echoed this sentiment by identifying microcredits as a crucial tool for empowering self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, and microenterprises. Autoocupació is one of MicroBank’s partner organizations that assists aspiring business owners in evaluating their business ideas, developing viable business plans, setting up their ventures, and acquiring the skills needed to manage and grow their businesses successfully.
The event also featured the stories of two entrepreneurs who, with the support of MicroBank funding and the collaboration of Autoocupació and Barcelona Activa, successfully boosted their businesses.
Sustainable Banking by Microbank
MicroBank addresses the financial needs of various population segments that are not adequately served. It plays a vital role in the Sustainability Plan, part of CaixaBank’s Strategic Plan, which aims to promote financial inclusion and facilitate access to credit for vulnerable groups, while also enhancing its commitment to the socio-economic development of local communities.
As the sole shareholder of MicroBank, CaixaBank has continuously supported its social bank since its inception, providing the necessary financing to expand its lending activities and marketing its products through CaixaBank’s extensive commercial network. This approach ensures that customers receive a comprehensive range of options with the highest quality of service.
In granting microcredits, the bank collaborates with around 270 entities across Spain that provide insight into the borrowers’ backgrounds and offer advice and monitoring for their projects.
MicroBank also enjoys the backing of key European institutions dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and microfinance, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
This year’s European Microfinance Day, taking place on 22–23 May in Barcelona, comes at a symbolic moment for the sector: Spain now leads the European Union in microcredit provision, according to recent figures published by El Periódico.
With over 55,000 active operations and more than €900 million in circulation, Spain has become a benchmark in using microfinance to support financial inclusion, local development, and entrepreneurship. This growing trend is not just about numbers — it’s about real people building a future.
Real stories, real impact: Meet the women of Confía
One of the driving forces behind this success is Treball Solidari, a Mallorcan NGO and long-time member of the European Microfinance Network (EMN). Since 2011, their Confía program has helped hundreds of women start or grow their businesses by offering access to small, progressive loans, along with financial training and community support.
Take Maria Neide Barbosa, for example — a 64-year-old entrepreneur from Brazil who opened her beauty salon Neide Brasil in Palma de Mallorca with the help of Confía. “For me, Confía is everything. It helps so many people,” she says. Starting with just €600 to buy hair products, she has since expanded to a larger salon that now offers a full range of beauty services.
Or Meryin Bohórquez, originally from Colombia, who opened Premium Market in 2024 after receiving her residence permit and joining the program. “It was extremely difficult to get started,” she explains, “but thanks to Confía, I was able to expand my store, offer new services, and receive mentoring adapted to the local context.”
The Confía model is simple yet powerful: loans start at €1,200 and grow progressively. But beyond finance, the program builds a community of solidarity, where women meet in groups every two weeks to approve loans, attend training, and support one another.
Thanks to its results and innovation, Confía has been awarded a certificate of good practices by the European Commission and now benefits from EU-backed guarantees — enabling it to double its loan portfolio to €2.5 million by next year and extend its reach across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Barcelona, Santander, Valladolid, and Madrid.
A European stage in a country of progress
With Barcelona hosting this year’s European Microfinance Day, it’s fitting that local initiatives like Confía take center stage. Spain’s growing microfinance ecosystem is driven by EMN members such as:
Treball Solidari
MicroBank
Asociación Española de Microfinanzas
Bizkaia Micro
With the support of the European Investment Fund (EIF)
Together, they represent a shared mission: to empower people, especially women and migrants, to build a better future through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Join us in Barcelona
This May, join the EMN community in Barcelona to learn more about initiatives like Confía, meet the people behind the numbers, and shape the future of microfinance in Europe. Let’s celebrate what happens when trust, access, and community come together.
Explore our latest publications, reports, and insightful studies
Latest publications
Microfinance overview surveys
Microfinance overview surveys
Join our community and contribute to financial inclusion
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