Financial Inclusion for Inclusive Growth in Europe II

Call reference number: VP/2017/015

Programme title: Establishment of 4-years framework partnership agreements to support EU-level networks active in the areas of social inclusion and poverty reduction or microfinance and social enterprise finance & Operating grants for 2018

Application reference: VP/2017/015/0038

Action title: Financial Inclusion for Inclusive Growth in Europe II

Summary of the action:

MFC proposes a new 4-year Program in order to further advance the inclusive finance agenda in the EU and in particular contribute actively to the development and implementation of the EU access to finance policies and programs. It builds on the MFC successful experience in building sustainable microfinance sector in Eastern Europe, and the current partnership with the European Commission to advance access to finance opportunities in the EU. The Program will also utilize lessons learnt in the implementation of other MFC managed EU access to finance support programs such as JASMINE,= EaSI TA or facilitation of adoption of the EU Code of Good Conduct among microfinance practitioners.
Within the new Program, MFC continues the activities of its Office in Brussels to ensure regular communication with EU institutions (especially the EC) as well as coordinate with other EU level networks and organizations working on access to finance or related issues. It continues to work with microfinance providers and other stakeholders (including at country level) in the EU/EaSi countries to raise awareness and collect feedback on EU policies and programs through various events, meetings, website, social media, direct mailings. It continues to promote exchange of good practice and implementation of responsible finance practices among its Members through conferences, fora, coaching/mentoring programs, working groups, webinars, videos, publications, etc. It seeks to engage more at a country level through broadening the network of local contact points beyond its Members through country meetings, national working groups and the association council. Last but not least, it focuses on providing up to date research and data with regards to the EU access to finance sector overview, trends and priority topics to support evidence based policy making by EU policy makers (in particular the EC) as well as promotion of key sector trends and cutting edge issues to support broader sector development.