European Microfinance Network (EMN)

The creation of the European Microfinance Network has proved to be an essential step in the promotion of microfinance in the European Union, assisting the fight against social and financial exclusion. EMN has been active in supporting microenterprises and self-employment, through its Members, in lobbying activities at EU level and in raising awareness of the need to build European legislative and regulatory frameworks that foster a sound microfinance market.

emnaisbl_logoThe EMN was launched in 2003 by its founding members (Adie - France, NEF - UK and evers&jung - Germany), and with the valuable support of the European Commission and the French Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC). EMN was officially registered in Paris on 23rd May 2003 and was then established as a Non-Governmental Organisation.

Since December 2012, EMN has legally transferred its activities from France to Belgium. Under Belgian law, EMN constitutes an aisbl (“association internationale sans but lucratif” or “international non-profit association”). The association is governed by the provisions of Title III of Belgian Law of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non-profit associations and foundations (articles 46 to 57). For more information on the aisbl, download the Bylaws.

Microfinance is a very diverse field but it is, nevertheless, context-specific. Microfinance in West-, East-, South-, and North-European countries evolves in very different environments. EMN strives to listen to the expectations and the needs of its members and find common ground between all of them, in order to represent them as well as possible and to speak with one voice.