MFC at GECES Working Group on Access to Finance

In May, Beata Biela, Advocacy Manager, represented MFC in the GECES Working Group on Access to Finance.

The Group’s objective is, inter alia, to analyse the Council Recommendation’s provisions on access to finance in practical terms for Member States and stakeholders and to deliver a GECES publication on “Operationalising the Council Recommendation: Improving Access to Finance in the Social Economy.” This publication aims to inform Member State implementation and feed into Commission-led mutual learning workshops.

MFC advocated for microfinance interests, focusing on both risk-reduction and liquidity instruments and proposed adjustments reflecting the specific focus and priorities of microfinance sector.

MFC also advocated for the inclusion of ESF+ Managing Authorities (and more broadly, authorities responsible under NRPPs for financial instruments relevant to the social economy) in the Commission-led workshops to increase the impact of recommendations.

The initiative represents an important step forward in bringing together various social economy actors to produce a joint publication. The Group will continue its work into Q3 2026.