MFC in Barcelona: Advocacy and Partnership Discussions for the Sector

From 15 to 16 October, an MFC delegation comprising Council Members Elma Zukić and Martina Grigorova, Advocacy Manager Beata Biela, and Research Coordinator Maria Burek participated in the European Microfinance Network’s Annual Conference 2026 in Barcelona. Under the theme “Building an Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Together”, the conference brought together policymakers, financial institutions, investors and practitioners to discuss the future of microfinance and financial inclusion in Europe.

Key topics included future EU funding opportunities for the sector, the role of AI in advancing financial inclusion, strategic partnerships, philanthropy and impact measurement.

Ahead of the conference, on 14 October, MFC and EMN co-organised the third meeting of the Microfinance Advocacy Committee (MAC). Committee members reviewed a draft position paper on the InvestEU microfinance guarantee and discussed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), helping to shape advocacy priorities for the sector. At the same time, Maria Burek participated in the EMN Research Committee meeting, which focused on current and future editions of the Overview Survey.

These discussions have a direct impact on the future policy and funding environment for microfinance providers across Europe.

We thank all MFC members who continue to contribute their experience and expertise, ensuring that the realities faced by entrepreneurs and underserved communities remain at the centre of sector advocacy and decision-making.