Event background
Financial instruments can be co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) to support the investment priorities outlined in the ESF Operational Programmes (OP) of the Member States. Provided that they address an identified market gap, they can contribute to the achievement of the thematic objectives of the ESF. The 2014-2020 legal framework puts ESF managing authorities also in a much better position to make use of microfinance instruments than at any time in the past.
Event objectives
This full-day event aims at providing participants opportunities to:
- Further their understanding of how financial instruments can help in their efforts to deliver ESF 2014-2020 objectives, with particular emphasis on microfinance instruments;
- Familiarise themselves with the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI);
- Exchange views on the potential use of EFSI for ESF-type actions;
- Explore the possibility of combining European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) elements with EFSI;
- Increase their understanding of centralised instruments that are currently available for use by managing authorities;
- Enhance their awareness and knowledge about microfinance financial instruments; and
- Exchange and discuss examples, advantages, features and suitability of financial instruments in delivering ESF 2014-2020 objectives.
The detailed programme of the conference is available in English and Italian language here.
Audience
This event is limited to participants involved or planning to become involved in the implementation of financial instruments, including microfinance, under the ESF in Italy. Italian ESF managing authorities from all regions are the main target group of the event. Furthermore, Italian representatives of financial intermediaries, microfinance providers as well as banks involved in the social field are invited to attend the event. If capacity allows, final recipients and other stakeholders from Italy supporting financial instruments implementation will be admitted to attend the event.
Methodology
The event will consist of:
- Presentations by experts from the Italian Ministry of Labour and the NUVAP (Dipartimento Politiche di Coesione, Presidenza del Consiglio), as well as the European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion), the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) and other organisations;
- Question and answer sessions with the speakers; and
- Networking opportunities with speakers and participants.
Language
The event language will be Italian with the exception of one or two interventions in English. Interpretation between English and Italian will be provided for these presentations.
Registrations
Registration is open for the event on the fi-compass website and the deadline for online registrations is Friday, 25 November 2016.