MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: European Commission’s “JASMINE Helpdesk” Answers Questions on Microfinance in Europe

The JASMINE (Joint Action to Support Microfinance Institutions in Europe) Helpdesk, which has been operational since 2011, is an online information service that provides answers to microfinance-related queries posed by representatives of microfinance institutions (MFIs), microentrepreneurs, and others interested in microfinance in Europe [1]. The queries may cover topics such as the following: European Union (EU) funding possibilities; European microfinance rules and regulations; market updates; capacity building; technical assistance; best practices; client protection; technical problems; risk management; strategic planning and other microfinance-related questions. The information requests can be filed in the English, French, German, Italian, Romanian and Spanish languages. The helpdesk aims to answer questions within five working days.

The helpdesk is an initiative of the European Commission (EC), the executive body of the EU, and is managed by the European Microfinance Network (EMN), a Belgium-based NGO that promotes microfinance, microentrepreneurship and self employment to fight social and economic exclusion. The helpdesk is a part of EC’s JASMINE initiative that was launched in 2008 and aims to develop the European microfinance market through the provision of non-financial support to European microcredit providers.

Helpdesk queries can be submitted at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=jasminhelp&lang=en

By Nisha Koul, Research Associate

About European Commission: The European Commission (EC), founded in 1951, is the executive body of the European Union (EU). It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU’s treaties and the day-to-day running of the EU. EC has its headquarters in Belgium and also operates offices in Luxembourg as well as “representations” in all EU countries.

About European Microfinance Network: The European Microfinance Network (EMN), a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Belgium, aims to bring together microfinance practitioners and others involved in microfinance activities in Europe with the purpose of promoting microfinance, self-employment and microentreprise development based on good practices. It also seeks to improve the regulatory framework for microfinance at the European Union and member state levels. EMN has 99 members and partners located in 21 European countries as of 2013.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] European Microfinance Network, JASMINE Helpdesk, http://www.european-microfinance.org/jasmine-mds-helpdesk_en.php

MicroCapital Story, February 4, 2013, “EIF Joint Action to Support Microfinance Institutions (JASMINE) Offers Technical Assistance to European Microcredit Providers,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-eif-joint-action-to-support-microfinance-institutions-jasmine-offers-technical-assistance-to-european-microcredit-providers/

MicroCapital Story, December 20, 2011, “European Investment Fund (EIF) Releases Call for Expression of Interest,” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-european-investment-fund-eif-releases-call-for-expression-of-interest/

MicroCapital Universe Profile, European Commission, https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=European+Commission+%28EC%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile, European Microfinance Network, https://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=European+Microfinance+Network+%28EMN%29

Do you know that MicroCapital publishes the MicroCapital Monitor newspaper each month? Find out more at https://www.microcapital.org/products-page/

 

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