Transnational Cooperation and Exchange Programme to combat social exclusion (TEP)

EMN, in partnership with the MFC (the MicroFinance Center) and the Cdfa (the Community Development Finance Association) participated to the Transnational Cooperation and Exchange Programme to combat social exclusion.

Networks such as the MFC, EMN or the cdfa have contributed to develop best practices adapted to the countries where the networks operate. Up to now, the exchange of knowledge between the members of these networks was almost inexistent and this project was conceived to overcome this gap.

This programme aimed at addressing the issues of access to financial services for socially excluded, low-income people. Because, even if social exclusion includes a wide range of exclusion, financial exclusion remains a very important one, as without access to a bank account, credit or any other financial service it is virtually impossible for any person to improve his or her living. By sharing the experiences of the three networks, the project aims at fighting social and financial exclusion both in the East and in the West. The identification of the key constraints and opportunities is the starting point of the measures and recommendations that will enable to improve the social protection and the financial systems.

This project lasted two years, from September 2005 to September 2007. It brought together around 20 associations, members of the three networks involved. It was funded by the EU DG Employment and Social Affairs (please visit the EU webpage related to the projects).

For further information, please click on the links below: