FEBEA holds AGM, seminar on ethical banking in Malta

The European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks recently held its annual general meeting at the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian's.

The meeting was preceded by a half-day international conference on 'Microcredit as a tool of ethical financing for sustainable development'. Both events were organised in association with APS Bank Ltd, a FEBEA member.

Founded in 2001, FEBEA is a non-profit organisation based in Brussels. Its members come from across 11 EU and two European Free Trade Association countries. They include banks, savings and loans cooperatives, investment companies and foundations.

On the occasion of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the FEBEA conference brought together prominent speakers in the field of economic, financial and alternative tools in particular relating to microcredit to inspire those who would like to participate in the building of a solidarity-based Europe.

The theme of the conference was further developed during the AGM, where participants reported on existing concrete microfinance initiatives in which members are contributing in the Euro-Mediterranean region. These included projects implemented in eastern Europe, Italy, Palestine and some North African countries.