Microcredit and Inclusive Growth
Microcredit has become a vital European policy instrument to fight social and financial exclusion, promote self-employment, and support micro-enterprises. Through programs such as the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) initiative and the European Social Fund (ESF)—and, in the 2021–2027 framework, InvestEU and ESF+—the European Union continues to foster access to microfinance as a pathway to inclusive and sustainable development.
Purpose of the Module
The Jean Monnet Module aims to establish an academic curriculum on microcredit and ethical finance, offering students solid theoretical foundations and practical tools aligned with EU standards and best practices. It also seeks to promote awareness among policymakers, local institutions, and the business community in Albania about the role of microfinance in enhancing social cohesion, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Specific Objectives
Empowerment and Inclusion
- Strengthen the social and economic empowerment of low-income individuals, particularly women, by improving access to financial resources and decision-making power.
- Support gender equality through inclusive financial policies and targeted access to credit.
Entrepreneurship and Employment
- Encourage self-employment and the creation of micro and small enterprises through microloans, financial education, and mentoring.
- Stimulate innovation and productivity in local and rural economies.
Sustainable and Green Microfinance
- Introduce concepts of social and green microfinance as effective tools for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Promote sustainable business models and green transition practices among micro-entrepreneurs.
Financial Literacy and Risk Awareness
- Offer training in financial management, micro-insurance, and risk mitigation to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable groups and micro-entrepreneurs.
- Encourage informed and responsible financial behavior.
Local Impact and EU Integration
- Present EU-supported microcredit success stories that have improved living standards and employment opportunities in Europe.
- Foster dialogue and cooperation between academia, public authorities, and the private sector to replicate such practices in Albania.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced understanding of microfinance as a driver of sustainable development.
- Strengthened gender-inclusive financial ecosystems.
- Increased collaboration among students, institutions, and entrepreneurs.
- Greater awareness of the European dimension in addressing social and financial exclusion.
