Evolutions and Trends in the European Microfinance Market

Microfinance in general and the microcredit especially has a major role in the economic growth of a country and an important social impact, supporting the social inclusion. Moreover, its role becomes more vital, if we take into account the major negative effects of the recent financial crisis, because it can significantly contribute to the creation of new jobs and new added-value generating activities. Such considerations make the development of the microfinance sector to be a priority on the working agenda of the European decision makers. On this background our research aims at underlining and discusses the recent evolutions but also the major characteristics of the European microfinance landscape. Through its content, our research seeks to highlight the vital necessity for supporting the development of the microfinance sector in the EU member countries for the recovery of the national economies