A report commissioned by the European Commission from the European Social Policy Network of independent experts (ESPN) published today shows an inadequate response in the Member States regarding the reintegration of the long-term unemployed.

The measures in place are often too limited or too narrowly focussed. The complexity and gaps in national systems lead to numerous long-term unemployed not receiving effective social services, social assistance or activation support once their unemployment benefit ends.

Between 2010, the first year the Barometer was published, and 2014, over 700 million people became bank account holders with a financial institution or users of a mobile money account, reducing the number of unbanked adults today to 2 billion. This is the conclusion of the World Bank’s new Global Findex survey, published in April 2015.

Despite developed financial systems and the importance for employment creation and social inclusion as well as for access to finance is a concern for smaller companies in Europe. Especially, when it comes to providing financial solutions for young entrepreneurs, women; start-up finance for unemployed and/or population with migration background, there are – compared to the need of the market - only few microcredit providers. This situation has become even more critical in view of the current socio-economic context on the European continent.

The European Microfinance Network (EMN) and the Microfinance Centre (MFC) are proud to announce and invite you to the celebration of the first edition of this initiative in the EU. The 1st European Microfinance Day (EMD), 20th October 2015, aims at raising awareness of microfinance as a tool to fight social exclusion and unemployment in Europe. A central European event will be held in Brussels and a multitude of workshops, debates, expositions, meetings, etc. will take place at local level all across the EU-28, in collaboration with the members of both networks.

Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) organises Open Lab entitled: «Service Design for SMEs» on Monday 14th of September 2015, at 09:00 am, at KEPA premises (Leda-Maria settlement,Hermes building, 6th km Charilaou-Thermis). The Open Lab is organised in the framework of the project “TRANSNATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR GUIDANCE OF GRADUATED AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP” of the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece – Bulgaria 2007-2013” and will be moderated by Mr. Joep Paemen, founder of Design Flow Works and Namanh. 

The deadline for tenders for the selection of a contractor for the project "DEVELOPMENT TOOLS DESIGN SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS", under the "Call for expressions of interest for service bids in the frame of the "Greece – The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia IPA Cross-Border Programme 2007-2013"." expired on Friday 04/09/2015, 12.00 am

 In September 3, 2015, the election of new Managing Committee  of the Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) was held, following the expiry of the mandate of the previous one. Mr. Nikolaos Efthymiadis, Honourary Chairman of Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (FING), was elected President of the new Managing Committee.

The contest is on! Apply now to get a chance to win one of the three prizes! With the EU Prize for Women Innovators, the European Commission wants to give public recognition to outstanding women entrepreneurs who brought their innovative ideas to the market. The aim is to inspire other women to follow in their footsteps.

Sustainable development policy aims to achieve a continuous improvement in citizens’ quality of life and well-being. This involves the pursuit of economic progress, while safeguarding the natural environment and promoting social justice. The economic, environmental and social dimensions are all part of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) adopted in 2001 and renewed in 2006. The EU SDS also includes an institutional and a global dimension, with the adoption of good governance practices in the EU as well as a global partnership for worldwide sustainable development. Along these five dimensions, the EU SDS defines objectives and targets intended to place the EU on a path to sustainable development. The Eurostat monitoring report, published every two years, provides a quantitative assessment of whether the EU is moving in the right direction.

Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) intents to directly award the contract for the implementation of the project “DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERVICE DESIGN TOOL FOR MICRO ENTERPRISES”. The action is a part of the project “Invest in people of the cross-border area”- “MicroStars”, which is being implemented under Priority Axis 1 “Enhancement of cross-border economic development”, Measure 1.2 “Enhance Human Resources” of the Greece – The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia IPA Cross-Border Programme 2007-2013.