**AFIN, present in Brussels in the process of building the new European strategy for ethical finance**
Bogdan Merfea, Președintele Consiliului de Administrație AFIN IFN, a participat în perioada 3–4 iunie 2025 la sesiunea de lucru organizată de FEBEA – Federația Europeană a Băncilor Etice și Alternative, desfășurată la Bruxelles. Evenimentul a reunit reprezentanți ai instituțiilor financiare etice și alternative din întreaga Europă, având ca obiectiv revizuirea guvernanței interne și elaborarea noului Plan Strategic FEBEA 2026–2029.
Într-un context european în care se resimte tot mai acut nevoia de instrumente financiare responsabile, incluzive și dedicate economiei reale, această întâlnire a fost esențială pentru definirea direcțiilor strategice care vor ghida activitatea federației în următorii ani.
**AFIN’s Role in This Strategic Endeavor**
Bogdan Merfea’s participation in this session strengthens Romania’s presence within the European network of ethical finance. With over two decades of experience in the banking sector—more than ten of which in top management roles—and with active involvement in microfinance and the support of social economy organizations, Bogdan Merfea was a valuable contributor to the discussions on:
-
the strengthening of the principles of participatory governance within FEBEA;
-
the need for a strategic vision adapted to the social and climate challenges of the coming decade;
-
the creation of accessible financial instruments for social enterprises and impact-driven organizations.
In his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFIN IFN – the first social finance institution in Romania, with fully Romanian capital – Bogdan Merfea advocated for a more inclusive European cooperation framework, one that also takes into account the specific realities of Eastern Europe regarding access to ethical financing.
**About FEBEA and the Importance of the Collective Reflection Process**
FEBEA is a European federation that brings together over 30 ethical and alternative financial institutions from across the European Union, focused on supporting the social economy and offering transparent, fair, and sustainable financial solutions. The consultation process launched in 2025, alongside the governance review, is a key step in adapting the federation to the new economic and social challenges.
Through the working session in Brussels, member organizations had the opportunity to express their views, contribute to the development of the strategic plan, and actively engage in shaping the future of a network that places people, communities, and the environment at the heart of its economic model.
**Romania, an Active Part of the Transformation**
AFIN IFN is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in the European ethical finance ecosystem, while also promoting concrete solutions for social entrepreneurs in Romania. Participation in the FEBEA session reaffirms our commitment to supporting an alternative financial model, in which profit is placed in the service of people and the common good.
📌 For more information about FEBEA and the proposed strategic directions, visit: [https://www.febea.org](https://www.febea.org)
📌 Learn more about AFIN's work at: [https://www.afin.org.ro](https://www.afin.org.ro)
