The Mediterranean region stands at a crossroads, grappling with the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and economic inequality. In response to these global concerns, the emergence of green economy is offering a path towards sustainable development and shared prosperity. Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea increasingly recognize the imperative of transitioning towards a green economy to harmonize economic growth with ecological preservation.

Integral to the successful transition to a green economy in the Mediterranean is the question of financing. Traditional funding mechanisms often struggle to meet the unique needs of SMEs operating in the green sector. New financing schemes tailored to these enterprises play a pivotal role in overcoming this challenge.

Shifting towards sustainable practices and technologies requires significant investments, and innovative financial mechanisms for SMEs are essential to propel the Mediterranean region forward on this trajectory.

It is within this context that EMGN (the Euro-Mediterranean Guarantee Network) organizes its fourth annual conference “Assessing the Suitability of Traditional Guarantee Schemes to Drive the Growth of the Green Economy in the Mediterranean” to catalyze the progress. The conference will provide a platform for participants to delve into the perspectives regarding the significance of guarantee schemes in alleviating SME financing in the green economy. It aims to explore the readiness of guarantee institutions to navigate their extended roles, with a specific emphasis on green finance and the introduction of innovative equity products. This event serves as a crucial ground for stakeholders to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices in optimizing guarantee schemes to catalyze the growth of SMEs operating within the green economy, fostering a financial environment that aligns with sustainable practices.