Videos and podcasts
Take a look at our latest videos and tune in to our podcasts to stay up to date with all things financial instruments!
Workers’ Buyout: new frontiers for the social economy
A Workers’ Buyout happens when employees take over ownership of the company they work for, often to save it from closure or preserve jobs. This video highlights how this approach helps with business succession and job security, featuring real-life stories from across Europe and insights into how cooperatives can support these efforts, showing how Workers’ buyouts can empower employees, strengthen local economies, and offer a sustainable alternative for businesses facing economic hardship.
Microfinance: empowering Europe’s entrepreneurs
Microfinance can help Europe's necessity-driven entrepreneurs and those starting businesses to provide for themselves and their families. With zero-interest loans, no guarantees, and hands-on support, microfinance is unlocking self-employment, creating jobs, and driving social inclusion.
This video explains how Bulgaria and Poland implemented ESF+ financial instruments to support entrepreneurship through microcredit and other tools. It also highlights how programmes like CONFÍA in Spain play a key role to assist women entrepreneurs and other target groups in accessing finance for their businesses.
Fernando's story: financial instruments for a smarter irrigation system
The measures implemented in the region of Castile and León under the CAP Strategic Plan are designed to support climate adaptation and environmental improvement. These include initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption in irrigation while enhancing farmers’ profitability.
Fernando Aparicio Franco, a farmer who cultivates maize, beans, and wheat, recently upgraded his farm’s irrigation system with the support of a EAFRD financial instrument. This modernisation not only boosted his crop yields but also proved to be more environmentally sustainable. It significantly reduced water usage and even enabled him to monitor and control the system remotely via mobile phone, all while reducing his workload.
David's story: EAFRD financial instruments for entrepreneurial success
The meat industry stands as the leading sector in terms of turnover within the agro-industrial landscape. It plays a vital role in generating employment, particularly in rural regions such as Castilla y León. Financial instruments are essential for supporting individuals who face challenges in accessing credit and, when combined with subsidies aimed at modernising farms or encouraging entrepreneurship among young people, they can drive meaningful development.
For David Martín Berrocal, owner of a small Iberian ham company, competing with large-scale producers was no easy task. But with the backing of an EAFRD financial instrument, David was able to invest in his business and create new job opportunities within his community.
Insurance and access to finance for farm resilience and adaptation in the EU
Climate related risks are a significant source of uncertainty for agricultural production, farm resilience, and the broader bioeconomy value chain.
In this video, experts present the fi-compass report “Insurance and Risk Management Tools for Agriculture in the EU”, highlighting current agriculture insurance schemes and other climate adaptation de-risking mechanisms across EU Member States.
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